State Of The Kaijyu: Causes & Effects

There are only so many more delays left before these pages begin to populate themselves again. With the current home situation, coupled with some very in the air changes likely, it has been foggy at best to find time to share more material with everyone. But this isn't to say that nothing has been emanating from the labs as of late. Some are already well aware of my involvement with Anime and Manga Bloggers For Japan, a venture that has seen  collaborative efforts culminate in some truly impressive numbers for something that started after a few fellow writers threw their hat into the ring to support those in need of help throughout the Tohoku/Kanto areas.

And in a time when the news has placed great emphasis on the nuclear concern (which is a reasonably big worry for sure), it only felt natural to also place efforts into assisting those on the ground without proper care, supplies, and food. In league with NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders, and Shelter Box, the project started by D.Orihuela Gruber(of All About Manga) & Michael Huang (of Anime Diet), has made significant contributions toward this still ongoing cause that affects us not only as lovers of eastern popular culture, but as human beings. My role as part of the continuing news section while periodic at best, is hopefully some kind of help for those looking to better understand the situation from a more local standpoint.

Having friends and colleagues still on that side of the world helped me better understand the enormity of the situation long before corporate media could even muster a proper say to the western public. And despite the fact that a majority of these friends live in more southern-based regions, there were a few not too far from Fukushima, who have thankfully left. However, there are still many friends of friends still nearby, who have taken to places only slightly further away. This doesn't erase the concern for the many still out there with dwindling supplies, less than adequate facilities, and access to better help. Which is by and large it felt only right to invest a little inquiry here and there to gather information where possible.


At the moment, the current instability of my own life has paled to what I've seeing and reading over the past two weeks. So if I can help offer some clarity to those looking for something a little different than what the usual suspects offer, I will. And again, as of right now, the noise of news has slowly begun to die down, but the crisis across Japan continues on with supply issues, contamination worries, as well as stories of courage and tragedy. Twitter has been an enormous resource for updates, news, and opinion on all of this. So for those looking for more news, I highly recommend looking through many of the names I follow there. And NHK has been as great a source of info as any. In this age of democratized information, and diversity of news access, it can be overwhelming to some. Even I must admit to being borderline frayed at the edges with the incoming of data. So perhaps this spate of volunteer work has been my own means of better seeking a mental foothold. And on that front, it has been one fascinating, albeit emotionally exhausting ride.

So for what it's worth, I hope you will join us and continue to spread the word. This is something larger than us, and if there was ever a great reason to give back to a people who have inspired us so, this is it.

Convergence: We Heart Japan 03/17/11

What to share here that Liz at LA Weekly hasn't in her wonderful post?

Well perhaps some of my more internal feelings regarding this valiant, last moment effort to help the many people now enduring terrible hardships in the aftermath of the Tohoku Quake & ensuing tsunami in Japan. While the many of us stateside watched in growing, creeping horror, many were spurred into action, leading to a volley of events such as this one. But the particular itch this one had for me was multi-fold, and finally taking the time (and much needed money-to be honest) to stop by and support this led to some of the most surreal crossovers I have yet to experience. It was much like a scrappy, small scale surreal & yet hopeful twist on a Fellini film. Everyone other person around you a part of your past. Many in mildly new, yet similar roles to which I has knew them to embrace, and others advancing in ways mysterious.

                                            Where stages of life converge.

To be honest, with the crowd growing, and the energy increasing, Meltdown Comics that night was nothing short of dreamlike. Much like how anime conventions used to feel to me once upon a time, but this time blessed with a sense of knowing. Knowing that we all felt a deeper need to be there. Feeling that this was what many of us had done as workers and as fans of this culture. This was something ingrained deep, and no financial difficulty was going to stop us from helping make it happen.

Whether it be meeting the promoters, the voice actors, or just finally getting acquainted with fellow bloggers in that much anticipated local meetup, I'd say this was effort well made. It's a reminder of why I chose to live in this community, and of what comes when voices come together on common cause, regardless of cosmetic differences, and circumstance. Voice actors, artists, staffers, bloggers, reporters, photographers, co-workers, friends...This is what it means to have community. And with community, whether here, or in Sendai, there is hope.

Special Thanks to Liz Ohanesian, Stephanie Sheh, Dianne Garcia, Chase Wang, Daniella Orihuela Gruber & so many more for making such a memorable evening possible. Here's to doing more for the islands that have given us so much. Cheers.




(Those looking for a return of the usual Kaijyu & Anime Diet shenanigans. A little more patience, please.)

L.A. Becomes Japan Rescue HQ (In real and virtual!)

After a few days to allow the feelings of horror and loss wash over me as Japan experiences the single greatest disaster the nation has experienced throughout the post-war period, a feeling of restlessness has taken hold.  Over the last few days, I had been using Twitter and Facebook to sift through much of the western media's general ignorance of events in order to help keep friends and followers informed of life as it struggles in Japan, as well as share news of efforts being made to assist. And like many readers, I myself cannot help but be lulled into thinking there's no better option than to just curl up into bed helplessly as the drama unfolds, but not only as a fan of world cinema & animation, but as a fellow human being, my conscience would not allow me to bundle up just yet.

It should be more than clear at this point that the recovery effort taking place, particularly in the northern region of the country will be a protracted, difficult undertaking. So many routes have been compromised, making supplies, food, and energy a challenge to move. Not to mention the ongoing efforts to search for missing family members cut off from traditional communication methods. The Tohoku quake, and aftermath is a disaster of immense proportion that must be regarded delicately, and with all the informational clarity possible. This way, the collective efforts of not only those affected can flow smoothly, but the options we have as caring parties can assist those in need work ceaselessly.

This is the kind of effort that will likely affect all angles of daily life for years to come. And this is where we come in....


And thankfully due to the efforts of some local anime & manga names, here are some great ways you can help!

Firstly, I'd like to offer massive kudos to Daniella Orihuela Gruber of All About Manga for instigating the ambitious Anime And Manga Bloggers For Japan project, which offers two lovely options for fans to donate. FirstGiving's ShelterBox & Doctors Without Borders are among the services selected to help, and are ready for your donations.

                               So if you've yet to do your part, or just wish to help more, please do.

Secondly is what is shaping up to be a fantastic event at Meltdown Comics in L.A. this Thursday evening; Voice Actress, Stephanie Sheh & friends (including Troy Baker,Wendee Lee, Richard Epcar, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn & more anime industry names) host WeHeartJapan  

An art show/auction event featuring some great works by Sawdust Bear, Cathy Clark, Brett Jackson, and a great more to be announced. For more details and updates, please go to http://www.weheartjapan.com

And for those of you unable to attend, please consider Anime And Manga Bloggers For Japan.

Thanks again to you all for your thoughts during this difficult time. And stay tuned to my Twitter feed for updates should you wish.