I’m often asked what Japanese fans think of the global explosion in the popularity of anime, manga and Japanese games. While it’s true that a small number of fans would prefer the world not take such an intense interest in “their” pop culture – for example, doujinshi artists who aren’t pleased with scanning websites that share their works without permission – most Japanese fans are happy that anime has become a global phenomenon. One interesting trend I’ve noticed is that many Japanese fans take an interest in what shows foreigners are watching. I’ve run across threads on 2ch and other Japanese BBSes that are basically running translations of debates about the merits of this or that imouto anime by English-speaking fans, and anime reviews by foreigners on sites like MyAnimeList also get translated into Japanese and discussed. Whenever a “top 50 anime you should see before you die” post shows up on Reddit, I know it’ll be dissected on 2ch boards by “Vippers” (sort of Japan’s answer to 4chan’s /b/tards), who can’t resist analyzing the anime-related memes we gaijin come up with.
Since I don’t live in the U.S. full time, but only come over for the summer for Anime Expo and the San Diego Comicon, I sometimes notice things that I might not pick up on if I were here year-round. Like that year the word “boss” seemed to get really popular, at least here in San Diego, and whenever I’d visit a restaurant the staff would say things like, “sure boss, that’ll be $9.50, boss.” While there’s been basically zero inflation in Japan since I arrived in 1991, thanks to the “lost decades” after the bursting of the Tokyo asset bubble, prices naturally go up a little each year in the U.S., which I always notice more than everyone else because I’m only here in the summer. And whenever I go to the supermarket, I know I’m likely to see several new variations on familiar products, like Canada Dry Green Tea Ginger Ale, Goldfish Graham Crackers in French Toast flavor, or Chips Ahoy cookies with…wait for it…birthday cake frosting inside. I’ll naturally be bringing some back to Japan as omiyage (souvenirs) for the J-List staff.
J-List is involved with licensing and publishing fun eroge and visual novels in English, and we’ve got some great news: the “fan disc” (a short sequel with two new game routes) for the popular game My Girlfriend is the President is in stock and shipping now. J-List has great news: the “fan disc” (sequel) to My Girlfriend is the President is coming, and you can preorder now now. The game adds two complete story routes, one involving the cute spaceship girl Ell, and another about a battle between Irina Putina of Russia and President Ohama of Japan. Preorder your copy today!
