The war against the Neuroi intensified. Underwear was stolen and returned. And my brother and I made a slight miscalculation in our viewing of the seventh episode that resulted in the violent end of our innocence. We are no longer fit for marriage. (Pontifus = gray; Otouto-kun = blue.) Episode 6 (0:33) Now that we’re almost halfway through, what [...]
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A preview scan featuring the upcoming 1/8 scale figure of “Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen” from Strike Witches by Kotobukiya ^^ The figure is scheduled for June 2010 release at 7,140 Yen retail price. Via Figure/GK.
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And so it was that your humble hosts forged onward into the very heart of Strike Witches, that paragon of Japanese cultural excellence that inspires so much musing upon the structural function of fanservice and the emotive impact of shoujo-ai insinuations given particular cultural contexts. Though perhaps we phrased such things differently in our discussions. On [...]
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The record of our grand adventure continues. With the first episode out of the way, and the lack of pants becoming less of a novelty than a common element of setting, my honorable sibling and I dove into the meat of Strike Witches. Though whether said meat was flavored more with action or with slice [...]
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 like this, but with more S&M; The anime/manga-verse is no stranger to controversy, but sometimes its better to pick and choose your battles. Well, that's what FUNimation is trying to do with their upcoming release of Dance in the Vampire Bund.  Noted for it a fairly graphic/explicit depictions, including, but not limited to its very loli looking protagonist, Dance in the Vampire Bund might as well wave a flag marked "Controversy goes here." Apparently this would be too much for FUNimation, as they released this statement, indicating their intention to edit. FUNimation Entertainment is known for releasing the titles we license in their original, uncut form, as their creators intended. However, after viewing the unedited as well as the Japanese broadcast edit of the series , we have determined the series contains controversial elements which, when taken out of context, could be objectionable to some audiences.   With this in mind and with approval of the licensor, we will edit select scenes from the series in streaming and home entertainment release. These are scenes which are inappropriate for U.S. viewing and are not essential to the storyline.   is a complex and dark drama cited by press and fans as one of the best anime series out of Japan this season. Its strong story is what brought the series to our attention and why we are bringing it to the U.S.  Nothing to see here, move along. Of course, I get "why" this is happening, and if its the only way the product will see the light of day, then so be it. However, that doesn't change the fact that such things are regrettable. As the largest anime distributor in the US, they have to be concerned with public image, and shows like this "could" hurt their chances of getting other works onto Syfy or Cartoon Network, a risk I'm sure they can't take. Though it wonders how thin the line is between this, and say... strike witches. Sure, Strike witches is less explicit, but has seemingly none of the rich context and story.  Side note, FUNimation has stated that nothing has changed on other works. They still intend to release the uncut Strike Witches as planned.  
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Animage Original vol. 6 Here's a special issue of Animage, the legendary magazine that actually gave us the term "anime" which focuses on awesome works like Bakemonogatari and Eve no Jikan. Dengeki Maoh Apr 2010 It's time for yet another thick and satisfying manga from Japan, in the form of Dengeki Maoh, which gives you 640 pages of a manga awesomeness like Persona 4, Toradora!, Spice and Wolf and more. Mameshiba iPod Nano Case Then, this Mameshiba iPod case for the current generation of iPod nano is just too cute for words. Considering what most boring iPod cases sell for, the price is reasonable, too. Mameshiba Earphone But wait, what if you want even MOAR cuteness? Then feast your eyes on these little gems, high quality Mameshiba earphones that fit in your ear snugly and are compatible with all iPod/iPhone/whatever. Ein Figma Action Figure An excellent figure based on the gorgeous Requiem for the Phantom anime, which was based on the eroge that made Nitroplus famous. Restocked today. Fabulous Macross Revoltech Toys Restocked Also restocked: really outstanding Revoltech Macross toys, including the 1984 limited edition of the Super Valkyrie plus Battle Pod. Restocked Ouran High School Uniforms, Ninja Mask The Ouran High School uniforms were so popular, we had to get more of them for our customers, which we did today. Also restocked, the really cool Naruto/Kakashi ninja mask. Restocked Striped Panties, Swimsuits Today we've restocked the popular shimapan striped panties, worn by so many cute anime characters from Mio of K-On! to Lucchini of Strike Witches. Also restocked: the actual swimsuit worn by Izumi from Lucky Star. Moe Moe Encyclopedia ~ Real Weapons Collection Another gorgeous artbook that teaches you useful information with illustrations of cute moe girls. See the new book illustration famous weapons from history, plus fresh stock of War Girls and Satoshi Urushihara's illustrations. A Certain Magical Index Manga Restocked The official manga serialization of the popular anime Toaru Majutsu no Index, or if you prefer the title in Latin, Index Librorum Prohibitorum, which is pretty coo). Features furigana for easy kanji reading. Moonlight Cradle ~ Yoake mae yori ruri iro na This is a tale of the time when the earth and the moon were much, much closer, and there was a magical kingdom on the moon. What would you do if a princess of that country came to "homestay" with you? CARMINE -- Yoshiyuki Sadamoto Illustrations *Preorder* Here's a special artbook that's being posted for preorder: the finest ever artbook collection of artwork by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the talented artist who brought us such Gainax favorites as Evangelion, Aim for the Top 2, FLCL and more. Preorder the normal version of this awesomeness now! Sakura Green Tea Kit Kat! Today is a fun day for Japanese snack fans, because the Sakura Green Tea is in!Our customers have been buying this by the case, so get yours ASAP. Other new snacks include Cheese Rice Crackers and a new flavor of Ottoto! Chocolate Banana Crepe Food Drops (Harajuku) One of the best tastes in Japan is a Choco Banana Crepe, so delicious to eat on a Sunday afternoon in Harajuku. Now you can taste this in the newest flavor of traditional Food Drops candies! Akiba Moe Marshmallow ~ Moe chan no Hoppe Then, enjoy another outstanding Akiba gift item, fun "moe marshmallows" with cute girls on them. Usually only available in Akihabara's gift shops. Hello Kitty Ningyo Yaki Maker Another fun item we're posting today is a Hello Kitty ningyo yaki maker for making the fun cakes that are famous in Asakusa, Tokyo. Make them in a microwave! Today is International Sanrio Bento Day Actually, we just made that up, but it sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Got *three* amazing bento boxes for you, including Hello Kitty, My Melody and Little Twin Star. Awesome Bento Boxes for Men We've restocked several of our stylish bento boxes that are suitable for guys, too, like the DX Men's Stainless Bento Set, frankly one of the most awesome products J-List has ever carried. NORIO Onigiri Bento Case We love carrying bento boxes that have lots of character, and this super-cute onigiri style small bento box is so darned cute. Restocked today. Pocky Chopsticks Also back in stock: the cool Pocky chopsticks, which come in chocolate or strawberry versions. These are also very durable, made out of hard lacquered bamboo and easy for us gaijin to grip food with. Hello Kitty Cooking Ring & Powder Stencil Then: another product I was born to sell, this is a ring for making the most awesome Hello Kitty shaped pancakes, or fried eggs. Use the included stencil to draw Kitty-chan's face and whiskers with cocoa powder. Restocked today. New Totoro Rubber Stamps, Other Ghibli Items One of my favorite Totoro products are these wood-and-rubber stamps, which feature images of Totoro and messages in Japanese. See new stamps, plus fresh stock of awesome plush toys! Hiragana Times No. 277 Read about world events or local Japanese culture in both English and Japanese with Hiragana Times, a fantastic study tool. A great new issue is in stock. New & Restocked Japanese Pens Next, we have an awesome new pen, the Uni 0.7 Power Tank Pen, plus the popular Supplio Aroma Healing mechanical pencil, the most advanced eraser in the world and more. Restocked Japanese Books from Tuttle Studying Japanese? Then J-List has your back, with great books to help you learn. Today we've restocked the Guide to Reading and Writing Japanese, the Complete Japanese Verb Guide, and Japanese for Beginners. Japanese Study Books Also, today we're restocking Catchy Japanese Phrases, which present a "situational" way to learn the language that's something I'd have loved to have back in the day. Both volumes are in stock. SAKURA Pouch with Chirimen Rabbit Mascot Usagi (rabbits) are a famous symbol of Japan, and we've gotten in two all-purpose pouches made of chirimen (kimono fabric) and featuring cute rabbit mascots. I love selling stuff like this. Soft Rubber Shuriken, Other Items Restocked They look awesomely realistic, but these ninja shuriken are made of soft rubber. Also restocked, the Ukiyoe Chopsticks Gift Box, Kokeshi Dolls of Four Seasons, a miniature randoseru backpack and the Paper Globe Peach Balloon. DECOLE Kawaii Fragrant Car Window Sign Plate This is cute: cute Japanese signs that warn other drivers that you have a baby or child in the car with you. Stay safe and be kawaii at the same time. One Piece T-Shirts from COSPA *Preorder* It's shaping up to be the Year of One Piece, and COSPA is bringing out even more awesome T-shirts for you. Click to view the new offerings. Other Preorder Items Other preorder items: this fabulous 1/6 "cast off" figure of Tamaki from ToHeart, plus the "Flying Pantsu" kit that you can make and really fly. Tons of Restocked Snack Goodness Finally, we've gotten the incredibly popular Kit Kat "Gokaku" (Pass the Test) coffee cup sets in again, plus Sake Chocolate w/ Sake Cup, traditional Pure Mist Candy, Lotte Winter Pie no Mi, Hi-Chew and a favorite of mine, Bull-Dog Sauce! Fiesta -- Rio photobook 5000 limited Edition Then, the superb half-Japanese, half-Portuguese AV actress Rio -- also known as Tina Yuzuki -- appears in a limited edition photobook that we've just gotten in stock. This woman is amazing! Love Flag Girls J-List carries yuri manga, which are fabulous for all fans of girls who love other girls. Got a nice new steamy manga for fans here today. Japanese Eroge In Stock J-List now carries Japanese import games, and we've restocked that awesome Real Kanojo virtual CG dating-simulator, plus Zettai Maou. Asahi Beer Parody Onahole These look like cans of beer and chuhai, but they're really funny joke products for stress relief for guys. Innovative and fun products abound at J-List. Other Restocked Toys Can an onehole also quality as art? Looking at the lay/D Body Torsos we restocked today, I have to think yes. Also see the WX10 Wireless Remote Control Vibrator and fresh stock of the Flog Pillow.
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My brother and I decided to watch Strike Witches. For some reason. And we’ve decided, also, to subject you all to our experience. Because we’re demonstrably bad at audio, we’ve transcribed and abbreviated our conversations, adding screencaps and links for context. Thus, for your reading pleasure, here’s our adventure through Strike Witches episode one, with my comments [...]
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You’re still as meaningless as parsley, Baka to Test, but at least you’re amusing meaninglessness. You might wallow in reference humor like Seitokai no Ichizon or Family Guy, but you have a few points in your favor that they don’t. You ape off of anime that’s actually good, unlike Ichizon (Strike Witches and Marimite? Really, Ichizon? Making [...]
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I have to say I wasn’t too sure about this show. While I always thought it would be interesting, it’s why I decided to watch it, as far as what it would cover I had no idea. A mix between military and music? Some K-On and Strike Witches crossover, it seemed like an odd combination [...]
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I could do without the animal ears and tail, though.
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