Japan
Anime on the Barricades
Across Indonesia, Hong Kong, Chile and Thailand, protesters are wielding imagery from anime as they demand justice and freedom. Japanese pop culture’s themes of defiance and participatory fandom have made it an unexpectedly powerful political force.
Erasing Yasuke
Some fans of the Assassin’s Creed series are outraged that gaming, like other media, is rapidly becoming more diverse, with many games that used to cater to a primarily white, male player base now seeking to appeal to a wider audience at the perceived expense of their original devotees.
Women Are Taking Part in a Shinto Festival for the First Time in Over 1,000 Years
The recent inclusion of women in an ancient Shinto festival is a mark of how depopulation threatens Japan's way of life. With almost a third of people over 65, the country’s politicians warn that its society must transform or it will cease to function.
A Show That Pits Japan Against the World Brings a Dark Past to Life
In “Attack on Titan,” Marley wants to eradicate the Eldians inside the walls before they have a chance to avenge the persecution and enslavement of their brethren abroad, just like some supporters of Article 9 modification believe Japan needs to be able to defend itself in case China, South Korea or North Korea decides to take revenge for the suffering endured under Japanese rule.