2AM OTTACK! - Anime Manga Podcast -

In this episode, we talk about the second season of Netflix's live action adaptation of One Piece, breaking down the new characters, our thoughts about the story and action, and especially the unique music and ending themes! Pray to the sun, whisper Tony Tony Chopper, or just chill with us at the Whiskey Peak Saloon and let us know what you thought!

In this episode, we talk about Satoshi Kon’s 2006 feature film, Paprika, and explore its messaging around dreams, women, and technology. We also talk about the film’s innovative composer, Susumu Hirasawa, and the unique visuals of the movie.  How does it hold up after 20 years?  Find out by listening!

In this episode, we look back on two years of recording this podcast, our previous experiences with being on the radio and podcasts, our experiences of being otaku in Japan vs. America, and our favorite episodes from the past year.  We also share a story from a Mexican listener who follows our 3 AM Ottack! podcast in Japanese.  Join us in celebrating two years of recording in a different style than usual!

In this episode, we talk about You and I are Polar Opposites, one of our favorite new anime series of this season.  From the delightfully retro opening and ending theme songs to the unique and relatable characters, we explain why this show has been so appealing to us.  Learn more about the Japanese title and our admiration for the overall vibe of the show!  No matter where you fall on the personality spectrum, we bet you'll enjoy it too!

In this episode we discuss the second season of figure skating anime Medalist.  From the perfectly timed crossover with the actual 2026 Olympic games to the Disney-on-Ice vibe of the opening animation and theme song, we talk about our reactions to the newly expanded cast, Tsukasa’s approach to coaching, and a word for which there is no direct English translation.  Experience the drama of figure skating with us, anime-style!

#38 “Medalist” - The BEST figure skating anime you don't want to miss!https://youtu.be/nEBKU22ERX0?si=0RbzKaPsme1relEd

In this episode, we take a look back at the opening and ending animations and theme songs of the Golden Kamuy series and discuss our favorites.  We also get into the background music, the mukkuri (an Ainu instrument), and some Ainu phrases covered in the show.  Join us for some nostalgia and some new knowledge!

In this episode, we talk about one of the best anime series of 2025 and its new season - Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, aka Sousou no Frieren.  We interpret the names of each of the main characters as well as the original Japanese title, and give our opinions on what made this particular show stand out.  What's a yuusha, anyway?  Find out in this episode!

 In this episode, we talk about the new anime known as “Journal with Witch” or “Ikoku Nikki,” which focuses on a 15-year-old girl who has just lost both her parents in a car accident and her 35-year-old aunt, a writer who lives alone and had a difficult relationship with her deceased older sister.  We explore the series’s themes of grief and connection, talk about why the third episode was so powerfully emotional for us, and give our thoughts on the characters, plot, metaphors, and, of course, the opening and ending theme songs. Meditate, heal, or just fall under this show’s spell with us!

In this episode we discuss the first two episodes of the new anime version of "The Darwin Incident." We talk in depth about the portrayal of America from a Japanese viewpoint, the interesting choices made in the script and way the characters talk, the bangin' opening theme song, and to what extent the show's depiction of US high schools is a reflection of the popularity of 1990s teen dramas.  Is it an evolution of the manga? Listen along and find out!

   • #53 The Darwin Incident: An Incidental Dar...   

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Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) 

Voice credit: Funako

◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ 

◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsW... 

◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... 

◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  / @3amottack   

◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bs...

#thedarwinincident #animepodcast #veganism

In this episode we return to discussing Gachiakuta.  This time we focus on summarizing the plot thus far, talk about Amo's trauma and Zanka's past, why this show is more popular overseas than in Japan, and talk about geniuses and try-hards.  Which are we?  Decide by listening!

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Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) 

Voice credit: Funako

◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ 

◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ 

◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ 

◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ 

◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social

#GACHIAKUTA #animepodcast #japanesepodcast