Applied Anime

In this week's episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore the depths of grief in anime. From the illustrious ghost stories of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu and Natsuyuki Rendezvous to romantic dramas like Orange and Your Lie in April, we unpack how characters (and narrative structures) address loss. 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Natsuyuki Rendezvous, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Golden Time, Orange, Clannad, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Your Lie in April, Manchester by the Sea (live-action film), School Live!, ReLIFE, and Tari Tari

Content Warning: Grief, suicide, death, sexual assault, and murder

Let's get ~ a e s t h e t i c ~ ! In this episode, we talk all about future funk, a groovy, upbeat subgenre of vaporwave with strong ties to anime and Japanese culture. Tune in to jam out with us and dive deep into its unique sound and community! 

Some of the most memorable characters in anime are outcasts who aren't afraid to take on the world, however they choose to do so. In this episode, we discuss the renegade space mercenaries of Cowboy Bebop, the existential middle school angst of Flowers of Evil, the spectacular cons and cheats of The Great Pretender, and more! 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Cowboy Bebop, Flowers of Evil, Cross Ange, The Great Pretender, and Rising of the Shield Hero

Content Warning: Violence, slavery, and sexual assault

In this episode, we're joined by three special guests to reminisce about our travels in Japan and discuss the cultural similarities and differences we noticed as American tourists. From basic etiquette and travel tips to our most memorable (and embarrassing) experiences, we cover it all! 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Angel Beats!

Content Warning: Bombing of Hiroshima and the Holocaust

Can you believe the hype? In this episode, we discuss a few well-loved series that need to be taken down a peg or two. From the ever-popular Sword Art Online to newer shows like Rent a Girlfriend, no anime is safe. Disclaimer: these are just our opinions!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Darling in the FranXX, Quintessential Quintuplets, Assassination Classroom, Sword Art Online, Tokyo Ghoul, Rent a Girlfriend, Dr. Stone, Demon Slayer, and Tonikawa Over the Moon for You

Content Warning: Suicide, graphic violence, and sexual assault

The future is here! In shows like Chobits and Plastic Memories, we catch a glimpse of what possibilities (and dangers) may await us as AI grows ever-advanced and integrates further into our social lives. Will the robots take over, or we will just fall in love with them? Find out with us! 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Chobits, Plastic Memories, and Her (live-action movie)

Content Warning: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence 

Moe (pronounced mo-ay) is a mainstay in anime, loosely defined as "cute girls doing cute things." But what happens when this feel-good, bubbly genre takes a dark turn? In this episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore shows like Madoka Magica and Yuki Yuna is a Hero which take the typical moe formula in uniquely subversive directions. 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Asobi Asobase, School Live!, Selector Infected Wixoss, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, and Mahou Shoujo Site

Content Warning: Bullying, graphic violence, and suicide

This week, we soar across the rainbow to unpack the significance of colors in Japanese culture and anime. Through this lens, we analyze names, settings, social status, and much more! Join us to find out the hidden colorful meaning in your favorite characters and shows.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Toradora!, Death Note, O Maidens in your Savage Season, Harakiri (live-action movie), Orange, and Accel World

Content Warning: Graphic violence and suicide

Listeners beware, it’s time for our Halloween episode! Join us as we dive deep into the bubbling cauldron of spooky anime, from the plodding, mysterious horror of Another to the episodic frights of Yamishibai and Kagewani. Don’t worry if you hear a little maniacal laughter – there’s nothing to be afraid of here, we promise…

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Kagewani, Another, Yamishibai, Magical Girl Site, Happy Sugar Life, School Days, and Higurashi

Content Warning: Graphic violence

Tired of the real world? Total envelopment in ultra-immersive gaming, whether by choice or by force, falls under the "isekai" genre in anime. But why is this theme so prevalent? From the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) lifestyles portrayed in Himouto! Umaru-Chan and Recovery of an MMO Junkie to the total departure from reality in shows like No Game, No life and Rising of the Shield Hero, we examine how escapist fantasies captivate audiences with every new season.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Recovery of an MMO Junkie, The World God Only Knows, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Btooom!, Accel World, No Game, No Life, and Himouto! Umaru-Chan

Content Warning: Slavery and violence