Friday, January 29, 2010
Feb 3: Satoshi Kon's Tokyo Godfathers at JICC
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
More SHOCs - Batmania and Japanese anime in 1966
One of the big stories was apparently the Batman tv show - this illustrated an article on Batmania:
Things don't appear to have changed much in 40 years, do they? It's by Thurston, who also did one of the Odd 'Change comics in yesterday's post.
I'm guessing that DC wasn't paid for this use...
And this wire photo of a Japanese anime character surprised me. I had to go Wikipedia to find out this was Obake no Qtarō (or Oba-Q as in the caption here). From February 28, 1966.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dec 4: Tezuka Family Weekend at Freer
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Onion interviews Schodt on Tezuka
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Nov 11: Metropolis
DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Metropolis on
Friday November 13, 2009 6:30 pm at Lafayette Center III (Lower Level) 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
Kenichi and his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, leave Japan to visit Metropolis, in search of the criminal, Dr. Laughton. However, when they finally find Dr. Laughton, Kenichi and Shunsaku find themselves seperated and plunged into the middle of a larger conspiracy. While Shunsaku searches for his nephew and explanations, Kenichi tries to protect Tima (a mysterious young girl), from Duke Red and his adopted son Rock, both of whom have very different reasons for wanting to find her.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpfall09@embjapan.org.
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Post's Astro Boy review
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Nov 11: Metropolis at JICC
DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Metropolis on
Friday November 13, 2009 6:30 pm at Lafayette Center III (Lower Level) 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
Kenichi and his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, leave Japan to visit Metropolis, in search of the criminal, Dr. Laughton. However, when they finally find Dr. Laughton, Kenichi and Shunsaku find themselves seperated and plunged into the middle of a larger conspiracy. While Shunsaku searches for his nephew and explanations, Kenichi tries to protect Tima (a mysterious young girl), from Duke Red and his adopted son Rock, both of whom have very different reasons for wanting to find her.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpfall09@embjapan.org.
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sept 27: Animania Press Release.
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, 202 262 2083 president@dcaimeclub.org
FYE and DC Anime Club Present: Animania
FYE in Collaboration with DC Anime Club present Animania on Sunday September 27,2009 11am-4pm at FYE in Ballston Mall 4238 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22203.Activities such as Anime Trivia, Cosplay (Japanese term meaning costume play) contest and anime screenings will take place during Animania.
Animainia is not only held at the ballston mall fye location but in FYE Stores all over the
US. This event is free and open to the public. Age range 13 and up.
For more information please contact FYE at (703) 528-6940 or dc anime club at
202 262 2083. www.dcanimeclub.org.
About DC Anime Club: DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington, DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am.
DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in Arms) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Death Note 2: The Last Name at JICC
DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Death Note 2: The Last Name on August 28, 2009 6:30 pm as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
Yagami Light, a young man who resents the crime and corruption in the world. His life undergoes a drastic change when he discovers a mysterious notebook, known as the "Death Note", lying on the ground. The Death Note's instructions claim that if a person's name is written within it while picturing that person's face, that person shall die. Light is initially skeptical of the notebook's authenticity, but after experimenting with it, he realizes that the Death Note is real. After meeting with the previous owner of the Death Note, a shinigami named Ryuk, Light seeks to become "the God of the New World" by passing his judgement on those he deems to be evil or who get in his way.
Soon, the number of inexplicable deaths of reported criminals catches the attention of the National Police Agency and a mysterious detective known only as "L". L quickly learns that the serial killer, dubbed by the public as "Kira" (キラ ?, derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the word "killer"), is located in Japan. L also concludes that Kira can kill people without laying a finger on them. Light realizes that L will be his greatest nemesis, and a game of psychological cat and mouse between the two begins.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at
http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/ or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Miyazaki's Ponyo opens today
"Disney's Japan Import 'Ponyo' Soars Sky-High Under the Sea," By Dan Kois, The Washington Post August 24, 2009.
...the Wash Times gives it 2 stars... what can one say about a review saying Miyazaki lacks "visual artistry"...
"MOVIE REVIEW: 'Ponyo'; Visual artistry lacking in new anime feature," By Sonny Bunch, Washington Times Friday, August 14, 2009.
Meanwhile the NY Times says "This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." Who you gonna trust?
"Forces of Nature, Including Children [Ponyo]," By MANOHLA DARGIS, August 14, 2009.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Ponyo swag at Japanese Information and Culture Center
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July 31: Lupin III anime showing - Miyazaki!
DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present Lupin III Castle of Cagliostro on July 31, 2009 6:30 pm as part of an inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
Lupin III Castle of Cagliostro is a 1979 anime film co-written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is one of the master thief Lupin III films.
The second animated Lupin III movie and arguably the most famous, Castle of Cagliostro was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki (who also co-directed the first Lupin III TV series and directed two episodes of the second) before he formed Studio Ghibli. Cagliostro features gentleman thief Lupin III, grandson to Maurice Leblanc's French literary master thief Arsène Lupin.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/ or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
Publisher's Weekly on Otakon
by Ada Price and Erin Finnegan -- Publishers Weekly, 7/21/2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Baltimore Sun recaps Otakon
Fans of Japanese animation converge on Baltimore
By Julie Bykowicz
Baltimore Sun July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Another article on Otakon
by Rachel Bernstein
Baltimore Business Journal July 17 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Otakon starts tomorrow in Baltimore
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Anime turned live action movie "Blood: The Last Vampire" reviewed in City Paper
Schoolgirls and ninjas jockey for screen time in this gory filmic retread.
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper July 9, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Summer Anime Series: Skycrawlers June 26th @ JICC!
Summer Anime Series 2009
Presented by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
and DC Anime Club
Winner of the Mainichi Award for Best Animated Film 2008
SKY CRAWLERS
June 26th @ 6:30pm
In a hauntingly familiar yet futuristic alternate reality, eternally youthful fighter pilots struggle for supremacy of the skies. Genetically modified to exist in perpetual adolescence, these immortal "kildren" are forced to carry out a war between competing international corporations in an otherwise peaceful world—all for the entertainment of the consumer. But when an ace pilot falls for his beautiful new commander, he begins to question his fate. From award-winning anime director Mamoru Oshii comes this stunning adaptation of the original series of graphic novels by Hiroshi Mori. The highly anticipated DVD was released in the US on May 26th.
Mamoru Oshii is revered by both film enthusiasts and anime aficionados as a true innovator in animation. His introspective, philosophical style of storytelling challenges the stereotypes of conventional animation. With a unique atmospheric touch and surreal narrative approach, his film Innocence (2004) became the first animated film to be chosen as a finalist for the prestigious Palm d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Japanese with English subtitles.120 min, 2008. Rated PG-13. Directed by Mamoru Oshii.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations required. Please send your name, affiliation, the number in your party and the names of your guests to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.
Summer Anime Series 2009
July 31 Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
The escapades of master thief Lupin III continue in this action-packed anime feature. Lupin and the gang set out to expose an evil counterfeit operation at Count Cagliostro's impenetrable fortress. But if they fail to rescue the beautiful princess from the dark lord's grip, they risk destroying the world -- and losing the vast fortune of gold hidden within. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Steven Spielberg calls it "One of the greatest adventure movies of all time." Don't miss it!
Aug. 28 Death Note II: The Last Name
Following on the heels of the first Death Note movie, Light Yagami joins the investigation of the serial killer known as "Kira," trying to uncover L's real name so he can kill him with his Death Note. L suspects that Light is Kira, but a new rash of murders are taking place around the world, with a "Second Kira" claiming responsibility. When Light learns the identity of the Second Kira, he suggests they join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch Kira before he is killed?
Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
Lafayette Centre III (lower level) 1155 21st Street NW, Washington D.C. 20036
Metro: Dupont Circle, Farragut North (Red) / Farragut West (Orange / Blue)
www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Scooby-Doo play and Gigantor featured in Express
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 29: 5 Centimeters per Second and Voices of a Distant Star
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org
5 Centimeters per Second and Voices of a Distant Star
to be screened at Japan Information and Culture Center.
The Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in collaboration with DC Anime Club Present 5 Centimeters per Second and Voices of a Distant Star, Friday May 29, 2009 6:30 pm as part of inaugural showing for a film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
5 Centimeters per second is a 2007 Japanese animated feature film by Makoto Shinkai. The film was finished on January 22, 2007. The first part of the film was debuted on Yahoo! Japan as streaming video to Yahoo! Premium members from 16 February to 19 February 2007. On March 3, 2007, the full length featured film had its theatrical premiere at Cinema Rise in Shibuya, Tokyo. The film consists of three segments: Cherry Blossom (桜花抄 ,Ōkashō?), Cosmonaut (コスモナウト ,Kosumonauto?), and 5 Centimeters per Second (秒速5センチメートル ,Byōsoku 5 Senchimētoru?), totaling about an hour of runtime. As in Shinkai's previous works, Tenmon composes for this film's soundtrack. The DVD was released on 19 July 2007. A novel of 5 Centimeters Per Second is put on the market in Japan[1] It included uncollection story in the animation version.
Voices of a Distant Star is a Japanese anime OVA by Makoto Shinkai. It chronicles a long-distance relationship between a teenage couple who communicate by sending emails via their mobile phones across interstellar space. It was originally released to DVD on February 2, 2002, and has since been broadcast across Japan on the anime satellite television network, Animax.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpspring08@embjapan.org.
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/ or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.