Tag: Fruits Basket

Editorial

Shoujo Through the Eyes of a Bishoujo Fan

There was once a time when I called myself a fan of “romance” anime. As I know now, romance is not as useful a category in anime as it is in some other mediums, since anything from Love Hina to Inuyasha could fall under its umbrella. However, even as a dedicated fan of one of Japan’s greatest inventions – the 2D girl – my taste in anime often returns to the central premise of romance. My interests often fit closely with bluemist‘s old tagline – where shoujo and bishoujo meet.

The interesting thing about viewing a very gender-targeted genre through the eyes of the opposite gender is that some tropes and clichés have a completely different effect. Here are some of my observations of the shoujo genre that have allowed me to experience the stories from a personal level as well as from a third-person level.

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Editorial

Anime and the Changing of the Seasons

[zuta]

When you saw this post in your feed reader or Anime Nano or what have you, you probably assumed it was just another meta post on the upcoming season of anime. Perhaps I would ramble on about why it’s bad to drop shows after one episode; maybe I would say that it’s important to watch a multitude of shows, including ones that normally wouldn’t appeal to you.

Actually, the “seasons” mentioned in the post title refers to something completely different. I’m talking about nature.

Wait, don’t close the tab yet – I’m not here to preach. I enjoy my skyscrapers and carefully planned city parks as much as the next person, and probably more. However, I’ve always felt a strange connection with the use of nature in anime as a visual, stylistic tool. Nature can grant the most sublime motifs and emotionally evocative art if it’s used appropriately, and yet it’s something that can so easily go unnoticed.

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Analysis

On Rabu-Rabu [part one]: The Beauty of the Conflict

We all know that I’m a romance fan, right? Well, if you don’t, then now you do – it’s no coincidence that Memories of Eternity isn’t exactly the manliest name around. Being the fan that I am, upon reading anime blogger ghostlightning‘s recent post on shoujo and the nature of the “happily ever after” endings that we so often see, my mind was left in a daze – the good kind of daze – and I was inspired to write something of my own. It’s a somewhat unrelated topic, but it falls under the same general category anyhow; I’m talking about the appeal of romance anime, and the effect it has on its fans. Contrary to popular belief, there very well may be layers of depth to the genre that people don’t often think about, and it’s my duty as a fan and as a blogger to see what I can dig up. So, if you’re in the mood for some reading, then I welcome you to join me on my quest through the wonderful world of rabu-rabu.

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