• Anime is Dead posted a very thorough analysis of fanservice regarding female characters in anime. If you’ve ever wondered why some feminists have concerns about shows like Kill La Kill, this unpacks it pretty well.

• I was feeling guilty spending my time writing fanfiction instead of some kind of “higher” creative calling, and Aja reminded me of her fabulous essay on the topic: I’m done explaining why fanfic is OK.

• At least we can write fanfiction on this side of the globe without, you know, going to jail. In China, 20 women were arrested for writing slash fanfiction.

• What do you do about your significant other’s waifu or husbando? This is probably the worst advice possible! John and I frequently threaten one another with intents to buy sexy body pillows at anime conventions.

• From the same site: What do Japanese people think when they hear the word otaku? You know I was interested in reading this after writing my February essay, Otaku is not a dirty word.

• Everyone has been so supportive of my recent decision to start learning Japanese. Anya shared with me how she learned Hiragana and Katakana in a few hours by translating her favorite songs. And Caroline sent me an article about why anime is a legitimate reason for learning Japanese.

• The Daily Beast just figured out what anime fans have known for years—that Hollywood sci-fi films are ripping off anime. And not just sci-fi! The Black Swan, anyone? Serdar addressed this essay on his anime blog, Ganriki.

Screenshot via Tomodachi Life, the Nintendo answer to The Sims that I’m dying to play.