- Perhaps it’s because today is Valentine’s Day, but I cannot get enough of the “special feeling” meme from Japan. Basically, a reporter interviewed a man about his favorite part about the recent snowfall, and he said something about spending time with a loved one, embarrassing his girlfriend. Now people are drawing fan art of anime couples reenacting the moment. Crunchyroll News has collected the best 100 or so.
- Yet another take on Miyazaki and anime industry otaku, this time from Serdar: Why Miyazaki’s ‘otaku’ problem is everyone’s problem.
- Luggage designed just for cosplayers! This suitcase has spots specifically made for unwieldy props and delicate, handmade garments. It’s a Japanese crowdfunding project, but the English writeup is here.
- An oldie but goodie from TheSubtleDoctor’s blog: The Slap. An analysis of one of every Mobile Suit Gundam fan’s favorite moments.
- Side note, since I don’t have a lot of links this week due to book writing: which anime are you watching this season? I am watching Gundam Build Fighters on YouTube, and Kill La Kill, Engaged to the Unidentified, Kuroko no Basket, Sakura Trick, and Nisekoi all on Crunchy. Though I’m almost definitely dropping those last three. Not a very strong season in my opinion.
- Finally, who’s going to Katsucon 20 this weekend? I’ll be there all day on Saturday, probably in cat ears like these. See you there!
Illustration by @ccreayus