All good ideas have to start somewhere. Media, regardless of its origin, tends to find its basis in real-world events that mold the story. Media gives us the power to ask "what if?", to protest, to bring awareness, and explore beyond what we know. Join us as we take a look at anime, manga, and movies that work to showcase some of the greatest political issues surrounding Japan.

Is NGE really a postmodernist retelling of the Genesis creation myth; and why are all nuns in anime gun-toting eye candy? Japan’s history with Christianity is an interesting, if sordid, affair. We’ll explore how it all began, and how it turned from the West’s sacred religious imagery to vampires, demon killing teenage priests, and Jesus living with Gautama Buddha.

Indiana Jones may have found some cool lost treasures, but he hasn’t found these! From buried Shogun gold and missing samurai swords to sunken ships and early hominid fossils, Japan has no shortage of incredible lost treasures. Who knows where these might be? After all, these belong in a museum!

Mako Gems Productions and special guest Ace are getting political! Final Fantasy VII holds a special status in the video game world as a much beloved classic JRPG. It’s got everything you could ask for in a game: propaganda, climate change, eco-terrorism, war, corporate greed, and much more! As Cid would say: sit down, shut up, and drink your @#$&*% tea as we dissect one of our favorite games.

The Best Anime You’ve (Probably) Never Seen is back with a show that will make you think, question all you know about good versus evil, and ask what it means to be human. Mystery and intrigue abound in the limbo between life and death, set to a killer soundtrack. Trust us, it’ll be the time of your life!

Come, sit around our campfire. After all, it’s October; the time to tell of all the ghosts, yokai, and urban legends Japan has to offer. You’ll be safe here with us--or will you?

Come join us and our guests for a quick overview of the weekend's events!