Anime and Animation – Page 10

Weekly Challenge – The Next Country . . .

November 30, 2009 by Steven Savage

As I've noted a few times, Japan is a country that obviously has had major influence on the North American Geekonomy. Video Games, anime, sentai and more. From Battle of the Planets decades ago to Power Rangers and Bleach, from Space Invaders to Final Fantasy pick-a-number, Japan has had a huge effect.

At this rate, Japanese influence on pop culture and major Geekonomic areas is more than obvious. I'm not sure how much more influence can be had (though my guess is Kodansha is looking for more).

But there's always a hunger for new products and entertainments, foods and culture, and business models and opportunities.

So here's your challenge for the week: what country do you think is going to be next to have a big cultural/pop cultural influence on North America?

South Korean and it's growing media?

India with it's tech opportunities and the power of Bollywood?

More British influence now that Doctor Who is Reborn and series are getting remade (again)?

Think about what's next. After all, my fellow progeek, you're going to be living it in the years to come . . .

– Steven Savage

(And as for my answer? I'm still thinking that one over.)

Fandom, Geeks, Jobs, and the Japanese Economy

November 12, 2009 by Steven Savage

On and off I encounter speculation that Japan's economy is going to get worse. I'm sure you've seen much the same news over and over.

I'm not able to speculate in detail, but I can see that Japan has had its trouble since its own economic meltdown, doesn't seem to have solved it's issues, and is having problems with its workforce. In my own opinion as a non-economist, I can at least see why people are concerned.

Geekonomically and fannish-job-wise, I wonder what will happen to the major geeky industries of video games, anime, and manga if Japan's economy does take a serious dive (again).

(This is why following economics is important to any career. Period.)

Media and Limits

October 15, 2009 by Steven Savage

For some time friends of mine were saying I had to see the series "Avatar: The Last Airbender." I resisted this because A) it seemed like an anime-esque derivative series, and B) I wasn't overly impressed with Nickelodeon's other series. It seemed like a no-brainer to avoid.

When I finally watched it, I was impressed – an epic adventure, well-done, thought-provoking. Everyone in my apartment had a ball with it – and it also provoked some interesting discussion.