Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Anyone remember that anime? Kyouran Kazoku Nikki? No? It’s okay. No one will judge. Besides, it wasn’t that good. It did have Kana Hanazawa in it, though. The show aired in 2008, when I didn’t know a lick of Japanese, nor had as good a computer as I do now. Man, how time flys. For [...]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Uh, wow! Tanukis really are a foolish, foolish race.  This was like a giant slap fight – with rockets. It’s finally the night of the festival, and as the humans prepare, so do the tanuki. In the flying tea room, known as the inner parlor, the Shimogamo family gathers to observe the human festivities from […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Uh, wow! Tanukis really are a foolish, foolish race.  This was like a giant slap fight – with rockets. It’s finally the night of the festival, and as the humans prepare, so do the tanuki. In the flying tea room, known as the inner parlor, the Shimogamo family gathers to observe the human festivities from […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

So, we’ve had three vignettes so far, each helping to illustrate the relationship between Yasaburou and his world, as well as his somewhat love-hate relationship with responsibility. He’s resentful of it, but actually a natural at it, and seems easily … Continue reading →
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

The night of the Gozan Fire Festival arrives, and the Shimgamo family ascends into the sky with the port wine-fueled tearoom. Akadama gradually accompanies them, and they’re joined by his friend; the two recount the “False Nyoigatake Incident” and how Soichirou scattered the Kurama tengu.The Ebisugawas arrive in a grand flying boat (with Benten aboard) […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Wow. Just wow. Great line. And it’s the same for humans, except at least with the tanuki someone gets to enjoy eating them. Human death is even more pointless. Like most viewers (I presume) I have no idea what to … Continue reading →
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Probably still easier than trying to shoot while wearing NBC gear.
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

With Uchouten Kazoku they seem quite content to let the characters mill around the city and interact in order to let us know them better before ramping up the story. All we’re getting about THAT is hints and guesses. The sort-of dysfunctional Shimogamo family has some mysteries floating around them that could lead to something […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Single release from milktub, titled Uchouten Jinsei, is the OP for anime series Uchouten Kazoku. Will be out on 31 July 2013. Only one edition available for preorder. Track-listing of Uchouten Jinsei 有頂天人生 ふらゆら 有頂天人生(off vocal) ふらゆら(off vocal) Single Title: Uchouten Jinsei Catalog Number: LACM-14115 Release Date: 31 July 2013 Retail Price: 1,200 yen Preorder [...]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

「薬師坊の奥座敷」 (Yakushibo no Oku Zashiki ) "Yakushibo's Inner Parlor" I think it’s testament to the standing brilliance of Uchouten Kazoku that three episodes in, it remains a spellbinding experience.
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

“You cannot say ‘no’ to the people you love, not often. That’s the secret. And then when you do, it has to sound like a ‘yes’. Or you have to make them say ‘no.’ You have to take time and trouble.” -Mario Puzo, “The Godfather.” There’s a common idea that as one grows older, they […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

“You cannot say ‘no’ to the people you love, not often. That’s the secret. And then when you do, it has to sound like a ‘yes’. Or you have to make them say ‘no.’ You have to take time and trouble.” -Mario Puzo, “The Godfather.” There’s a common idea that as one grows older, they […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

When Benten says “goran nasai”, you pretty much have to look. I mentioned to someone else that, for some reason, Uchouten Kazoku slips my mind when I talk about this season’s anime. And this is strange, because it’s really captivating in a way that no other anime this season is. I ended up blaming the [...]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

This story is by the author of the Tatami Galaxy, one of my favorite shows of all time. So I’m looking forward to it immensely. We’re off to a pretty good start. We have a similar urban setting with supernatural … Continue reading →
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

It seems that the tanuki society is a one of rivals.  And one of strong family bonds.  And very unfortunately, a society that has to live with the fact that they’re low on the food chain.  How would you feel if you had to live someplace where your neighbors might consider you an easy meal? […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

It seems that the tanuki society is a one of rivals.  And one of strong family bonds.  And very unfortunately, a society that has to live with the fact that they’re low on the food chain.  How would you feel if you had to live someplace where your neighbors might consider you an easy meal? […]
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta

Alright! Time for the easily best show of the season. By virtue of its subtle plotting, incredibly naturalistic and understated dialogue, confident, meditative pacing, and realistic focus on family ties and community, Uchouten Kazoku has almost certainly lost the interest … Continue reading →
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta