Ask John: 100 Questions for John

Question:
The August issue of Japan’s Windows100% Magazine includes a lengthy interview with AnimeNation’s “Ask John,” John Oppliger, as part of its “100 Questions for Overseas Otaku” column. Page 104 of the printed magazine includes 19 selected questions and answers with photo illustrations. One of the two CD-ROMs included with the magazine contains an extensive photo gallery of “Anime Master Otaku John-san” at home and work, and includes the full 100 question interview in English and Japanese.

The English language version of the interview is today’s “Ask John Article.”

Answer:
01. Please let me know your name, handle (i.e. nickname) and the origin.

My name is John Oppliger. I don’t really have a proper nickname, but for my job I am sometimes referred to as an “anime guru.” That title originated with a former co-worker who envisioned me as a fountain of knowledge about anime similar to a wise spiritual guru.

02. If you could, please tell me your age.

I’m 31. My birthday is August 31, 1972.

03. Where do you live?

At the end of March 2004 I bought my first house, so I now live in Palm Harbor, Florida, United States of America.

04. Tell me about your occupation.

For the past 6 years I’ve worked for AnimeNation, one of the two largest anime retail stores in North America. My job involves writing product descriptions for the imported items we carry, managing the daily update of AnimeNation’s anime news webpage, and doing my best to answer e-mail questions about anime, manga and Japanese culture submitted by American and international anime fans. Now that AnimeNation has also split off a second company, called AN Entertainment, to handle licensing and translation of anime and manga, I provide minor translations and English language editing for translations used on AN Entertainment DVD releases.

05. Please let me know your height, weight, and the size of shoes.

I’m 5″8 and weigh about 180 lbs. (I’m slightly overweight). I wear a size 8 1/2 shoe.

06. What’s your favorite food?

I’m not a selective eater. I eat anything that’s placed before me. However, I seem to eat fast food like hamburgers and pizza and Chinese take-out most often. Although I don’t have a chance to eat it very often, one of my very favorite foods is Yoshinoya gyuudon. Sadly there are no Yoshinoya restaurants on the East Coast of America where I live.

07. What club did you belong to at the high school?

School clubs are not as common in America as they are Japan. Through high school and college, I never participated in any school clubs.

08. If you have some special abilities, tell me about them.

I don’t think I have any particular special abilities. However, I think many people would say that my ability to remember so much detailed trivia about anime, and my ability to critique and discuss anime in such detail are a special ability.

09. If you are compared to an animal, what’s it?

Probably a cat, because I am rather quiet and clean, and don’t go far from home very often.

10. Do you think you are a OTAKU?

I don’t like to refer to myself as an “otaku” because in America, calling yourself an otaku usually signifies a great deal of excess pride. I like to remain humble and keep things in perspective, so I usually refer to myself as just a very devoted anime fan. However, if an “otaku” is someone that is obsessively devoted to something, than I am definitely an anime otaku.

11. Who is your hero or heroine?

I grew up with Star Wars, so I would say that my hero is Luke Skywalker. I admire the fact that he was a loyal son and hard worker who ultimately achieved fame and success by doing what he always wanted to do, never compromising his ideals or goals.

12. Who is the person that you respect?

I have a great deal of respect for my mother. My mother is a very small Chinese woman, but she is very strong willed and very disciplined. Her attitudes and principles have influenced me throughout my life.

13. Tell me about your dream.

Honestly, I’m not an ambitious person. I’m most happy when I’m peaceful and comfortable, such as when I’m watching anime. So my dream is to simply be able to continue living peacefully and comfortably, without too much stress or worry. Of course, as an anime fan and a writer, I also dream of someday watching an anime or reading a manga based on a story that I created.

14. And your treasure.

I treasure my memories more than anything else in the world. I try to live every day in such a way that I won’t regret that day in the future. I have physical treasures like my first Winnie the Pooh stuffed toy from my infancy, and my first Dirty Pair poster, but if I had to, I could give up material and physical things. I wouldn’t want to forget all the things that have happened to me in my life which have made me the person I am now.

15. What is your favorite proverb, maxim, or a phrase?

I love the phrase “It’s a kind of magic.” It’s a quote from the movie Highlander- one of my favorite all time movies- but I think it also applies to myself and many other things and events in life.

16. Whom do you think do you resemble to?

Oddly, I’ve never thought that I looked like anyone else.

17. Is there anything you don’t like?

There are a few things that I dislike. I don’t like talking on the telephone. I don’t mind doing it when necessary, or talking to friends, but most of the time I feel more comfortable with face to face communication. I also dislike hypocrites, and people with weak self-confidence. I believe that a person should believe in him/herself and be honest with him/herself. Not everyone is attractive or smart or strong, but that’s okay. I dislike people who discriminate on those basis, and I dislike people that aren’t able to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.

18. Is there anything you fear?

The only thing I fear is failure. I know that I sometimes make mistakes and do things wrong, but I always try my best to succeed. So I sometimes fear situations that I’m not familiar with or situations during which I may embarrass myself. But when I have to do something, I force myself not to hesitate, and I always try my best.

19. Are you married or single? If single, do you have a girlfriend?

I’m single. Because I’m a bit shy, I don’t socialize much or date, but I would like to have a relationship with a nice woman.

20. Could you describe your “ideal girlfriend” (not your “real” girlfriend or wife, just imagine…)?

My ideal girlfriend is someone that’s willing to accept me the way I am. I want someone that I can feel natural and comfortable and totally honest with. I prefer petit and cute girls, but someone I can talk with openly and share my thoughts and feelings with is more important to me than physical appearance.

21. What are you interested in recently?

A few days ago I started playing the X-box game House of the Dead 3.

22. Who is your most fascinating thing/person for you these days?

A few days ago I got a rice cooker. I use it all the time now because it’s so convenient!

23. Tell me about what you got angry about recently.

I try to minimize stress in my life, so I don’t need to get angry very often. Several days ago lightning struck very near my house. My computer had a battery back-up and surge protection, but it still burned out. Now I don’t have a working home computer, which is very frustrating.

24. And what you were glad about.

Recently at the Anime Central convention in Chicago, I had an opportunity to have a conversation with Masunari Koji-san, the director of Omishi Magical Theater: Risky Safety. Risky Safety was the first anime series I helped bring to American DVD. I was very honored, and very excited to meet the director in person.

25. How do you spend weekdays, and weekends?

My weekdays and weekends are almost the same. When I come home from work I spend several hours at my home computer browsing American and Japanese anime websites, and I watch a lot of anime. On weekends I also do house chores and run errands like shopping.

26. Have you ever been presented in the TV program, or the magazine?

I have been quoted in American and Spanish anime magazines, mostly as a representative of AN Entertainment, but this is the first time I’ve ever been interviewed as just an anime fan.

27. Tell me about your clothes you wear everyday.

I have a very simple wardrobe. My closet is filled with blue jeans and anime t-shirts.

28. Imagine that you go to the deserted island, you can take ONE THING with you, what’s it?

If I could take anything at all in the world with me, I would choose an attractive young woman! If I was limited to something more material, I would choose a high quality stainless steel knife because a knife has many uses and won’t get damaged by rain or weather.

29. Imagine that the world were to be the end a week later, what would you do?

I would take a vacation in Tokyo again. My trips to Tokyo have been the most enjoyable times of my life.

30. Do you like playing video games? If so, please tell me your favorite softs.

I don’t play PC games, but I do play console (TV) games, although not as many as I used to. Some of my favorite games are Street Fighter III Second Impact, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy 9.

31. Do you use your computer so often? Tell me about your PC career.

I do use my home computer very often, but perhaps I shouldn’t say what I use it for. At work, nearly all of my job involves the computer.

32. And about Internet career.

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I use my home computer to download a lot of current anime (and “H”). The internet is the only way many American fans have to watch new anime series. (I also buy many official anime DVDs.)

33. Please tell me about your personal computer. (OS, Software, etc…) Do you use DSL, cable or dial-up connection?

I have a Dell P4 2.4 Ghz desktop computer. I use Windows XP with the Windows Classic theme. I like Windows 2000 more than XP, but XP is more stable. Right now I have a DSL connection, but I’m considering switching to a cable connection because the DSL connection doesn’t have very much bandwidth for downloading multiple files simultaneously.

34. Do you have a website?

I don’t have my own website. I’m not very good at html. I only know a little bit.

35. What kind of websites do you visit frequently?

I frequently visit many different news sites for movies, anime and video games in part because it’s part of my job, and in part because I like to stay informed.

36. Do you visit Japanese sites? If you do, what page is it?

I visit many Japanese sites that host scans of H-manga and doujinshi. I don’t mean to be rude or disrespectful, and I do have a large collection of imported H manga and doujinshi that I’ve bought. But after all, I don’t have a girlfriend…

37. What is the things, besides Anime & Manga, you like concerning Japan?

I’m very interested in, and respectful of the traditional Japanese cultural value of personal responsibility. In America the attitude is, “Just do it.” In Japan, the attitude is “If something is worth doing, do it right.” I respect the Japanese attitude of being intelligent and reliable.

I’m also a fan of chambara films and samurai.

38. Do you have any Japanese friend? If you do, where do you see them?

I don’t have any personal Japanese friends because I don’t know any Japanese natives personally. My family is friends with a Japanese family that lives in Yokohama, but I haven’t seen any of them in almost 10 years.

39. Do you have favorite famous Japanese person?

Right now I respect Ryuhei Kitamura very much because I love his movies, and I love his devotion to cinema and his ideas about movies.

40. Have you ever tasted Japanese food? Or do you have favorite dish?

I like teriyaki and some types of sushi. But the Japanese food I love most is Yoshinoya gyuudon. I especially love the Yoshinoya near the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku and the Yoshinoya next to Shibuya 109.

41. Do you speak/read/write Japanese? Where/how did you learn?

My Japanese is very poor. When I was in college I took one class in Japanese language. Everything else I know I’ve learned from teaching myself and wathing Japanese language anime for 18 years. When I watched the Mei to Nekobus movie at the Ghibli Museum I understood all of the dialogue perfectly. That children’s level is my level of understanding most Japanese without help.

42. Or do you have any Japanese word you know/like?

I recognize many simple spoken Japanese words. I can also easily recognize kanji like “onna” and “bishoujo,” “densetsu,” “houno,” and “ai.” I’m also fairly good are reading kana.

43. Have you ever been to Japan, or Akihabara? How you like Akihabara?

I’ve been to Japan five times in my life, but one of those trips was when I was a small child. I’ve been to Tokyo four times since 2000. During each trip I’ve spent at least a few hours in Akihabara Electric Town. As an anime fan, I actually like the Nakano Broadway more, but Akihabara Electric Town is about as close to heaven as I think I can get on earth.

44. What do you think about having Japanese girlfriend?

If any Japanese lady would like to meet me, I would be overjoyed!

45. How long have you been Anime fan?

In a way, I’ve always been an anime fan. I watched the American TV broadcast of Battle of the Planets (Gatchaman) and Starblazers (Yamato) on TV when I was a small child in the late 1970s. I began watching imported Japanese language anime in 1986.

46. What made you interested in the Japanese animation for the first time?

In 1985 Robotech was broadcast on American television. That was Macross, Southern Cross and Mospeada combined into one show. I was already a fan of science fiction since I grew up with Star Wars. I was amazed by Macross, so I wanted to see more.

47. How much do you pay per a month for Anime and related goods? And totally in your life?

I typically spend $200 up to around $500 a month on anime and related goods. I can’t count how much I’ve spent on collecting anime in my life, but my addiction to anime has included paying my own expenses to go to Tokyo twice. (My other two recent trips to Tokyo were business related, so AnimeNation paid for them.) I’ve probably spent more than $40,000 on anime so far.

48. Please tell me your best beloved Anime title, and the reason.

I always have a difficult time choosing my favorite anime title because I love so many. But when I have to choose I usually say Dirty Pair (1985-1990 only). I love the old Dirty Pair because it’s intelligent and fun. It seems to represent, to me, everything I love most about anime- sexy girls, action, story that dosen’t condescend to the audience.

49. And your provate TOP 10 titles.

It’s so difficult for me to pick only 10. And this list may sometimes change depending on my mood.

Dirty Pair
Gall Force 1-3
Bubblegum Crisis OAVs 5 & 6
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Azumanga Daioh
Hoshi no Koe
Idol Project
Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuikohen
Shoujo Kakumei Utena TV series
Berserk

50. Do you have any title that you don’t like/hate, or find incomprehensive? If you do, what’s the point?

I’m such a fan of anime that there are very few shows that I hate. I’m not a fan of most robot anime. I also don’t like most life-sim or dating-sim and and most magical girl anime. What I hate most are anime series with low technical quality such as bad animation or poor writing. The most recent anime I watched that I didn’t like at all was the first Natsuiro no Sunadokei OAV.

51. Please name the title(s) that’s you think worth noticing now.

Right now, I think two of the best current anime are Fullmetal Alchemist and Tenjoh Tenge. I also try to keep current with Futari wa Precure, Naruto, One Piece, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig. I’m also eagerly watching Monster and Mutsu Enmei Ryu Gaiden Shura no Toki, which are two shows that don’t seem to be very popular or well known in America.

52 And the title(s) you want sequelized.

I’m a bit different from most American anime fans. Many American anime fans want more Trigun, Hellsing, Cowboy Bebop, Berserk, FLCL, Fruits Basket, and many other series. Most of the time I try to be happy with what I’m able to see, and I don’t regret that a series isn’t longer. But I am looking forward to the second season of Maria-sama ga Miteru. And I would be very excited if a second series of Berserk was produced.

53. What do you find about non-Japanese animation, such as American or Korean? What’s the difference from Japanese Anime?

A lot of the time, Japanese animation just “feels” different from Western or Korean animation. Japanese animation seems to have more soul or spirit than Western or Korean animation. A lot of the Korean animation I’ve seen, including Wonderful Days, Geisters, and Bastof Lemon, seems as though it’s merely trying to copy Japanese animation. So it feels hollow and lifeless. Most Korean animation just isn’t technically accomplished enough yet to be impressive and thoroughly enjoyable. In America it’s almost impossible to make or release animation that isn’t at least partially intended for small children. It’s very rare for American animation to deal with realistic characters or situations, or include thoughtful themes or ideas. And in America, animation isn’t considered a legitimate, artistic, cinematic art form the way it is in Japan. Japan is the only country in the world that respects animation as a mature, intelligent form of film and is technically skilled enough to produce attractive looking animation. That makes Japanese animation unique and interesting.

54. Tell me your favorite character(s) from Anime, and the reason.

I think my favorite female character in all of anime is Lufy from Gall Force 2 & 3. I like her aggressive and carefree hairstyle and star tatoo. And I like her personality. She’s determined and strong on the surface, but fearful and full of sorrow on the inside. And even when she knows she’s fighting a hopeless battle, she continues to fight because of her pride, loyalty and her principles. I also like Nami from One Piece because her personality is similar to Lufy’s, but not as dramatic.

My favorite male character would be Captain Harlock, because he is also a principled, independant character that believes in himself and does what he believes is right regardless of the consequences.

55. And character(s) you don’t sympathize or dislike.

I dislike weak-willed, self-pitying and indecisive characters like Shinji Ikari of Evangelion, Tenchi Masaki of Tenchi Muyo, Keitaro Urashima of Love Hina and Maze-chan from the Maze Bakunetsu Jiku TV series.

56. Do you sometimes feel some cultural gap about the point of view, the way of thought and the behavior of the characters?

I think that anime characters that are lacking self confidence, or who are indecisive are a reflection of some personality types in Japan. I think these types of characters appear in anime often because some native Japanese viewers can sympathise and relate to these characters. Americans are taught by society to be independant, so it seems un-natural and strange to Americans to see anime characters that are shy or indecisive. Another example is Mima Kigigoe of Perfect Blue. The immediate American reaction is, “Why doesn’t she go to the police, or hire a bodyguard?” But I think because she’s Japanese she internalizes her problems and tries to deal with her problems by herself.

57. If you are compared to a character, who is it?

I’m not sure. I would probably be a supporting character with no name.

58. What if your favorite character comes up to see you? What to do, where to go?

If one of my favorite anime characters met me in person, I would suggest going somewhere to eat. That’s usually a popular activity among anime characters that would surpass any language or cultural barriers.

59. Tell me your favorite Anime director(s), and his/her/their best title.

I highly respect Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. I think Mononoke Hime may be Miyazaki’s best film, but I like Kiki’s Delivery Service the most. I’m also a big fan of Isao Takahata’s Heisei Tanuki Gassen Pom Poko. Lately I’ve also become an admirer of Satoshi Kon. I love all of his works, but enjoy Millennium Actress the most. I also like Koji Masunari’s work. I’ve enjoyed Risky Safety and Kokoro Toshokan and the R.O.D. OAV series, but I didn’t like the R.O.D. TV series very much.

60. And your favorite voice actor/ess, his/her best performance as a character.

I’m still a big fan of Megumi Hayashibara. I love a lot of her roles, but I think she was best as Lina Inverse in Slayers. I also enjoy listening to Koichi Yamadera. I think he was wonderful as Meier Link in Vampire Hunter D (2000), as Spike Spiegel, and as Captain Harlock in the Endless Odyssey OAV series. Presently one of the voices I enjoy most is Shoko Tsuda playing Izumi in Full Metal Alchemist. Her voice has an amazing mix of authority and concern.

61. Your favorite scene of Anime.

I have a few favorite anime scenes. I love the sequence near the end of Gall Force 3: Stardust War when Lufy says “Abayo,” and leaves on a suicide mission because that scene is so meaningful. I love the climactic fight scene in Jubei-chan: Lovely Gantai no Himitsu episode 1 because it’s so exciting. I love the dynamic editing during Eve’s song and the destruction of Tokyo at the end of Megazone 23 part 2. I love the ending of Gunbuster OAV 6 because I think it’s one of the most beautiful and emotional sequences in the history of anime. And I love the entire “Presence” segment of Robot Carnival because it’s so beautiful to look at, and has such a melancholy and romantic feeling.

62. What do you find about X-rated Anime (with sexual description, so-called “Bishojo Anime”), and about a bunch of release in Japan?

Many American anime fans are shocked by adult anime, which Americans refer to as “hentai anime.” I think many Americans are shocked that adult anime exists because they’ve been culturally trained to believe that animation is only for children. Personally, I do watch and enjoy H-anime, although most of it isn’t very good. In the past few years I’ve noticed a major increase in adult anime that deals with rape and men sexually abusing women, such as Kojin Taxi, Kisaku, Bondage Game, Shintaisou Kari, and many others. I’m curious about why this type of theme is becoming more common and popular.

I’m also eagerly looking forward to Satoshi Urushihara’s Front Innocent. Masami Obari produced many anime that had sexual “service” in them, such as Garrou Densetsu, Toshinden, Gowkaiser, and Dangaizer-3. When he finally produced adult anime (Viper-GTS, Angel Blade, Soreyuke Marin-chan) they were all very good. I’m looking forward to Urushihara-san’s first full adult anime.

63. Do you have favorite Japanese Anime songs, especially ones that you can sing?

I’m a terrible singer. But right now I really enjoy the opening themes to Boukyaku no Senritsu and Mousou Dairinin. I also love the opening and ending theme songs for Pugyuru because they’re so simple and silly! Some of my all time favorite anime theme songs are “Tenshi no Yubikiri” from Kare Kano, “Rinbu Revolution” from Utena, and “Kaze no Lullaby” from Megazone 23.

I also love all of Arai Akino’s music and her anime theme songs, especially from Outlaw Star.

64. When you see Japanese Anime, which do you think is better, subtitled or stand-in?

I have a strong dislike of English dubbed anime. I prefer to hear anime with spoken Japanese dialogue because I think Japanese voices are more expressive and sound more natural and believable than English voice-overs. I also prefer to watch anime as closely as possible to the way its creators made it.

65. What do you think about fan-sub and file sharing, as a contents holder and an anime fan?

Ethically fansubs and file sharing are an infringement of legal and ethical ownership rights. But despite that, I support fansubbing because I believe that English speaking fans translate and share anime with good intentions. I believe that fansubs and file sharing help the professional anime industry more than they cause harm. I know of many anime series that have sold very well on American DVD because they had been extensively fan translated and shared between American fans. Fansub anime is not supposed to be a way to steal anime or avoid buying official DVDs. It’s supposed to be a way to encourage more people to watch anime and buy official DVDs. I think that fansubs and file sharing do encourage people to become interested in new programs and buy anime DVDs that they wouldn’t have bought otherwise. But I’m referring to only fan translating and file sharing anime that isn’t officially available in America. There’s no valid reason for file sharing copies of anime that are available on official English translated DVDs.

66. Do you go to some festivals or conventions concerning Anime? And what do you think about “COMIKE” in Japan?

I go to several American anime convetions every year. I may be attending as many as 11 conventions in America this year. I love to attend anime conventions because I enjoy the opportunity to buy new anime merchandise, and I enjoy being around other anime fans. I do collect Japanese doujinshi, so I would love to attend Comiket someday. I’m amazed by the size of Comic Market because it’s 100 times larger than the largest comic book convention in America.

67. Do you understand Japanese word “MOE”? And how do you express in English?

I think I understand “moe.” I think “moe” describes cute, young anime girls who are pure and innocent and child-like – young girls that you want to hug and protect like a big brother. Moe characters have an honest, cheerful, friendly and helpful personality. Moe characters are sweet and adorable because they don’t have the cynicism of age or experience. I think of Sakura Kinomoto (Card Captor Sakura) and Kokoro (Kokoro Toshokan) when I think of “moe” characters.

68. How about “YAOI”? Do you like YAOI Anime or Manga?

Ever since Gundam W came to America in 2000, more and more American fans are becoming interested in yaoi. I have only watched a little bit of Gravitation and Yami no Matsuei, so I know what yaoi is, but I’m not very familiar with it. Personally, I’m not very interested in yaoi, but the genre is becomming very popular in America now. There are two companies bringing yaoi manga to America now.

69. What do you think is the difference between Anime Fan and Anime OTAKU?

To many Americans, there is no difference between “anime fan” and “anime otaku.” I try to consider some of the Japanese attitude about otaku by distinguishing some difference between “anime fan” and “anime otaku.” I think that in Japan “otaku” are almost “hikikomori.” Japanese otaku totally obsessive over minute details. I don’t think there are “otkau” in America that are as obsessed as some Japanese otaku. But in America, “anime fans” are people who only watch a little bit of anime, or who are only familiar with the major titles available in America. American anime otaku are the people that remember Japanese seiyuu names and watch and create fansubs and cosplay at conventions. In America, anime fans are only casual viewers with only a little bit of interest in anime. American anime otaku are people who are totally devoted to anime and spend all their time and money watching and collecting anime and manga.

70. About your collection, how many Anime DVDs/Manga books do you have?

I’ve never counted all of the items in my collection, but by rough estimate I have around 700 anime DVDs (including roughly 50 imported Japanese Region 2 anime DVDs). Likewise, I have roughly 600 import Japanese color illustration books. If I include manga and imported Japanese anime magazines like Newtype, Animage, AX, and Megami Magazine, my book collection alone is over 1,000 volumes. I also own over 100 anime figures, roughly 100 original production cels, nearly 200 H-doujinshi, and more stuff than I can count or even remember.

71. And tell me the ratio (percent) about your collection: frequently see (read) – seen once (read) – never yet.

I would guess:
30% frequently seen/watched/read
50% seen/read/watched only once
20% not yet opened/read/watched

72. Do you make your own story, Manga, or illustration?

I have no talent for drawing at all. However, I have written a script for a manga/anime. I’ve composed a very lengthy sci-fi/adventure story using extensive references to Shinto creation mythology. Unfortunately for me, the American artist that was going to draw it changed his mind. I’ve been considering turning the script into a novel, but I still dream of one day seeing it adapted into a genuine manga or even anime.

73. Do you like/play so-called “Bishoujo-Game” that sometimes give birth to Anime? If you do, please tell me your favorites.

I don’t play computer games, and console “bishoujo games” are very, very rare in America. I’m not very familiar with the original game, but I love the Popotan anime TV series.

74. Please tell me about your company “AnimeNation”.

AnimeNation is one of the largest anime retailers outside of Japan. The company is now more than 7 years old and employs 18 people. AnimeNation tries to carry all of the anime and anime merchandise officially available in America. We also carry a lot of imported Japanese manga and books and toys. We have mail order customers from all over the world, including customers in Saudia Arabia, Russia, Australia, and even Japan. AnimeNation has also created a separate company called AN Entertainment, which licenses and distributes anime and manga in North America.

75. What kind of work do you do, and part do you take in your company?

I have been employed by AnimeNation for over 6 years. My daily work involves managing and updating AnimeNation’s anime news page every day, composing descriptions for many of the items we carry, answering e-mail questions about anime and Japanese pop culture, and working for AN Entertainment on English language translations and promotional descriptions and press releases. I’m also the public spokesman for AN Entertainment.

76. Tell me about some project that you took part in as the work of “AnimeNation”.

One of the things I’ve done as an AnimeNation employee that I’m most proud of is help create AN Entertainment. I helped AnimeNation establish the contacts necessary to begin licensing anime for English language release. And I have helped choose all of the anime series that AN Entertainment has acquired for American release so far.

One of the other jobs I do for AnimeNation and AN Entertainment that I enjoy is representing the companies at anime conventions. I go to all conventions in America that AnimeNation and AN Entertainment attend. At conventions I meet fans, and also give speaking presentations about AN Entertainment.

77. How was the famous “Ask John” born?

The owner of AnimeNation has always wanted AnimeNation to be more than just a retail store. He originally had the idea of using my knowledge about anime to help other fans by answering questions. It seemed like a waste to only answer questions once for individual people, so we decided to put the most interesting and informative questions and answers online for other fans to read, discuss and possibly learn from.

78. What kind of questions do they ask you?

Many of the questions I receive are fairly simple, such as, “When will title X be released in America?” or “If I like title Y what else will I like?” I try to answer as many questions as I can, but only questions and answers that I think will be interesting to many readers get archived on the AnimeNation website.

79. Tell me the questions that’re impressive, or remember very well.

Three of the questions that I seem to be most famous for in America are:

Can you explain the ending of Evangelion?
Are the Gundam Wing boys gay?
What’s with the white panties? (Why are white panties so common in anime?)

I continued to receive e-mail about these three questions even years after I wrote them.

80. What’s the good and bad thing, as running “Ask John”?

I enjoy writing the “Ask John” articles very much. And I enjoy being able to help and educate other anime fans very much. I think of myself as just an experienced fan that likes to share my love of anime with other people. So I’m always surprised and very honored when people treat me with great respect or treat me like a celebrity.

Unfortuantely, some American fans seem to resent me, or accuse me of trying to force my own opinions onto other people. Like everyone, I do sometimes make mistakes. There are some people that accuse me of being irresponsible when I make mistakes or publish opinions that contradict the majority opinion.

81. Seems you reply every deep/detailed questions fluently, so do you have anything like reference?

I admit that I don’t know everything about anime. (I don’t think anyone does.) I do use references and internet search engines for facts like dates and series episode lengths, but I make a conscious effort not to copy other people’s opinions. Although I do rely on references, I think that what I write is my own original thoughts, opinions, and analysis.

82. How about publishing “Ask John” as a book, that’d be Bible for all English-speaking Anime fans?

I have a very faithful Japanese native friend that translates my articles into Japanese language. I’m very grateful to that person for that effort. That person has proposed a Japanese language “Ask John” book to Japanese publishers, but unfortunately no Japanese book publisher was interested in the proposal. AnimeNation does have plans to eventually publish a collected book of “Ask John” articles, but right now we’re all so busy that we have no time to work on it.

83. Tell me about Anime scene in North America, compared with Japan.

One of the most significant differences between American anime fans and Japanese fans is the type of anime that’s popular in America and Japan. Family programs like Detective Conan, Sazae-san, One Piece, and Crayon Shin-chan are very highly rated and popular in Japan. Programs made specifically for “otaku” and dark, mature and violent programs are not very popular with mainstream Japanese viewers. In America, shows like Crayon Shin-chan and Sazae-san and Astro Boy are not popular at all. Very few American fans watch these shows. In America, programs like Cowboy Bebop, Berserk, Last Exile, Witch Hunter Robin, Hellsing, and Trigun are very popular.

American fans also seem to remain fans of particular titles much longer than average Japanese viewers. Japanese viewers seem to be most interested in current anime series. American fans often remain fans of a particular show for years after it has finished. But that is beginning to slowly change now because there are more anime series being released in America now. So American fans are slowly becoming more similar to Japanese fans by shifting their attention to whichever series are current right now.

84. When “AnimeNation” get the licence of Anime, what is the point to choose this title, not that one?

Many American anime distribution companies try to acquire as many titles as they can, almost regardless of their quality. AN Entertainment is still a small company, so we have to be more selective about which titles we seek to acquire for American release because we can’t afford to license many shows at once. So we prioritize shows that we believe are exceptionally high quality anime. We try to license shows that we love and want to share with other American fans. Not all of the titles we have licensed for American release were well known in America, but we think they are such good series that they should be known and appreciated and respected by American fans. We consider story quality, animation quality, genre, how much the series will appeal to American fans, and how much we enjoy the series when we decide which titles to acquire.

85. In any way is it possible that “AnimeNation” would obtain the license for X-rated (or Hentai) Anime?

AN Entertainment has not licensed any adult anime yet becasue the licensing fees for adult anime are very expensive. However, we have considered sevaral adult anime titles and we do expect to acquire one or more adult anime titles for American release sometime in the future.

86. “AnimeNation” seems to translate the words into English, but isn’t it tough thing to translate Japanese, especially for Anime?

Many American translating companies try to make their translations very easy for typical Americans to understand. So Japanese cultural references are sometimes replaced with similar American equivilants or just removed altogether. AN Entertainment tries to retain as much of the original Japanese culture in anime as possible. When we encounter words or Japanese phrases or Japanese cultural references that don’t have English language equivilants, we leave the terms in Japanese and include a text explanation in the DVD liner notes.

87. When translating, are there any phrase or words that are incomprehensive or hard to translate?

One of the difficult words we encountered when translating Miami Guns was the Japanese word “ojou” (ojousama). The closest English language translations are “princess” and “heiress.” The Japanese word “ojou” referrs to a young woman that is highly respected and will take over her parents’ legacy. An “ojou” is not always a royal princess, so we didn’t want to use the English word “princess” and cause confusion. The English word “heiress” only means a young woman that will inheret her parents’ money. So the English word “heiress” does not imply that the person is respected. So we couldn’t use “heiress” as an accurate translation either. Sometimes we translated “ojou” as “madam” or “young miss.” Sometimes we left the word in Japanese and included an explanation in the liner notes.

88. About Japanese proper noun, to what extent do you think should it be translated or replaced into English-esque one? (For example, “Maison Ikkoku” is in France “Juliette je t’aime” that’d be way too much.)

It’s becomming slightly more common in America for translation companies to leave Japanese proper nouns, especially series titles, in Japanese. AN Entertainment tries to maintain a balance between respect for the original Japanese language and meaning of proper nouns and titles, and providing a translation that English speakers will understand. Whenever we can, unless a Japanese proper noun will be too confusing or difficult for English speakers to understand, we leave Japanese proper nouns in Japanese.

89. Which do you wish to distribute: a title that sells greatly, or a title that scarcely sells but greatly evaluated between Anime fans?

If we had our choice, we would prefer to distribute highly respected and outstanding quality anime titles. But we are also a business, so we also have to consider the profit potential of any given anime series. Unfortunately the majority of American anime viewers are interested in new and popular series, not older, classic titles, regardless of how good they are. When we released Risky Safety in America, the series received very positive reviews from American fans and critics. But it did not sell very well. We are hoping that Miami Guns will receive positive reviews and become a highly popular and successful release.

90. What’s the difference between the titles or genres popular in America, and ones in Japan?

The most popular anime titles in America are shonen and gekiga type series such as Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell, and Gundam. within the past 6 months, magical girl series and yaoi manga have begun to achieve popularity among American fans. Sports anime like Slam Dunk, Captain Tsubasa, Yawara, and Dandoh are not very popular in America at all. Anime based on bishoujo games like To Heart, Sentimental Journey, Da Capo, Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien, Memories Off, and Kanon are also not very popular in America. And anime titles that are very popular among Japanese families like Astro Boy, Sazae-san, Chibi Maruko-chan, Mirumo de Pon, and Ojarumaru are not popular among most American anime fans at all.

I think that mainstream Japanese viewers prefer simple and fun and relaxing anime. American viewers seem to prefer action, violence, drama and mature or adult comedy the most.

91. What is the important thing to make Anime go well as business? And is Anime good business for “AnimeNation”?

Traditionally in America the most important factor to achieving success in the anime business was consumer awareness. From the late 1980s until only two or three years ago, anime was not very well known in America. Even now, when anime is more recognized and understood in America, anime movies, for example, do not get major American nationwide theatrical release. The few anime movies that are released in American theaters are only distributed in very limited release to select theaters in major cities.

With anime on home video becomming more recognized and more requested in America now one of the biggest concerns is, of course, price. Many American anime fans are young teenagers that can’t afford to buy many expensive DVDs. AnimeNation tries to maintain affordable discounted prices, and we try to distinguish our company from other retails by offering more knowledgable customer service. Naturally, we would like to see AnimeNation become more successful, but right now the company is profitable, so we are pleased.

92. How do English-speaking fans understand Japanese OYAKUSOKU (cliche, jargon or some traditional situation) like “Todai” in Love-Hina, “BAKA” pronouced with love by girls? And how do you “AnimeNation” deliver?

American anime fans fall into two categories: mainsteam fans and “otaku.” Mainstream fans mostly don’t pay attention to Japanese culture in anime. They also watch English dubbed anime which removes or replaces “oyakusoku.” Most of the very devoted anime fans in America are somewhat familiar with phrases and names like “Todai” and “itadakimasu” through discussions with other anime fans, or from watching Japanese language anime. AN Entertainment considers these elements of Japanese language and culture a vital and important character of anime. Whenever possible, we try to retain these references, or provide a close translation. For example, when we translated Miami Guns episode 5 we incountered the term “debakame.” We provided the closest translation that we could in the DVD translation then included an extensive liner note in the DVD booklet explaining the pun between “turtle” (kame) and “peeping tom” (debakame).

93. Please tell me about what you think about “Gundam” “Evangelion” and “Dragon Ball”, referring the difference of the way they receive in America and Japan.

Gundam, Evangelion and Dragonball are among the most well known and popular anime series in America, but the reaction to each of them is slightly different. Gundam was only introduced to America 5 years ago, and it was only 4 years ago that Gundam became popular in America when Gundam W was broadcast on American television. The influential Z-Gundam TV series is still not available in America. I think that the reception to Gundam in America is similar to that of Japan. Gundam is still not a big mainsteam hit in America, but it is fairly well respected by all types of American viewers and fans.

Evangelion is one of the most successful and popular anime series ever brought to America, but it is only mainly popular among serious anime fans. When episodes of Evangelion were broadcast on American television, they earned very low ratings. But American anime fans often think of Evangelion as the greatest anime series ever made, and Evangelion merchandise is tremendously popular in America. Many American fans consider Evangelion an interesting giant robot series, and closely examine the religious themes and political intrigue in the series. Not as many American fans consider the series as a character development drama or examine it as a critique of contemporary Japanese society and social relationships.

The reaction to Dragonball in America is very polarized. Dragonball is very popular and respected in Japan as a successful family anime series. In America, Dragonball is often considered an introductory anime that only beginning fans like. It’s somewhat fashionable for experienced American anime fans to dislike Dragonball and fans of Dragonball. Many American anime fans measure their status as anime fans by determining how far they’ve progressed beyond Dragonball. I happen to enjoy Dragonball and Dragonball Z very much (although I didn’t like Dragonball GT at all). I think Dragonball exhibits a lot of Japanese philosophy through the code of the warrior and respect between friends and enemies. Most American anime fans only think of Dragonball as a fighting anime for children, so many American anime fans don’t like to associate themselves with Dragonball. Americans usually assume that people who love Dragonball are new anime fans that haven’t watched anything else.

94. What is the point when you give a title positive/negative evaluation?

Sometimes, when I write my “Ask John” articles, I will be asked to give my opinion of a series. At times, my evaluation will be negative. I still respect the animators that worked on the title, but I recognize that not ever anime production is technically good. I have two reasons for sometimes publishing negative reviews. First, I want other anime fans to read my reviews then either agree or disagree based on their own opinions. I hope that my negative reviews will influence other anime fans to also be critical about anime, and fairly evaluate the titles they watch. Second, I sometimes publish negative reviews to establish my own credibility. If I only published positive reviews, readers may begin to doubt my objectivity or my reliability as someone that writes about anime. I think that publishing positive and negative reviews helps prove that my articles are my own opinions, and that I’m not influenced by outside forces.

95. What is the goal of “AnimeNation”, “Ask John” and yourself?

The ultimate goal of AnimeNation and AN Entertainment is to become the largetst, most influential and most respected distributor of Japanese animation outside of Japan. Only time will tell if that will happen. As “Ask John” my ultimate goal is simply helping anime become more understood and respected among fans in the Western world. My honest personal goal is simply to continue to enjoy and appreciate anime as much as I do now. However, like most American fans, I do someday dream of somehow being involved in the Japanese side of the industry or even having one of my own story ideas adapted into an anime production.

96. What is the moment/situation that you feel the best, that you’re the most glad?

Throughout my life, the occasions I’ve enjoyed most have been my vacation trips to Tokyo when I’ve spent my time visiting many of the anime and video game shops. In my daily life, I’m often happiest when I have a chance to watch anime episodes from series that I know little or nothing about. I don’t always like the new programs I watch, but the sense of discovery and learning about a new anime title from first hand experience is wonderful and exciting.

97. What do you think is the most important thing to be Anime-fan?

Ultimately, I think that just watching anime is the most important element of being an anime fan. I have known many anime fans that only collected anime merchandise then lost interest after several years. I’ve also encountered many people who are unwilling to watch anime, or who only watch certain programs and refuse to sample other genres or types of anime. Regardless of age, race, nationality, or gender, I think that any viewer can appreciate the imaginitive fantasy of anime, and enjoy experiencing a contemporary art form that represents culture. But to fully appreciate the diversity and history and evolution of anime, a viewer has to actually watch lots of anime- new and old, and from a variety of genres.

98. What position does Anime occupy in your life?

It may sound funny, but anime virtually is my life. That’s why I am well known as an anime fan. My full time job revolves around working with anime, and demands that I know as much about anime as I can. And I spend my leisure time watching and collecting anime. My house is also nearly overflowing with anime goods. There isn’t any aspect of my life that isn’t somehow connected to my obsession with anime.

99. And what is anime, if saying in one (or a few words), for you?

To be technical, I define anime as 2D style animation that originates in Japan and is intended primarily for Japanese viewers. In a personal sense, anime is what I love most in the world.

100. Thank you for answering these numerous questions. For the last, please give message to Japanese readers.

I’d like to thank Japanese manga and anime artists for creating the wonderful art that I appreciate and enjoy so much. I hope that Japan continues to create anime for many, many years to come. I’d also like to thank Japanese fans for considering my writing and my opinions about anime. I’m very honored and very grateful that Japanese fans consider my “Ask John” articles interesting and reasonably accurate. Although I am not Japanese, I feel as though our mutual appreciation and enjoyment of hand crafted animation art brings us together and makes us similar. Honto arigatou gozaimasu!