Here’s a little Japanese cultural lesson I put together for you, dear viewer. And it’s only $1.50 for a three pack!

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For my fellow Japanophiles. How do you think Americans would react to sudden pretend shootings and slashings?

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Because every day is Japanese pride day for me, I wanted to share two of my favorite pretentious indie rock bands with Japanese lead singers: Band: Enon Lead Singer: Yasuda Toko Song: Mikazuki Band: Blonde Redhead Lead Singer: Makino Kazu Song: Misery is Butterfly

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Death *heart* Hello Kitty, originally uploaded by mind on fire. A photo commentary on the export of various Japanese media phenomena and the increasing incorporation of anime and manga-inspired sexist and escapist fantasy elements into American popular culture Pictures of anime babes and stuff.

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When I was seventeen, I had this conviction that my high school was better than yours. I held this cherished belief even though Vacaville kicked our asses in wrestling every year (metaphorically, because even though you drag your opponent’s elbow against his testicles, no kicking is allowed) and cross-town rival Armijo sent their best students [...]

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Kitsune is the sly and shape-changing Japanese fox. Neko Case is a Seattle punk rocker turned alt-country crooner. It could be just me, but her Ukrainian heritage isn’t evident in her name. Before I ever heard her incredible voice, I was drawn to her name: Neko means “cat” in Japanese. The title song from the [...]

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I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so busy.  I applied to a prestigious writer’s workshop last night.  I should hear back in the next couple of weeks.  I’ll reveal more details then, for better or for worse. Reading takes time, and since my free reading time is at a premium,  books are investments.  I’d [...]

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Detail from the Scroll of Hungry Ghosts showing ghosts devouring corpses in a graveyard. Click to see the full image. A few years back, I took a graduate course called “Japanese Ghosts.” It was a fascinating blend of cultural, folklore, literary, feminist, political and religious studies. One article argued against the common assumption among academics [...]

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I’ve been quoted by Andrew Sullivan on the Daily Dish again. The first time was for my specialist linguistic knowledge. Today I drew on my rich bi-cultural heritage to provide an explanation of the following picture: Andrew Sullivan averages nearly 75,000 visits each day, which is about 74,963 more than I get at Mind on [...]

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My brother forwarded a link to this video, which sent me into the worst case of cubicle giggles I’ve had in years.

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