One-time unchallenged holy land of otaku, Tokyo's Akihabara was a heaven for anime, manga, video game, maid café, and collector's items. But today. it is different. So what happened to Akihabara?We chart the past from Akihabara's early days as an electronics district to its growth in the 1990s–2010s as a thriving subculture hub during the golden era of otaku culture. We'll then look at which anime, doujinshi, figure fever, and maid cafés transformed the district into a fans'

It looks delicious at first sight. Perfect ramen, glossy sushi, fluffy pancakes until you realize it's not real. Welcome to the world of Japanese food replicas, or sampulu (サンプル), where plastic food is not just decoration, it's a multi-million dollar industry and an art.We explore the intriguing history of Japan's hyper-realistic restaurant windows. Spawned from functionality and refined through craftsmanship, these mock foods have assisted diners in comprehending menus for more than a hundred years

Today we discuss the rise and fall of one of the most iconic anime studios.Follow the show and connect with us through Linktree! - linktr.ee/anifieldguide- All current events are "current" as of the publishing date of this episodeTheme music is "Lovers' Oasis" by Dark CatMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/dark-cat/lovers-oasis

Summers in Japan isn't just hot, it's a battlefield against the sun. We look into why Japan is so obessed with covering up during the hot and humid weather, its cultural roots and why modern sun protection of all sorts is a multi-million dollar business. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 105 Rockin' Rob and his friends Menace and Subset look into some new releases and news. From the positive signs that Xbox won't increase their game prices, to a look at the new Nyaight of The Living Cat anime, and the new online co-op game FBC Firebreak.

Welcome to episode 1 of the Summer Season (18th) of Anime Pass or Fail! Get ready for intense anime discussions with the Afterthematch crew. Here we watch the newest anime and give our honest opinions based on the plot, animation, character designs, and more. Tune in now to find out which anime PASSES OR FAILS!Anime covered: Gachiakuta Detectives These Days Are Crazy! Solo Camping for Two Nyaight of the Living Cat Mandatory Requisites: Savior: Each host can save one anime once Unlimited: 3

What scares Japan today? From traditional ghost tales and vengeful spirits to viral videos, survival horror video games, and haunted escape rooms — Japanese horror has extended far beyond the traditional.We explore how Japan's romance with horror has evolved in the modern era. No longer rooted in centuries-old folk stories and religious superstitions like yūrei and yokai, horror has also turned digital for the modern age. We’ll discover how horror is experienced in real life too —

Nobody expected summer to be this stacked! Seriously, there may just be too many shows. The usual gang is here to talk over the 2025 anime summer season which features new and returning favs. We talk about The Summer Hikaru Died, Dandadan, City, Takopi’s Original Sin, Ruri Rocks, Silent Witch, and more! Plus recommendations and news! (Please try to ignore my cat’s opinions on the season, she is not qualified to offer opinions on shows she didn’t watch.)

Send us a text In this isekai, we follow the story and development between an unknown protagonist who dies and is reincarnated as a sentient sword who partners and befriends a slave Black Cat.

After 100 episodes of pratfalls, birdcalls, stock gags, flea bags, wild takes and corn flakes, we finally get REALLY TWISTED! It's the wild story of Felix the Cat's 1990s revival series that was as turbulent behind the scenes as it was surreal on the screen. Marc and Jordan from the That's Not Quite All Folks podcast join us as we break down and build up a true cult classic first season that took a drastic turn in the second.FUN!!

This week ZAMP is invaded by.... Cats? What? Wait? Really? Yes, really! We talk about the anime, Nyaight of the Living Cats! Based on the manga of the same name and directed by legendary horror director Takashi Miike. How does this tie into zombies? Well, listen and find out! In our news, we rundown the latest from SDCC with TWD updates, then get to video game updates from Resident Evil, Plants vs Zombies, and more!DiscussionStart - News24:28 - Nyaight of the Living CatComing up on ZAMP! Ok… Now are

Who exactly were the Japanese ninjas? Forget the legends in the films, we delve into the true history of the mythic spies and shadow warriors.Discover where ninjas first emerged, what they actually did (hint: it doesn't involve throwing stars!), and how they shaped Japan's history through espionage, sabotage, and survival.We'll also look at how the ninja legacy lives on to this day — from ninja schools and ninja tourism in Japan, to anime, cosplay, and Hollywood. Check out our social media

The Otalku Cafe is open! Join Mat and Chris as they cover the latest news of anime. Reviews start with shows like Rascal Does Not Dream, Lord of the Mysteries, Nyaight of the Living Cat, Rent a Girlfriend, Hotel Inhumans, Couple of Cuckoos, and the return of Kaiju no. 8!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: You can also watch this episode in video form on

Feds and Julie go full TV spiral this week—from The Sandman’s return to Squid Game S3’s vengeance vibes and The Bear’s emotional burnout.On the anime side: The Apothecary Diaries serves mystery and palace politics, while The Summer That Hikaru Died leaves us haunted in the best way.Sharp takes, soft spots, and a little horror-adjacent heartbreak—just another week with Two Non-Critics.📺 Bonus moments on YouTube📸 Follow @TwoNonCriticsAndACat for reels, recs, and chaos

Follow the show and connect with us through Linktree! - linktr.ee/anifieldguide- All current events are "current" as of the publishing date of this episodeTheme music is "Lovers' Oasis" by Dark CatMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/dark-cat/lovers-oasis

Hosts Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President are STOKED for Anime Expo 2025, and once you here about all these scheduled panels and premieres, you will be, too! We’re also talking about our favorite announcements out of  PlayStation’s State of Play 2025, the upcoming Nyaight of the Living Cat anime, the Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea coming to theaters, and recommending anime for your friends who still just don’t quite get it.Have a question for The Anime Effect

Why is Japan so obsessed with all things small, fluffy, and irresistibly kawaii? From adorable mascots to tiny replicas of food and robot puppies, Japanese cuteness is everywhere — but how did it all begin?We explore the deeper psychological and cultural roots of kawaii, how postwar society, youth culture rebellion, and femininity changed kawaii as a national sentiment — influencing everything from fashion and media to urban landscapes. This is your definitive in-depth exploration of

What happens when anime, manga, and games hit the stage? We dive into the world of 2.5D theater—where fan-favorite characters come to life through musicals, plays, and mind-blowing stagecraft. It’s where fantasy meets reality, and the results are pure magic. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Follow the show and connect with us through Linktree! - linktr.ee/anifieldguide- All current events are "current" as of the publishing date of this episodeTheme music is "Lovers' Oasis" by Dark CatMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/dark-cat/lovers-oasis

Follow the show on Linktree! - linktr.ee/anifieldguideOur first "historical" studio rundown involves the late, great Manglobe (2002-2015).Theme music is "Lovers' Oasis" by Dark CatMusic provided by Uppbeat (free for Creators!)https://uppbeat.io/track/dark-cat/lovers-oasis