The very first episode of Culture Japan, featuring Shiori Mikami as a guest in studio. This episode brings us to one of the biggest figure events in the world - the Summer Wonder Festival. We also take a look at how exactly figures are made in the Good Smile Company figure factory in China, and finally take a visit to a Japanese Festival.
The lovely Shiori Mikami joins us once again as an in studio guest as we take look at Edo Wonderland in Nikkou, where one can experience life just as it was in the Edo Period of Japan, as well as experience life as a ninja! We also take a look at otaku rooms from all over the world.
This episode's guests are the wonderful Milky Holmes girls, who give us a look into the world of Milky Holmes and explain what it's like to be an anime voice actress. We'll also take a look at the festivities that went on at the Tokyo Game Show 2010.
Asanon, the P.R Manager of Good Smile Company, joins us as a guest in this episode. We take a look at a Japanese cultural festival taking place at Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School - there are loads of games to play, a ton of food to enjoy, and even some performances to watch!
In this episode we head out to Akihabara, the holy land of all otaku goods. First we visit a 'clone factory', which prints out 3D figures. Next we head out to Hobby Station - a huge trading card store - where we take a look at what sort of goods they have on sale. Afterwards we visit one of the most well-known arcades in Akihabara, 'Taito Station', where our guest Ayako shows us around as we play a few games. Next up we stop off for lunch at one of Akiba's famous maid cafes - delicious food combined with cute girls! Finally we visit the Volks store in the huge Radio Kaikan building - a must-visit for any doll lovers!
In this episode we take part in the 2010 Ita-G Festival - an event filled with 'itasha', which are cars covered with cute anime characters - but there are also bicycles and even motorbikes that also look just as great! We even take a look at how these itasha are made, from start to finish. Afterwards we take a look at Japan's underground bicycle storage systems, and how they are improving space problems around Japan.
In this episode we visit Fujisawa High School and take a look at everything that goes on during a typical Japanese school day - from the various classes, break time, cleaning up the classroom and even after school activities, it's just like spending a day at a Japanese school for the day! Afterwards we take a look at a Japanese shopping street, where you can find all sorts of goodies, from food to 100 yen stores.
In this episode we visit Yashio High School where we take a close look at 'Kyudo', or Japanese archery. We then head to the headquarters of Sammy, a company who create pachinko machines and are also the creators of the popular Twin Angel anime series. After learning a little about pachinko we then head out to a real pachinko parlor with the adorable Sammy girls and give it a go!
This week we visit Singapore and take a look at the 2010 Anime Festival Asia, which featured a number of famous Japanese music artists and voice actors, figures, cosplay competitions, trading card competitions and much more!
In this episode we are joined by the beautiful Eri Otoguro as we take a look all over Shibuya. We have a look at all sorts of places you can do some shopping - from the famous '109' building which is filled with all the most current fashions down to the popular otaku store 'Mandarake'. We even take at some of the wonders you can find in the Shibuya electronic stores and pharmacies.
In this episode we make a visit to Production I.G. where we take a look at how anime is made - from the frame drawing to the coloring. We then visit Yuko Azami-sensei, an illustrator responsible for creating Danny's mascot character Mirai-chan! Finally we pay a visit to 'Web Technology', who are the developers of the software 'Comipo', which helps anyone make manga quickly and easily!
In this episode we take a look at how the various food samples displayed all over Japan are made. After that we head down to the headquarters of Obitsu, a company responsible for making absolutely lovely dolls, and they take us through the process used to make dolls. Finally we also head to a traditional Japanese inn or 'ryokan', where we take a look at how one should spend their day when staying in one of these traditional rooms.
Season 2 of Culture Japan starts with a report on Tohoku - the areas in Ishinomaki and Onnagawa which were hit the most by the tsunami and earthquake. Its a heavy subject for the first ep but made the decision to show it earlier rather than later.
Danny chats with Good Smile Company's Mikatan and Akiyama before taking a look at the festivities of the Wonder Festival, as well as the live broadcast from Tokyo Tower that took place after the event.
Danny has some more discussions with his guests Mikatan and Akiyama at the Good Smile Company Cafe. We then take a look at various Japanese festivals which include the Tanabata in Sendai, Nebuta in Aomori, Obon Odori in Osaka and Omikoshi in Tokyo.
Danny has a discussion with Sekai no YUMI from Amiami, and then takes a look at anime events all over the world - including Anime Expo in America, Japan Expo in France and CharaHobby in Hong Kong.
Danny joins up with Suzuko Mimori to explore the otaku wonderland found in Osaka known as 'Otaroad'. They visit various anime stores and even stop by a maid cafe for a bite to eat where Danny is shouted at by a tsundere maid.
Continuing from the previous episode, Danny continues his exploration of the otaku wonderland found in Osaka known as 'Otaroad' with Suzuko Mimori. This time around they visit the cosplay store, 'Lovepop Studio' and then try out some rumors that all Osaka locals will react when cut with an invisible sword. Finally, Danny goes to watch Suzuko and the other Milky Holmes girls perform live.
Danny returns to his Master in Edo Wonderland along with Elly Otoguro, hoping that Elly can also be trained as a ninja just as he did. They learn how to throw ninja stars, how to run like a ninja, how to navigate through a maze, how to use a kaginawa and finally some sword techniques. Will Elly be accepted as a true ninja as Danny did before her?
Danny and Elly are still in Edo Wonderland, and ready to wander around and enjoy life in the Edo Period. They take a look at various attractions at the historical theme park, and learn about some of Japan's history in the process.
Danny once again has Amiami's 'Sekai no YUMI' in his office as a special guest for some interesting discussions. He then visits the JC Staff offices to find out exactly how anime is made - from the drawing and coloring of the frames down to the final check of the episode. After watching this you might even be able to make some anime of your own!
Danny shows footage from Singapore's Anime Festival Asia 2011, including the various booths at the event, some of the live events on stage and even a look at some of the cosplay at the event. Danny is joined in the studio by guest Yoshimi.
Continuing from the previous episode, we take a look at more of Singapore's Anime Festival Asia. This time we take a look at the Good Smile Company booth, some of the fan-made works at the event, and more of the stage events. We then take a look at Culture Japan Night that took place in Singapore's AKB48 cafe after the event.
Danny meets up with 'Sekai no YUMI' in Asakusa to enjoy the traditional charm in the area. They first take a ride on the boat 'Himeko' designed by Leiji Matsumoto. They then visit the Edokomachi Retro store to dress up in traditional style to visit the Kaminari Gate and Sensouji Temple.
We start off by taking a look at the 2011 Amiami figure rankings. Danny then goes on to explain the origin and creation of Culture Japan. We also take a look at Cybernoids, a company that brings 2D illustrations to life.
