Christmas in Japan

Comparing major holidays around the world is always fascinating, and when it comes to Japan, Christmas is not to be overlooked.

Christmas was initially introduced to Japan with the arrival of the first Europeans in the 16th century. But only in recent decades has the event become widely popular (despite the fact that Christians make up only 1% of the population).

Encouraged by commerce, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. More and more people are taking up traditions such as decorating their homes, giving presents to friends, holding Christmas parties around Christmas Day, and celebrating the event with a special meal. Christmas lights decorate cities, and Christmas trees adorn living areas and malls. Christmas Eve has even become a holiday for couples to spend time together and exchange gifts. 

In manga, Christmas is one of my favorite subjects (especially since it usually sees couples with romantic aspirations visiting amusement parks ;). No matter what, it seems, there are three points you can always count on:



Fried Chicken - A successful advertising campaign in the 1970s made eating at KFC around Christmas a national custom. Its chicken meals are so popular during the season that stores take reservations months in advance.





Christmas Cake - The other traditional Japanese Christmas food is Christmas Cake, usually made of sponge cake, strawberries and whipped cream. You can find a wide selection of good-looking Christmas cakes at stores. 




Couples - Christmas Eve has become a night for couples to go out and spend a romantic time together at fancy restaurants or hotels in Japan. It isn't easy to make reservations for such restaurants and hotels at the last minute on the day.


Merry Christmas! :)

What's your favorite Christmas tradition in manga?

Sources: wikipedia, japan-guide.com, gojapan.about.com

5 Centimeters per Second

Title: 5 Centimeters per Second
Japanese Title: Byousoku 5-senchimeetoru
Author: Makoto Shinkai (story), Yukiko Seike (art)
Publisher: Vertical
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated: Teen (brief sensuality, thematic elements throughout)

Summary: Love can move at the speed of terminal velocity, but as award-winning director Makoto Shinkai reveals in his latest comic, it can only be shared and embraced by those who refuse to see it stop.

Takaki Tohno quickly befriends Akari Shinohara when she transfers to his school. They grow closer to each other due to similar interests and attitudes; for instance, they both prefer to stay inside during recess due to their constitutions. As a result, they form a strong bond.

Upon ending their school year, Akari moves to Tochigi, due to her parents' jobs. The two keep in contact by writing letters, but eventually begin to drift apart.

Art: Evocative, detailed in all the right places but not cluttered.
Story: Sweet and sad and at times heartwrenching, but it never crossed the downer line. It had its wordy times but also its wordless times, so it balanced out well enough. The overall premise is simple and quiet but the subject matter is heavy and evocative.
Characters: Normal but real. You could understand what they were going through, and really root for each of them, even as their happiness in love went against another's.

End: The ending is not something an American would expect, but it's definitively Japanese. Be prepared for disappointment yet contentment - it's what they do best.

Recommend?: If you like a heavy-hearted romance.

B.O.D.Y. 1-10

Title: B.O.D.Y.
Author: Ao Mimori
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-10
Publisher: VIZ, Shojo Beat
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated: Older Teen (sensuality, innuendo, some language)

Summary: Everyone thinks 16-year-old Ryoko has a weird taste in guys because she can't stop drooling over Ryunosuke, the strong silent type who sits next to her in class. When she discovers he works for a host club--where women actually pay men to date them--will she finally wise up? Or will he leave his job to be with her? Or will she take a job at the club so he can quit and she can be with him...? Only one thing's for sure in B.O.D.Y.--you can't put a price on love!

Art: B&W; soft and pretty
Story: Interesting at first, when he was a host, but it went downhill from there and became too angsty. By Volume 10 I was pretty fed up with the whole thing.
Characters: All the characters are well done - it's the story given to them that weighs them down way too much. Ryoko and Ryunosuke are a sweet couple, even when they are tested (again and again and again...).

Comments: It was good at first, but after a while I got sick of all the drama. Originally I was collecting these, but by Volume 4 I regretted the purchase. When they came into the library I thought I would see what happened, and am glad I stopped buying them.

Favorite Bit: The beginning, when he was a host (first 3 volumes).

Recommend?: If you like angsty romances where the couple never gets to be happy.

Line by Yua Kotegawa

Title: Line
Author: Yua Kotegawa
Publisher: ADV Manga
Genre: Manga; Young Adult Thriller
Rated: Older Teen (violence, some gore, intense situations, language)

Summary: Normal. Carefree. This was Chiko's life before the day she found the cell phone. Before the voice on the other end said she had scant minutes to save the life of someone she'd never met. Now, accompanied by her classmate Bando, Chiko has just one night to stop a series of gruesome deaths before they can occur.

Art: Black & white; simple backgrounds, pretty characters.
Story: A quick, intense one-shot that kept my interest all the way through. It read more like a Japanese novel than a manga, but without the length of an actual novel, which was nice.
Characters: Everyone was a little odd (especially Bando), but Chiko's strength fit the story.

Comments: While simple, it was interesting and I enjoyed the short burst of intensity it brought to my evening.

Recommend?: If you like time-clock thrillers, it's worth the one-sit read.

A Bride's Story 1-2

Title: A Bride’s Story
Japanese Title: Otoyomegatari
Author: Kaoru Mori
Publisher: Yen Press
Volumes Read: 1,2
Genre: Manga; Adult Historical
Rating: Adult (some nudity)

Summary: Acclaimed creator Kaoru Mori (Emma, Shirley) brings the nineteenth-century Silk Road to lavish life, chronicling the story of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe betrothed to a twelve-year-old boy eight years her junior. Coping with cultural differences, blossoming feelings for her new husband, and expectations from both her adoptive and birth families, Amir strives to find her role as she settles into a new life and a new home in a society quick to define that role for her.

In Volume 2, she struggles to remain with her new groom despite the wishes of her family, who would see her wed another. Will Amir be able to preserve the bonds she has cultivated in her new home?

Art: Black & white: Absolutely beautiful with exquisite detail.

Story: Where I should have been bored with the simple act of following this family in their everyday lives, I found myself engrossed with every frame, studying every panel closely before moving onto the next. The slow feel of most of the chapters is relaxing, and before you know it you are lazily drifting along, thoroughly enjoying the simple act of something as mundane as making bread.

Characters: Simple and immensely fascinating, you can’t help but fall in love with the whole lot - and be dazzled by the sheer foreignness of them compared to our life and time.

Comments: I expected this to be boring and was amazed how enraptured I became within just the first few pages. I could feel just how much time Kaoru took on each frame and savored them, which made the whole story experience all the sweeter. I cannot wait to read more of this series.

Favorite Bit: Amir – she is so fun and loveable, and even with her “elevated” age she is still a child and I adore her greatly.

Recommend?: Definitely, yes!

Library Wars: Love & War 1-7

Title: Library Wars: Love & War
Japanese Title: Toshokan Sensou LOVE&WAR
Author: Kiiro Yumi
Original Concept: Hiro Arikawa (novels)
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-7
Publisher: VIZ, Shojo Beat
Genre: Dystopian Action Romance
Rated: Older Teen (some violence)

Summary: In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections and form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces! Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job isn't quite what she thought it would be. Especially when her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it out for her!

Art: B&W; Good-looking characters, simple backgrounds, smooth flow and action.
Story: An interesting concept. With the way the real world is going right now, this actually feels like it could come to pass. The "romance" isn't very strong but it's fun and sweet; the action is interesting and engaging. There's even a bit of intrigue weaved in.
Characters: A well-balanced group. Everyone is fun and different and no matter who takes the lead I always enjoy the story.

Favorite Bit: It's about libraries. Nuff said.

Comments: An interesting story that I will continue following. I would love to read the novels.

Recommend?: Definitely.

Natsume's Book of Friends 9-11

Title: Natsume's Book of Friends
Japanese Title: Natsume Yujincho
Author: Yuki Midorikawa
Volume(s) Reviewed: 9-11
Publisher: Shojo Beat, VIZ
Genre: Young Adult Supernatural
Rated: Teen (scary images and situations, thematic elements)

Summary: For as long as he can remember, Takashi Natsume has been cursed by the ability to see spirits, a power inherited from his grandmother Reiko. Upon her death, Reiko bequeaths to her grandson her Book of Friends, a book containing the names of spirits Reiko had bullied into servitude. The Book of Friends is a highly prized item in the spirit world, and spirits haunt Takashi constantly. Whereas Reiko formed the contracts, however, Takashi spends his time dissolving the contracts and releasing the various spirits that come to him for help. But that doesn't mean there aren't malicious spirits trying to kill him.

Art: Black & white; soft, penciled.
Story: I didn't think one could go this long with such a simple premise, but Yuki pulls it off beautifully. Each storyline is different and interesting - she must've done her research.
Characters: Natsume is gradually growing and changing emotionally, and it's a wonderful thing to watch. His kindness and innocence make him easy to care about. The "regulars" are fun and interesting and really fill out the simple premise, especially the two friends from school (Volume 11, Chapters 42 and 43).

Comments: Japan's Shinto religion is always a fascinating subject for me, so Natsume is right up my interest alley. I find this series a calm read because of Natsume's easy take on things and the soothing feel of the art, even if most of the time they are dealing with disgruntled or evilish spirits. It also has some amusing moments as well. Can't wait to read more.

Favorite Bit: His protector, Nyanko-sensei, resides in a lucky cat statue! And his true form is beautiful and looks so soft (see cover of Volume 9 above)...

Recommend?: Definitely

Kana-a-Week: Vacation

To focus on my new writing project this week, I took a break from my pursuit to learn Japanese. I feel extremely guilty because I only learn one character a week, but I have over 11k words to show for my writing perseverance instead!

If only learning another language was as easy as writing a novel. :\

Kana-a-Week will return next week!

I Am Here! 1-2

Title: I Am Here!
Japanese Title: Ko Ko Ni Iru Yo
Author: Ema Toyama
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1, 2 (complete series)
Publisher: Kodansha/Del Rey
Genre: Manga; Contemporary Romance
Rated: Middle Grade (bullying)

Summary: Invisible to her classmates, Hikage Sumino is an eighth grader with no self-esteem. Her only friends are the visitors to her Internet blog. One day, the most popular boy in the grade suddenly talks to her. Encouraged by this twist of fate, Hikage determines to transform her life. But after the sudden disappearance of the encouraging "Black Rabbit" from her blog, a series of surprises shake up Hikage's world. What if someone you met online turned out to be someone you knew in real life? Hikage, Hinata, and Teru must overcome jealousy and betrayal, and together learn valuable lessons about friendship, love, and forgiveness.

Art: Cute and sweet.
Story: I could relate to an "invisible" girl, so the story touched me. It's a simple plot, but a strong one that I really got into. Ema did a good job with the Hikage-Hinata-Teru triangle, and the conclusion was satisfying and uplifting.
Characters: I adored Sumino - my heart went out to her, and I really cared what happened to her. The best friend yet completely opposite boys, Hinata and Teru, are cute and likeable, and it was easy to root for both to the end. Even the "background" characters had fun personalities. Ema did an excellent job.

Comments: I expected this to be just another fluff manga, and was pleasantly surprised to find loveable characters and a heartwarming depth to such a simple and common story. Will definitely read again.

Favorite Bit(s): (1) Sumino's hair looks like she has ears! XD; (2) The volumes are extra-thick, so I didn't feel like one sitting and it was gone; and (3) Mahimahi :).

Recommend?: Highly.

Kana-a-Week: Vowel Review

I should have done this two weeks ago, but it's never too late to review!

(I found this chart on the ACMT Japanese Club blog. Doesn't that top row make them look a whole lot easier to write?)

Notes: Keeping them straight has been a bit difficult (my memory is horrible), but at least the more I practice the more I get better at writing them, even if I can't remember what they stand for. ;) I'm hoping once I learn enough and start forming words, they'll stick better in my mind.

Order Trick: The Japanese order their vowels different than Americans do, so the right order can be a bit confusing to remember. However, if you know them, like I do, as A-E-I-O-U (1-2-3-4-5), all you have to remember is that the Japanese order them as 1-3-5-2-4. Once I noticed this, remembering the Japanese vowel order has been a snap.

Next week: I return to the Ks!

Kana-a-Week: ki

Roman: ki

Sound: key

My Description: Abstract of the imperial palace (you see it with the loop connected).

Notes: I got mixed signals about the loop connecting. I myself connect it (because it's easier), although I'm still working to get it just right.

Kana-a-Week: ka

Roman: ka

Sound: cah

My Description: Leaning "h" with a beak chirping at it.

Notes: A little harder to get just right - still haven't, actually. I keep making it too large. Argh.

Kana-a-Week: o

Roman: o

Sound: oh

My Description: A "t" skewering a pork bun with a side dink.

Notes: To my enjoyment, this one was easy to pick up, although I still have to be careful not to get the turnaround too large.

Next week: Into the double-letters!

Black Butler 1-8

Title: Black Butler
Japanese Title: Kuroshitsuji
Author: Yana Toboso
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-8
Publisher: Yen Press
Genre: Manga; Supernatural/Horror
Rated: Older Teen (strong violence, scary images, some gore)

Summary: Just a stone's throw from London lies the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom and its master, one Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive is a giant in the world of commerce, Queen Victoria's faithful servant...and a slip of a twelve-year-old boy. Fortunately, his loyal butler, Sebastian, is ever at his side, ready to carry out the young master's wishes. And whether Sebastian is called to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London's underbelly, there apparently is nothing Sebastian cannot do. In fact, one might even say Sebastian is too good to be true...or at least, too good to be human...

Art: Creepy cute.
Story: The premise is most interesting - I've always liked the "adult-child controlling an adult" dynamic. The serial stories are well done by extremely dark and heavy. No matter what, practically everyone comes to a sticky, gruesome end, and poor Ceil is left even more scarred than he already is. I adore the stand-alone chapters about Sebastian running the household - and the disasters that ensue at the hands of the staff.
Characters: I imagine Ceil as the Portrait of Dorian Gray, on the inside. Poor baby. Sebastian is cruel and heartless and yet you can't help but fall madly in love with his beauty and bad-boy soul (if he even has one). The house staff are welcome comedic relief, but I adored discovering who they really were as well (Sebastian certainly doesn't keep them around for their household skills). The serial story characters are well crafted and, as with the circus storyline, can even leave you rooting for them against Ceil in some ways. Not that they have any hope of winning, though. In this series, there are no "good" characters, just "bad" and "worse" - and Ceil and Sebastian are not always the "bad" ones.

Comments: I originally started reading this series in the Yen Plus magazine, and loved it. I still do, but must warn that it is an extremely dark and twisted series that only gets worse with each volume. Yet, somehow, Yana never seems to cross "The Line," most likely because beautiful art makes even the most horrific things beautiful. I will definitely continue to read on, but will never expect any kind of happy ending out of it.

Favorite Bit: Sebastian has a cat fetish! A demon after my own heart.

Specials: Each volume has an "alternative" inside cover, and an "alternative" storyline on the inside back cover. They can be quite snicker-worthy...

...or something. :)

Recommend?: If you like dark, creepy, beautiful manga.

Kana-a-Week: e

Roman: e

Sound: eh

My Description: A fancy Z with a dink or a duckbill over it.

Notes: This one was easier to learn, although getting the bottom hump just right took a lot of practice. I think I may be starting to get the hang of this!

Next week: I complete the vowels with "o"...

Kana-a-Week: u

Roman: u

Sound: oo

My Description: A shepherd's crook with a dink and/or a kissing duck bill over it.

Notes: Pretty easy, but unfortunately the practice sheet gives about three different versions, so I had no idea which one to master. Is there a special dip before you begin the crook (as shown here)? Does it start with a handle, or just swoop up and then down? And what's with the dink above? Just a dink, or a duck bill? So confusing...

Kana-a-Week: i

Roman: i

Sound: ee

My Description: Two bad attempts at back-to-back bird beaks (which this picture does not do justice).

Notes: And I thought last week's was bad. This picture makes it look easy, but it's hard to get the angles just so.

I would like to note that I just found the ACMT Japanese Club Blog, which although it was short-lived informed me I have been learning the very difficult "typed" version of Kana, instead of the handwritten version. I am extremely miffed with my practice pad for misleading me, and shall in future let myself be a little lax with how perfect my pretzels need to be.

Saturn Apartments 1-2

English Title: Saturn Apartments
Japanese Title: Dosei Mansion
Author: Hisae Iwaoka
English Publisher: VIZ Signature
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-2
Genre: Manga; Young Adult Sci-Fi
Rated: Teen (thematic elements)

Summary: Far in the future, humankind has evacuated the earth in order to preserve it. Humans now reside in a gigantic structure that forms a ring around the earth, 35 kilometers up in the sky. The society of the ring is highly stratified: the higher the floor, the greater the status. Mitsu, the lowly son of a window washer, has just graduated junior high. His father assumed dead on the job, Mitsu takes on his father's occupation. As he struggles with the transition to working life, Mitsu's job treats him to an outsider's view into the living-room dioramas of the Saturn Apartments.

Art: Full black & white; somewhat simple, sometimes cutesy but mostly just passable. (I'm more one for "cuter" art. ;)
Story: Simple and slow (a good slow, mind you), but fun and engaging. A good, quiet read.
Characters: Simple and homey, yet realistic and interesting.

Comments: It's an interesting premise, something straight out of Doctor Who, except it doesn't need rescuing - yet. It's a very calm read, but has its gasp moments - they do have a highly dangerous job. I am definitely curious to see what happens to Mitsu - will he ever make it down to Earth to find his father?

Favorite Bit: A cat in space! In a spacesuit!

Recommend?: Definitely

Kana-a-Week: a

Roman: a

Sound: ah

My Description: A wonky "t" and a backwards, tipsy "e" make a pretzel

Notes: Getting the loops on the "e" just right were very difficult, and I'm still not sure if I've got it quite right.

Kana-a-Week Introduction

To begin learning how to read and write Japanese (one of the hardest languages in the world), I purchased the Kana-a-Day Practice Pad, on the advice that Kana is much easier, and one must start with Kana before tackling the daunting Kanji. I was weary, because Kana is all squiggles and pretzels, and I am much better suited to the sharp lines of Kanji. But "they" insisted, and so I start with Kana.

My first Kana was "a," which is none of than A PRETZEL. *sob* Even after a week of practice, I have no hope of mastering it. Easier my foot...

However, I am determined to learn Japanese, so I press on. Instead of "a-day," though, I am doing one a week, so I can better learn the strokes and hope to retain them better. Every week I shall post on the previous week's Kana, with my take on it and my notes on my attempts to "master" it.

I Love Japan

Ever since I discovered my first manga all those years ago at my local library (Ranma 1/2, I believe), I have been fascinated by all things Japanese. While ahead of America in many ways (especially technologically), Japan still clings to its traditions, creating a magnificent mixture of old and new that I can't learn enough about.

I have started this blog to talk about the things that excite me from this amazing country, and chronicle my slow but sure steps to travel to my beloved Japan - and hopefully, one day, move there, where I feel I belong.

Now, if I can only acquire a taste for fish...