UlasanAnime.com – My recent immersion in Rock Band has unexpectedly resurfaced a flood of 90s radio hits in my consciousness. These songs have become quite persistent, to the point where I feel compelled to master them at the appropriate difficulty level, currently hovering between medium and hard on the drums. The allure of downloadable tracks is also tempting; I’m hoping they’ll eventually feature some Hootie & the Blowfish, though a Stone Temple Pilots track would also be acceptable, or perhaps even, dare I say, Cake.
However, these temporary diversions are precisely that – temporary. I’m not quite like Jeff Lawson, who navigates a remarkably busy life. While I also have a substantial amount of tasks to attend to, I somehow manage to remain dedicated enough to carve out time for anime. It feels as though my life has, at some point, been fundamentally reconfigured into a highly efficient anime viewing and processing machine. I wouldn’t claim I’m striving to make my life more interesting; rather, I’m simply yielding to my inherent desires, caught in an eternal tug-of-war between what is considered good and what is proper.
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During periods of seasonal lull, it’s quite possible that pure sensuality and its predictable ploys are what draw me from one mediocre anime to another. Yet, amidst the often-excessive fanservice, I invariably stumble upon a gem of genuine worth. It’s akin to discovering a coin in the gutter or a diamond in the rough. This is precisely what sustains my dedication to watching anime throughout the year, year after year. It makes considerable sense to me why the Japanese otaku subculture exhibits such a strong affinity for lolicon – that inherent tension between what is good and what is perhaps better, yet morally questionable. I’m simply grateful that anime occasionally transcends such pandering, offering maturity without becoming mechanically dry. At times, it can be refreshingly naive or surprisingly shrewd. Even when 90% of it might be considered subpar, there remains that crucial 10% of quality content. And even that subpar content sometimes comes with well-executed action sequences and aesthetically pleasing character designs.
Contrary to common perception, I believe that individuals who consume a large volume of media do not frequently become jaded. Critics, on the other hand, often do, perhaps to enhance their credibility, and also because accumulating experience naturally makes it easier to adopt a critical stance. However, being critical does not necessitate looking down upon something or having an excuse to be overly harsh. Some individuals do indeed grow jaded after prolonged exposure to anime, but I suspect these individuals haven’t truly experienced a wide breadth of the medium. This sentiment is more accurately attributed to a form of burnout.
One crucial realization we must all embrace is that anime, historically speaking, is a relatively young medium. While many credit Astro Boy with being the progenitor of modern “anime,” its origins trace back barely 50 years. Given the sheer volume of anime titles being produced in Japan today, it’s imperative to acknowledge that there is more anime available now—on television, on DVD, and online—than ever before, a stark contrast to the scarcity of the past. If you are a recent entrant to this fandom, having joined within the last five years, it’s essential to understand that the anime history spanning the past 35-40 years has been significantly compressed, filtered, and condensed into a readily accessible form of cultural knowledge. Yesterday’s masterpieces remain today’s classics, while last year’s mediocre offerings are often forgotten. Consequently, when we encounter contemporary subpar productions, it’s vital to adopt the correct perspective. Sometimes, this involves revisiting older series.
However, there are also instances where it’s more appropriate to move on. Old shows are, by definition, old. New shows, conversely, are not. They await discovery. To truly appreciate the ongoing evolution of the medium and the dynamic dialogue between creators and their audience, we must continue to progress. I remain profoundly struck by the brilliant dialogue presented at the beginning of episode 6 of ef. Isn’t that the very essence of what we’re discussing?
Too often, we find ourselves haunted by mere lingering memories, running in an empty arena, fueled by the intense longing for something that has passed but is still hoped for. It’s imperative not to fall into that trap. Embrace your anime experiences as they come. True, enduring passion is not a fleeting trend. Kamina’s sacrifice was not solely for you, but also for those who are yet to come. Even those who may lack passion can simply enjoy anime for what it is, rather than elevating it into something far grander than the show itself and the culture that surrounds it. Cherish the profound gravity of an Evangelion-sized narrative, but never forget that it is not a matter of life and death. While feelings may be uncontrollable, our actions certainly are.
He’s going the distance
He’s careless about speed
We’re not alone
Cuz we got all we need!
Omedetou Kazuki!
