Death of a Bachelor
We here at the Monthly send out a big congratulations to Lonnie Hamilton, our man in Haibara 2, and his wife Asuka on their recent wedding.
For those of you who did not know, Lonnie and Asuka decided to tie the knot this month and are now enjoying a state of matrimonial bliss.
Death of a Bachelor, Part II
Not to be outdone by Lonnie, Matt also got "hitched" this month as well.
It seems that he finally decided to marry his wife of 6 years and the mother of his two children.
"I had family visiting for two weeks. It was the first time my family met my wife's family, so we decided to have a little Japanese wedding. It was a blast!" said Matt.
Don't Serve Tea
It's an issue maybe often talked about amongst the Vagina Monologues and feminist groups, but heard less frequently in daily work life amongst female employees. This is especially true in the case of Japanese career women.
As a woman, I have encountered plenty of sexual discrimination. I've encountered it less in my opinion in the States, but by far more frequently in foreign countries. As our FIA force consists mainly of men, this may seem like it doesn't pertain to you, but bear with me. I am not asking for worldwide dominance or for men to agree to the simple fact that women will someday take over the world.
In Japan, many of the women members, no matter what their positions may be, must serve tea or coffee, do the secretarial grunt work, assume less responsibility, lower salary standards, difficulty in climbing up the ladder, and more stares at their thighs than their abilities and ambitions. Also keep in mind, at the same time they have to put up with men that are really boys for that matter, with a serviced smile. It's infuriating to hear this especially when these women members stumble in late to class not because of a meeting, business trip, or something dire, but because they had to serve tea.
As a woman, I can say this and I do, I tell them that this is unheard of in the States. Culturally it's different, I understand. In the States, being strong headed and intelligent and not lowering to demeaning work is respected. Back in the States, I would never serve tea to men unless they were my clients and I was the host, but definitely not on every beck and call occasion because really men have hands and it can't be possibly beneath them to serve tea to their own clients, now would it? In Japan, you just can't stand up alone unless you have a group of people supporting you. Backbone is key, but it is lacking in many aspects of Japan.
This is just one instance that I find my members talk to me about, especially female students. Equality between the sexes is still an issue. The idea that women are too fragile, have too many emotions, might become pregnant, are not cut throat enough, are simply not intelligent enough to handle the task is preposterous. These are just male excuses. If we accept that, yes, both men and women are flawed in different aspects, but we allow our counterparts to also play the roles we have only allowed a specific group to partake in, we could see the strengths as well. Hilary Clinton, just by making an advance toward presidency, was a victorious rise for women. She stood up and we saw. She and Obama are examples showing that people are not categorized and if you want to you really can play any role you want in life. Women should do the same in their daily lives. People in general that are discriminated against, especially foreigners living in Japan, should do the same. Taking a stance and not being stepped on is backbone.
Of course, men always take the sexual discrimination issue the wrong way to meaning they shouldn't open doors for women, no ladies first, they can now talk trash in front of women, and compliments are not allowed anymore. I am not asking for discourtesy or neglect of politeness, that is not the issue at hand. Chivalry is not in question. Respect and using everyone's ability to work together instead of which sex is superior to the other is the issue. I am of course, willing to hear a male counterpoint of view, if there is one.
By Jenny
Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009
Every March, at Tokyo Big Site, is the Tokyo International Anime Fair. This year it was March 18-21. The first two days are for business only with the last two days open to the public. As the 20th was a holiday I decided to make the most of the long weekend and hit the big T. Those of you here in 2007 might remember that I went for the first time that year.
Getting to Big Site is always an adventure and includes a monorail ride that gives a nice view of the harbor. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up, I forgot my camera at the hotel the day of the fair, so no pictures.
After arriving at Big Site, the waiting begins. I swear it was a 30 minute shuffle from the entrance to the event hall.
Once inside, everything is wonderfully controlled chaos. My first stop was the area called Creators Corner.
The Creators Corner features new and independent anime artists displaying their work, selling DVDs, and chatting with fans. One of the creators I chatted with was Masashiro Ushiyama, an older guy who has been working with computer animation since the late 90's. What particularly caught my eye was the preview of his short anime story R.S., a futuristic war story available to watch online.
Another big feature of the fair was the international area, featuring animation schools from different countries (including Canada) and animation companies from countries like China, Korea, The Philippines and Indonesia.
This year the new anime series I am most looking forward to is the upcoming adaptation of Cat S*** One (I love that title!). Based on the manga series, by Motofumi Kobayashi, about the Vietnam War (fought by cute bunnies, kitties, and pandas), CS1: The Animated Series takes place in a fictional Afghanistan/Iraq setting featuring rabbits versus camels. Coming next winter, you can see the awesome trailer on Youtube.
I spent about five hours wandering around (and fighting the crowds) looking at displays and collecting free stuff (pamphlets, sample DVDs, etc.).
The Maid Cafes
On Sunday I made my obligatory visit to Akihabara. This time my goal was to experience a maid café. I'd been to one a few years ago but it was pretty plain, though the food was really good.
I ended up going to two different cafés in the same building (Why does it always rain when I go to Akihabara?).
The first one I went to, MaiDreamin (http://maidreamin.com/index.html), was of the ultra-kawaii variety. I had a little snack of karaage and then cake and tea. The décor was like a cute dinner and the cutesy music was turned up. The best part though was I was able to have a friendly chat with the guy sitting beside me and his Chinese friend. The denizens of Akiba are a friendly lot.
The second place I went
to, Candy Fruit Strawberry (http://candyfruit-strawberry.com/), was not as blatantly kawaii and had a more relaxed atmosphere.Both cafés were cute without being creepy and had quite a few women customers. The next time you are in Tokyo I highly recommend checking them out and experiencing a maid café!
- By Chris C.
Editor's Note:
I am well aware of the irony of having the above article follow Jenny's and expect to get a stern lecture from my female colleagues.
The Agony and the Ecstacy
As most people know, I stagger from place to place in various states of physical (and mental) disrepair. Last month, while competing in the prefectural over 100 kg/under 55 years of age biannual bikini mud wrestling tournament, I had the misfortune of drawing a match with a young lady with the puzzling name of "Randy". I felt confident, despite being outweighed by roughly 35 kg, and losing three points at the beginning of the match for what was termed "bikini coverage" issues. Despite my zeal, I once again ended up with a mouthful of mud while my victorious opponent (I assume, as I lack basic speaking skills in pretty much all languages) screamingly questioned my parentage and the promiscuity of my dear old Mater to the enthralled crowd.
Later, while cooling down in the bikini wax/sushi preparation room, I noticed a slight twinge in my neck accompanying the usual post match kidney and spleen pain. Luckily for myself, and anyone else who has aches/pains or is simply looking to relax, I found a practitioner of acupuncture and massage fairly close to Y-City.
I could speak volumes of his gentle hands and fluent English, but I fear I will appear biased. Suffice to say, my neck pain swiftly departed, and I once again am a semi-functioning adult. If anyone wishes to partake, his office is located on the same road as Toda Books, across the new 246, on the left. Appointments aren't necessary, but English questions are fielded at 055-960-9880 (Ask for Mr. Suzuki). His rates also helped heal my wounds; a full hour treatment is only \3500, or you can drop in for 15 minutes for only \500! I hope to see you all come out and compete in the next tournament; everyone* is welcome!
*After last year's choking incident, excessively hairy people are no longer welcome. Yes, I am talking to you, Jesse.
By Matt G.
Parting Advice from Kinsella
As many of you know, the FIA Monthly Newsletter has had a change of editors this month. Our previous editor, Kinsella, managed to escape somehow (investigations are still pending) which means that this edition of the Newsletter has a "newbe at the helm.
Such a grand undertaking as being EDITOR OF THE NEWSLETTER would naturally frighten someone unfamiliar with the position. So using my vast journalistic resources, I managed to track Kinsella down and was given the following words of wisdom concerning my new endeavor: 'Large font. Lots of pictures.'
Thanks Kinsella!
Let live for centuries the name and work of Comrades: Brian W., Dale S., Michael D., Jesse, Jimmy, Jenny, and Karen for their contribution to the Proletarian cause. Speak out, Brothers and Sisters!! Contribute, join the anit0imperialist struggle!
