Blog Archives
Something More: Christ’s Sacrifice > Madoka’s, Oukoku Christian Game, and AnoHana and the Supernatural
I didn’t update “Something More” last week, so today’s links include two week’s worth. Sorry for the delay!
Japes looks at the supernatural in AnoHana and how we might approach the topic from a Christian point of view. [Japesland]
Nick Calibey responds to a post that argues that Madoka’s sacrifice in Puella Magi Madoka Magica was greater than Christ’s. [A Rather Silly Blog]
D.M. Dutcher previews Oukoku Game, a manga with a really interesting concept involving Christianity. [Cacao, put down the shovel!]
D.M. Dutcher also reviews several works for Christian viewers/readers:
__
As part of the Something More series of posts, each week Beneath the Tangles links to writings about anime and manga that involve religion and spirituality. If you’ve written such a piece or know of one, please email TWWK if you’d like it included.
Something More: Medieval Maoyuu Maou Yuusha Church, The Last Temptation of Madoka, and Samurai Deeper Christ
Nami dives into the themes of redemption and Christ symbolism in Trigun. [The Budding Philosopher]
Medieval Otaku compares Demon Eyes Kyo to Christ and examines some Christian themes and symbols in Samurai Deeper Kyo. [Medieval Otaku]
D.M. Dutcher of the Cacao, put down the shovel blog continues “A Christian’s Guide to Anime and Manga,” posts providing information and recommendations, with a series of articles detailing:
- specific anime-related definitions [Part 2]
- the definitions and warnings for “moe” and “lolicon” [Part 3]
- how Christians should consider approaching anime and manga [Part 4]
JoeAnimated compares monasticism and the Middle Ages to the church guarding knowledge in episode 3 of Maoyuu Maou Yuusha. [Anime Audiolog]
Usny also mentions the Catholic Church of the Middle Ages in relation to Maoyuu Maou Yuusha, and in an aside, gives thoughts about the rise of fall of the Church’s influence [Desu ex Machina]
Jay notes a scene reminiscent of the temptation of Christ in his review of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. [Jay's Tee Vee]
__
As part of the Something More series of posts, each week Beneath the Tangles links to writings about anime and manga that involve religion and spirituality. If you’ve written such a piece or know of one, please email TWWK if you’d like it included.
Re-Viewed: Angel Beats! Episode 04 and Friends in Need
Of all the interesting characters in Angel Beats!, my favorite is one who is one of the most normal – Hinata. Episode four of the series deals with a baseball game, as we get a glimpse into the former high school baseball player’s past, one in which a simple error cost his team a chance at Koshien and led him to experiment with (and maybe later die from) drugs.
4. Hinata (Art by 妃杈)
Hinata reminds me a lot of a friend I had in middle school. He was older than me, cooler than me, more popular than me, and more mature than me. In spite of it all, this friend not only spent time with me – he actively sought me out, day after day, and watched out for me. He was also the first young person I knew who not only claimed to be Christian, but who lived a life largely free of hypocrisy. Read the rest of this entry
Re-Viewed: Angel Beats! Episode 03 and Choosing Your Way
For me, the height of Angel Beats! was episode 3. Although I enjoyed most of the rest of the show, this particularly episode moved me and ended with a mystery that, unlike in many other anime of the same vein, actually made me think and wonder.
The episode is simple in nature and in fact, reflects a recurring setup – one group infiltrates while another baits Angel. In this case, Yuri’s group, including a new recruit who insists on being called Christ, tries to enter the “most holy place,” the computer desk in Angel’s dorm room (the temple), where she meets with God. But by the end of the episode, whatever Christian motif might have taken place all seems incidental, as discoveries are made about Angel lack of angelic power and Iwasawa becomes one with the universe, apparently by her own will.
Still, I think an important lesson was reemphasized to me while viewing Iwasawa’s story, which was my favorite in the show. The past Iwasawa and the present are two opposites in how they approached their lives.
3. Iwasawa (Art by popurara)
Re-Viewed: Angel Beats! Episode 02 and the Problem of Pain
When I first watched episode two of Angel Beats!, my emotions were mixed. One one hand, I found Yuri’s background a little over-the-top and and the events of her past didn’t strike a chord with me. On the other, I started liking Yuri as a character and embraced her as the centerpiece of this series.
The second time around, things are certainly different. I went in knowing that Yuri isn’t really the heroine of the series. I listened to her words more closely. And I allowed her story to resonate with me…well, more than it did originally.
Yuri’s tale is a difficult one – her failures lead to the violent deaths of her siblings. I’ve certainly never experienced anything of the sort, but all of us have experienced pain that we consider unfair. Twice, Yuri calls her circumstances this – she can’t get over the injustice of it all, probably as much for herself having to go through this experience and live on (at least for a few more years) as her innocent siblings dying in a terrifying way.
2. Yuri (Art by はる)
And who does Yuri blame? Well, a most natural source. Towing the line between agnostic and believer (though probably more accurately a believer who has troubles with her faith), Yuri places her blame on God. She wants to “defy God, if he’s really there.” After all, why would a loving God allow all this tragedy to occur?
This is the problem of pain. Read the rest of this entry
Mitsuru Adachi’s Touch: She Had it Coming
Have you ever loved someone so much that you’ve become violent toward them? That sounds strange, an oxymoron even. But it happens all the time – and even if you don’t have a spouse or kids, perhaps you have some hidden shamefulness in your past toward a family member, a friend, or a pet.
In our culture today, commentary on rape and other violence toward women often includes a minority voice that says, “she had it coming to her,” particularly if a woman dresses a certain way or has a history of disreputable character. Most of us scoff as such commentary, but perhaps many of us at least consider this possibility. One small thought might wisp through our mind – “well, if she hadn’t been out at 4am in that part of town…”
Come on, Tatsuya - what are you thinking?!
Though it’s not on the level of a full assault, I thought a bit about this idea while recently watching Touch, the anime adaptation of Mitsuru Adachi‘s classic manga. Early in the series, Tatsuya slaps Minami in a fit of rage. He feels terrible (though stubborn as he is, he finds it hard to admit his fault) and the reaction against him by the rest of the school body is predictably angry. Minami, however, claims that she “deserved” the slap. I guess we’re supposed to appreciate Minami’s strength in seeing the other side of the coin and accepting a hit like she’s one of the boys.
Aniblogger Testimony: Works righteousness
I intended to end this phase of the Aniblogger Testimonies project several weeks ago, but I’ve been blessed with recent contributions from writers that I admire. One of these anibloggers is Tommy of Anime Bowl, whose piece is below. His is the thirteenth post in the series, joining the others written by Lauren Orisini, R86, Nikko, Arianna, Ed Sizemore, Canne, an anonymous blogger, Annalyn, Zeroe4, Michael Huang, Kokoro Hane, and Charles Dunbar.
One of the biggest enemies of the gospel message is the message of works righteousness – the idea that we have to save ourselves by our own good works. Sadly enough, despite putting my faith in Christ at a young age and believing Ephesians 2:8-9 (“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”), I found my faith slipping further and further as I was taught more and more works righteousness.
I went to an extremely legalistic Christian school, where maybe only 15% of the students who graduated from there are still walking with Christ, thanks mainly due to the Pharisee-esque pile of rules that was dumped upon us. Following a strict dress code – one where your clothes were measured to the last centimeter –was considered of prime importance. Bizarre teachings – such as one that told us that you could only be saved if you saved someone else by the age of 18 – caused many to become disillusioned with Christianity. Jesus spoke against such very things when He told the seven woes to the Pharisees – “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.” (Matthew 23:13) Read the rest of this entry
Christian Seiyuu: Michie Tomizawa
As I’ve emphasized in the past, Japan is by no means a Christian nation. Estimates place the country’s Christian population at around 1-2%. So it’s no surprise that the anime industry employs only a handful that openly claim to be Christian.
But there are a few. The most famous might be Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow (who may no longer be of the faith). Another is semi-retired seiyuu, Michie Tomizawa. A relatively cursory search led to a writing Tomizawa gave about her faith, and I’m elated to share this with you.
Michie Tomizawa does little voice acting these days, but she was once very active. Among her most noted roles are Sailor Mars from Sailor Moon and Linna from Bubblegum Crisis. She retired before marrying in 2002, but still occassionally lends her voice.
She also seems to be an outspoken Christian. An unknown individual did some research, discovering a testimonial Tomizawa wrote in her church’s newsletter. He or she also found and translated an essay Tomizawa wrote under her married name, Michie Itou. Read the rest of this entry
Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Choosing Anime Over Jesus
2DT wrote a wonderful post about the common separate between anime fans and religious folk on his blog. Referencing my anibloggers and religion survey from last year, he discusses the idea that it seems most anime fans simply aren’t interested (or are even against) organized religion. 2DT postulates that a reason for this is that there are “so many more exciting fictions” available than those presented in the Bible.
Please take a look through the comments below the survey. It was exciting for me to read commentary by some of my favorite bloggers and commentators, Christian and otherwise.
Someday’s Dreamers ~Summer Skies~ Episode 01: Washing Feet
With a plethora of new shows on my plate this season, and in the middle of The World God Only Knows, Witch Hunter Robin, and Ookiku Furikabutte, you’d think I’d have plenty to watch if I was in the mood for anime. And so, which of these did I pick last night?
I started a new one, of course. 
Someday’s Dreamers is one of those shows I’ve long wanted to watch, despite knowing little of the premise. The title of the show is about as nostalgic as it can get. It makes me think there’ll be lots of grassy hills, blue skies, forlorn looks, and school friendships in the story (I’m always looking for a tone emulating that of The Place Promised in Our Early Years).
Unfortunately, I accidentally started watching the second anime series instead of the first. Woops. Not the first time I’ve done that.
One episode in, I’m encouraged by the possibilities of this story (and will eagerly anticipate returning to it). But more than that, I’ve quickly connected with the protagonist, Sora. She is both very much still a kid (in ways, reminding my of one of my very favorite characters, Shizuku of Whisper of the Heart), while achieving a level of maturity that most adults don’t have (perhaps because of a wonderful mother and probably similar father). Her maturity is best expressed not so much through words, but by actions which reveal her character. We might get caught up in the plot of the first episode, but the real purpose behind it is not to present a major plot point (though it certainly provides context for the series), but to show us just who Sora is.
Art by yu-hi (Pixiv)
