2AM OTTACK! - Anime Manga Podcast -

In this episode, we discuss the opening and ending theme songs for Dandadan Season 2 as well as the events of episodes 1-8. What happened to the revolution in AiNA THE END’s Kakumei Douchuu? What’s wrong with WurtS’s Doukashiteru? Why is Yoshiki of X Japan wearing a neck brace? Are you Dandadown to find out?Listen also...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsN4LSnNg4&t=1140s...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Cisco recounts his experience of seeing Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle (that's a mouthful) at a Japanese theater in Akita prefecture. In addition to sharing thoughts about the film itself, we explore the differences between seeing movies in Japan and the US and where we see things going from here!  Warning: contains some SPOILERS for Infinity Castle, primarily who fights whom!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ 

 In this episode we wrap up our conversation about Takopi's Original Sin by discussing the events of the final episode and what the series is trying to say.  Do you agree with our critiques? How do YOU think the series should have wrapped up?  Listen and let us know what you think!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ #takopi #animepodcast #animereview

 In this episode we talk about episodes 3-5 of the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, breaking down what we think is going on in the series' timeline and with the characters, as well as speculating about what the show is trying to say about abusers, victims, and people caught in between.  While this episode might not make you feel that good, we hope it will make you think!https://youtu.be/gr9eOjZvGFs?si=REVTGg3OS4vmildd ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ #animereview #animepodcast 

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime "The Summer Hikaru Died" - we talk about the plot's set-up, the characters' accents, the depiction of the Japanese countryside, and of course our opinions about the opening and ending theme songs. What would we change if we could? Listen and find out!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ #thesummerhikarudied #animereview #animepodcast 

 In this episode, we break down some of the events of the final episodes of The Apothecary Diaries. Who's Tamamo? What's up with that jade cicada? Why does Mayu think Sir Jinshi is "like a little child?" Listen and find out!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, and give our thoughts on the opening and ending theme songs, the ending's official music video, the themes and social problems depicted in the anime, and the story's twists and turns.  Join us to learn more about "ijime" in Japan and hear our reactions to this show!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Cisco shares his reactions and thoughts to the first three episodes of the second season of DanDaDan, released in American theaters (and worldwide!) as DanDaDan: Evil Eye.  How is the co-directing working out?  What’s different from the first season? Why the hell don’t these “first three episode” movies ever include the opening or ending theme songs? Listen for (most of) the answers!Listen alsohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/598YjCpwRAMCDlg9rY08dJ?si=da1522ccdbc84ee6https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uoCqv7ih4caaAws2YYR3A?si=1c6a42d0b65e4650...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we discuss the newest project from Shinichiro Watanabe, Lazarus. We cover the story, characters, opening and ending theme songs, and what the series is trying to say and how it might end. How similar is this to the original Cowboy Bebop? How did a more international team affect this show? Listen to our thoughts, watch it for yourself, and let us know what you think!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ottack_podcast/⁠⁠⁠#lazarusanime #lazarus #carboybebop

In this episode, we weigh in on the most recent developments in Kowloon Generic Romance, the relationship between the manga and the anime (and the dangers of adapting a work that's still in progress), the relationship between "originals" and "generics", why some people can see Kowloon and some can't, the emotions of the different characters, and what the "absolute self" really is. Discover who our favorite characters are (and why!) and why Mayu thinks Cisco might be a Zirconian. Hit us up in the comments with your own theories about this show!Listen also...   • #48 Kowloon Generic Romance - Thrilling Ro...  ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ #kowloongenericromance #animereview #animepodcast

In this episode, we talk about the opening and ending themes from this season's most bewitching anime, Witch Watch! Since we were deprived of getting to see (and hear!) them during the theatrical "Witch Watch Watch Party," find out how we feel about the series's music and all-important opening and ending animations!  Includes a bonus digression into the Japanese music industry's reliance on physical media (CDs) and slowness to adopt digital music (relative to other East Asian countries!)https://youtu.be/J811tcnuvp0?si=3LZfig4hGGoN8RlO ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we explore Netflix's original 18-episode anime series, Moonrise.  We discuss the awesome music, extraordinarily confusing plot, compelling character designs, and our thoughts about the series overall. Not sure what the heck was going on? Eager to know more about the series' origins?  Listen and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Moonrise01:26 Summary of the Story03:16 Character Design and Music07:27 Themes and Plot Analysis17:23 Overall Impressions and Critiques ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ #moonrise #animereview #animerecommendations

In this episode, we avoid cringey Gen Z puns while talking about The Darwin Incident.  We explore veganism, the epidemic of mass shootings in America, the concept of animal rights, and how the United States is perceived from abroad.  Not sure what a humanzee is, or whether there's ever actually been one? Find out by listening!Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Darwin Incident02:59 Major Themes of The Darwin Incident04:56 Animal Rights and Veganism09:54 How Other Countries See America14:37 A Real-Life Humanzee?! The Strange Case of Oliver17:41 Ethical Implications of Humanzee Research27:39 2AM OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー人 / Hitoー

In this episode we talk about the Apothecary Diaries (again!), this time examining the phenomenon of "magic" engraved mirrors and the history of ice cream.  How does a magic mirror work?  Who has the best claim to the invention of frozen creamy desserts - China, Persia, or England? What's a yuurei? Listen now and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Episodes 38-42 of The Apothecary Diaries01:40 Episode 38: Dancing Ghosts and Magic Mirrors05:52 Episode 39: The Ice Cream Mystery11:32 Who Is Shisui, Really?17:22 OP Theme Song "Kusushiki" by Mrs. Green Apple18:36 2AM OTTACK! Word of the Day ーYuurei / 幽霊 ー

In this episode we talk about the 2025 feature-length anime The Rose of Versailles.  In addition to our opinions about this version of the story, we talk about the historical people who inspired the characters, which parts are real and which are fiction, and the far-reaching influence of Riyoko Ikeda’s original 1970s manga.  Brush up on your knowledge of 1780s France by joining us for this conversation!0:00 Introduction 03:01 Introduction to The Rose of Versailles 08:19 Marie Antoinette IRL 16:03 Oscar and the Historical Figure that Inspired Her 17:22 Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen the Younger (and His Life) 19:26 Feminism and Gender Roles: The Rose of Versailles and Revolutionary Girl Utena24:56 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー誇り / Hokoriー26:44 The Show's Reference to "Julie, or the new Heloise" by Rousseau...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8⁠⁠ ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga

In this episode we introduce To Be Hero X, a new Chinese-Japanese anime collaboration with an original story and star-studded Japanese voice cast.  We examine the mash-up of visual styles (which mixes 2D and 3D), talk about its time slot in Japan (replacing One Piece!), and opine on the series’ central conceit, which is that a hero’s social media popularity and people’s faith in them is what determines their power(s).  Learn about the Japanese term for hero and where we think the show might go next!...0:00 Opening 01:24 To Be Hero X Introduction 03:43 Animation Styles - 3DCG and Regular 2D 06:18 To Be Hero X Replaces One Piece?!07:26 S-Rank Japanese Voice Actors in To Be Hero X09:17 Hero Rankings and Social Media Influence in Modern Society18:56 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー英雄 / Eiyuuー21:55 Final Thoughts and Future Expectations...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8⁠⁠ ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #TOBEHEROX #ANIMEREVIEW #ANIMEREACTION

In this episode we discuss the recent Netflix remake of the 90s anime Yaiba! Samurai Legend, speculate about why 80s/90s remakes are so popular currently, and ponder the differences between remakes and reboots. What is a "yaiba" anyway? Find out in this week's 2 AM OTTACK!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsW... ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   / @3amottack   ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBd... ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bs... ◎Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠  #ranma½ #animeclassics #animereview

In this episode we discuss our reactions to the first two episodes of the new anime Kowloon Generic Romance, the nature of nostalgia, the history of Kowloon Walled City, the theme songs, and the voice actors. Learn how to pronounce Kowloon in three languages, and how to talk about nostalgia in Japanese!0:00 Opening Talk 02:17 Introduction to Kowloon Generic Romance 08:56 Where Does “Nostalgia” Come From? 13:15 Pronunciation of “Kowloon” & the History of Kowloon Walled City 21:57 Voice Actors, Theme Songs, and the Live-Action Adaptation27:38 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー懐かしい /Natsukashii..........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8⁠⁠ ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ottack_podcast/⁠⁠⁠#kowloongenericromance #animereview #animerecommendations

In this episode we talk about the end of the first cour of the second season of Apothecary Diaries, the history of firearms in China (and elsewhere), world bathing cultures, and the importance of consent. What the heck do those things have to do with the Apothecary Diaries? Listen and find out!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8⁠⁠ ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga

In this episode we give our honest reactions to the first episode of Solo Leveling *as we watch it!*  Join us as we question the story’s internal logic, Mayu repeatedly tells Cisco to stop talking (is this a podcast or isn’t it?!), and Cisco tries to give the protagonist unhelpful advice. Listen while watching along, or enjoy our incomprehensible non-sequiturs if you don’t!0:00 Opening 3:10 Watching Solo Leveling with Commentary 27:04 Post-Episode Discussion ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8⁠⁠ ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga