Post 8: Anime Dubbing in the Philippines

Anime has conquered Filipino TV. Popular local TV channels like ABS-CBN, GMA, TV 5, RPN 9, IBC 13 and even Studio 23 are now participating with the anime craze with their own versions of anime titles. But since originally Anime series are dubbed with Japanese they are now obliged with dubbing the series with our local Filipino language.

According to MMX's The History of Anime in the Philippines, Anime wasn't really noticed upon its arrival to Philippine Television. Local channels at the time were airing American cartoons and somehow they just mix up, leading the viewers to think that they are watching cartoons. The very first anime series to grace television was 'Mecha' series like Voltron, Mazinger Z, Voltes V and Daimos. They were amongst the most popular anime shows ever aired, especially Voltes V and Daimos which are still being aired to this day, care of GMA 7.





As the 'Mecha' series era eventually passed, another genre of anime caught the eyes of the public. Drama titles like Sarah: Ang Munting Prinsesa, Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe, Charlotte, Heidi and Daddy Long Legs, became popular to the masses (especially kids and their yayas) as Filipinos are naturally attracted to drama.

But as years go by, Anime styles and plots change, eventually the quality of dubbing comes and goes with it. Nowadays, Filipino dubbers are beginning to slip, Otakus who often watch anime on local television  notice the bad dubbing of the characters. The usually meek and sweet voices of quiet characters  are now replaced with bold, gruff voices. In addition, there is the airing time, the originally allotted 30 minute time slots are cut to 15 minutes, also the beautiful and entertaining opening and closing songs are cut short, leaving viewers unsatisfied.

As an overview, channel-wise:

ABS-CBN: Anime status has changed little for no good. ABS had a line up of good anime titles but it was such a waste, since they cut their time slots and eventually there are just 1 to 2 anime titles airing everyday.

TV 5: TV 5 had a good start in the Anime industry. Airing anime titles like Shakugan no Shana, D. Gray-man, Code Geass and Special A with good quality dubbing, they were at some time the Anime Center for local television. But as the newly appointed channel grew and started getting more celebrity talents, Anime shows were shortened and eventually died down. But I commend TV 5, because for the short time period they have shown Anime they finished the said titles with accuracy.

GMA 7: The channel that really changed the status of anime in Philippine TV. GMA 7 saw the potential of anime for high ratings ,so using their slogan “We are Anime”, they brought back great anime hits in the Philippines like Ghost Fighter and put anime in primetime slots. We have yet to see other channels if they will try to emulate what GMA did. GMA 7 also aired the ever popular Gundam series (Gundam W and Gundam G). But the problem with GMA 7 is that they tend to repeat their titles, exhausting the viewers. Currently repeated titles are: Dragon Ball, Slam Dunk, Voltes V, Pokemon, Ghost Fighter and Flame of Recca.

RPN 9 and IBC 13: The two channels who first aired those anime hits that GMA 7 is slowly bringing back today. So far, these two channels have been quiet in the anime scene. RPN 9 aired Sweet tales of St. Tail but without success. IBC 13 tried with small time animes but also to no avail. We know they have taste in animes but only time will tell if ever they will air another anime hit here in the Philippines.

Studio 23: Studio 23 (owned by ABS-CBN) had initiative to air anime series. Studio 23 aired Samurai X(Ruroni Kenshin) and Zenki, which, to the dismay of viewers, they didn’t finish.

The Philippines also launched their own Anime Channel, Hero. All anime titles, aforementioned are now being aired to the said channel along with new Tagalog-dubbed series. In brief information by the blog of Hero:

"Reminisce and relive the magic of your childhood with classics such as Voltes V, Combattler V, and even Shaider. Sink your teeth into the most popular titles to-date - Naruto, Beyblade, Gate Keepers, and Tokyo Underground. Then, marvel at up and coming programs that will be sure to blow your mind : Crush Gear Nitro, Beyblade V-Force, Captain Kuppa, Gransazers, Rocket Kidz, and D.I.C.E., to mention a few."

With Hero's Tagalog-dubbed titles, Filipinos can now fully understand the difference between Anime and Cartoons. Also, since Hero, is a channel whose sole purpose is to show Anime-related shows all day long, Otakus, like myself can now relish old and new anime 24/7. Giving Filipinos time to watch Anime to watch it like back in the days.

Post 7: Anime is not Cartoons!

                One of the things I hate is the misunderstanding about Anime and Cartoons. In art alone, it can clearly be distinguished, that Anime is definitely NOT Cartoons. Country-wise, Anime is from Japan and Cartoons are from America, two nations who fought in the early eras are now once again put into battle once again but with a different subject in mind. But what is the difference between these two forms of animation?

According to Andrew Po's Anime Vs. Cartoons: What's the Difference?  there are three things that distinguish Anime from Cartoons. First, Anime is targeted to all age groups. There are anime titles that are focused on kids, yes but nonetheless most anime titles contain mature content suited only for teens and older audiences. As opposed to Cartoons that are mainly targeted for children.

Second,  Anime has a distinctive art style that they maintain. Anime characters posses expressive big-eyes, colorful and gravity defying hair, an array of colorful words, a display of overly exaggerated emotions and more. But that doesn't mean that all anime characters look alike, there a lot of anime styles, just like there are a lot of cartoon looks. As of late, Western cartoonists are copying anime styles with little success to boot.

Lastly, unlike cartoons, anime has complex. continual plots. With cartoons, a single episode contains all thus, you can watch any episode in any order and still enjoy. But with Anime, you have to start at the very beginning, some anime series even span up to hundreds to thousands of episodes.

Michael Kateregga's Anime Thrills: What separates anime from cartoons? also cited the same points, emphasizing the uniqueness of anime plot twists and immortality and the changes that every fan anxiously waits for.

There was this American series that made an impact to this controversy, Big Bang Theory. One of the cast of said show, Sheldon Cooper, who corrected a comment made by his friend. He clearly stated that Anime is not Cartoons, quoting his words "Its not Cartoons, Its Anime". Tons of Anime fans were thankful that Sheldon was able to defend the long standing question.

Tons of Otakus nowadays are troubled by the fact that people who aren't part of the Otaku circle claim that Anime are Cartoons. It's a conundrum that haunts the lives of Anime lovers. People demeaning them for their love of anime, mistaking it for childish cartoons. 

I am not to bias cartoons, since I also watch cartoons and I am particularly a fan of Phineas and Ferb and Adventure Time. But as an Otaku myself, over watching the development of Anime and Cartoons for years, I do not approve of the mindset of the people that they are the same.

As for the concept of Anime, what is there to judge about? Anime is the representation of the hopes and dreams of the writer, that ultimately appeals to his/her readers and viewers. As for Anime characters being ageless and immortal, yes I also have a problem with this part of anime. The anime, Detective Conan has been airing since the 90's and up until now Conan has yet to change back to Shinichi, in addition, one of the many ageless characters is Ash Ketchum of Pokemon. Seriously Ash started at the age of 10, ventured like 5 regions and what 9 or 10 years later he's just about to be 11? This is the problem with anime but nonetheless this fact prevents the ending of an anime supported by tens to thousands of fans.

There is no questioning now that there is a difference to Anime and Cartoons. I just pray that other people hopefully realize the difference between the two.

 

Chapter 1: Introduction (Draft)

Discrimination of Otaku Culture in Japan and in the Philippines

A Research Paper Presented to

Mr. Dustin Celestino of The English Resource Center

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

RESWRITE-Research Writing

Jane Dianne S. Gaylican

February 2013

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A.                Background of the Study

Anime obsession has now captured the world’s attention. Otaku is the Japanese slang term for “geek”. Commonly, it is a word subjected to being a fan of anime and manga. In Japan, the word is looked down upon as a term for a person with any obsessive interest –not limited to anime and manga- sometimes bordering to extreme levels. "When these people are referred to as an “otaku”, they are judged for their behaviors - and people suddenly see an “otaku” as a person unable to relate to reality". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku)

Throughout the years, there are more Otakus than there are Anime and Mangas. But technicalities and controversies often arise from popularity. According to Otaku enthusiast, Lawrence Eng, the discrimination of Otakus started with the Miyazaki incident in the year 1989. Miyazaki kidnapped and murdered 4 little girls. When he was arrested, the police found a huge collection of various anime and manga, some of it pornographic, in his apartment. The media found out about this and repeatedly pressed that Miyazaki is an Otaku, thereby exposing the term to the public. As such, “Otaku” was connected with lunatics like Miyazaki and in panic, many of the media tried to blame Miyazaki’s odd behavior on anime and manga. (http://www.cjas.org/~leng/otaku-p.htm)

Putting said incident aside, the Otaku community continues to rage on. This is evident to the Philippines growing Otaku society. Beginning with its involvement in learning more of Japan’s culture, language, an interest in manga, cosplay, figure collecting, anime conventions, and game and animation development.

But currently, some fans get started on all the wrong aspects of Otaku fandom, earning the concern of the elderly and the discrimination of modern society. Viewers are ultimately captured by infamous genres of anime, Action and Hentai. Most anime titles like Dragon Ball and Naruto feature violence to its audience, allowing children below the age of 7 and even older spectators to imitate the violent acts presented in the said shows. There is also the concept of Hentai or Anime pornography. With its fame, Hentai is now accused to be the real anime -when in truth, it’s not. This leads to the misconception of other people thus they show prejudice to Otakus.

Anime has changed the lives of its fans, even more so than anyone may think. But with constant negative issues that refrain Otakus from expressing their love for their interests, in comes closet-otakus. There is also the idea of how Otakus are taking part in conventions and cosplay with their budgets on the line, in addition the regular spending on mangas, games and other anime-related merchandise. There is nothing wrong with satisfying the desire for your interests.

Anime and Manga are the necessities of Otakus. It is their perception that anime is their one of a kind stress reliever and source of entertainment. Although one has to realize that there are limitations and risks that they have to consider. Therefore, having a further understanding of the both the positive and negative effects of being an Otaku.

This research paper focuses on the cause and effects of Otaku culture in Japan and the Philippines.

B.                B.       Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer the question:

1.      What are the cause and effects of Otaku Culture?

C.                Significance of the Study

Anime Enthusiasts: This research will assist anime enthusiasts in learning a lot more about anime in Japan and the Philippines. Especially the effects it provides to society. It also teaches how anime is different from cartoons and how it changed the lives of many.

Otaku Enthusiasts: This research will educate them further on the aspect of being Otaku: the types, the lifestyles and how it affects their day to day life. This also helps enthusiasts who are pursuing their PhD’s on Otaku research.

Parents: This will help parents understand their children’s interests and what it truly means to be an otaku. It can also clarify their doubts on letting their children continue with their obsession and limit them their addiction.

Future Researchers: As there are information given, it can serve as a guide for future references, especially to researchers who are interested in learning more about the study.

D.                D.       Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the cause and effects of Otaku Culture. As Anime is now internationally popular, the study will only center upon its country of origin, Japan and the Philippines. With the rise of anime popularity in the Philippines and the steady participation of Japanese Otakus the research will prove to be significant for researchers.

E.                 E.       Materials and Methods

The study will be based upon articles featuring Otaku-related information and naturally its effect to its viewers and modern society. The researcher aims to correct and educate the reader’s point of view on the discrimination and effects of Otaku Culture in Japan and in the Philippines. Thorough explanation will be needed as to elaborate the topic further.

In time, Surveys will conducted on Otakus, cosplayers and Anime retailers. Details and information that they will supply, will be relevant as it will be focusing on they cope with the good and bad effects of being an otaku and how they started as one.

F.                 F.        Definition of Terms

Anime             noun: a style of animation that originated and is still heavily centered in Japan.

The word 'anime' is based on the original Japanese pronunciation of the American

word 'animation.'

Cosplay          noun: an abbreviation of "costume-play". The term refers to dressing up as an

anime/manga/game character.

Cosplayer       noun: a person who dresses up like a character from a manga or anime series, a

movie, a videogame, etc.

Hentai             Hentai is a Sino-Japanese compound term widely used in modern Japanese to

designate a person, action or state that is considered queer or perverse,

particularly in a sexual sense.

Manga            "Manga" are Japanese comic books/graphic novels. The word literally means

"whimsical pictures" in Japanese.

Mecha             A synthetic or artificial creature or machine which is of generally humanoid or

other form. An intelligent program of piece of code inhabiting or controlling a

body is also known as a mecha, which is short for mechanical.

Otaku             A Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly

                        anime and manga.      

Post 6: Anime = Hentai?

*Warning: This article may include sexual themes that are not suitable for children ages 13 and below

When I entered high school anime seemed to have another meaning. Whenever I told someone that I was addicted to anime they would reply with "You like anime? So you watch Hentai?" Is that the common stereotype nowadays? Liking Anime equals watching Hentai?

According to Marc McLelland's Intersections: A Short History of Hentai, Hentai is a Sino-Japanese compound term widely used in modern Japanese to designate a person, action or state that is considered queer or perverse, particularly in a sexual sense. Unlike the English term 'queer', however, hentai does not have predominantly mean homosexual connotations but can be used to describe any sexual acts or motivations other than what might be termed 'normal' sexual relations. Apart from this general use of the term hentai, it can also be used to designate a specific genre of Japanese manga and animation that features extreme or perverse sexual content and it is in this sense that hentai has become well-known among western fans of Japanese popular culture.

Clearly with this description, Hentai is just basically a part of anime, it's a genre, people can choose to watch or not to watch it. But as society is much more curious today, a lot of people venture to the world of Hentai, seeing it as a form of release-especially for men- or a radical past time. But unbeknownst to the supposed fans of Hentai, the genre is not limited to that of intercourse between men and women. As there is a wide gay/lesbian community and personalities in Japan, Manga artists have come to claims with different types of styles of Hentai.

Covers of Junjou Romantica (Yaoi), Honey x Honey (Teen's Love) and Strawberry Panic (Yuri)

First and foremost is Yaoi or Boy's Love. It is the depiction of Man to Man love, meaning gay relationships. Yaoi is on a higher scale as opposed to Shounen Ai which is a softer approach to the relationships in the gay community. It is predominantly aimed at the shojo (girls), josei (older women) and homosexual markets.

Second and most common is Teen's Love or TL for short, it is a more explicit type of shojo genre. Likewise it is aimed for shojo and josei markets. 

Last but not least is Yuri or Girl's Love. It is similar to yaoi but mainly focuses on female to female relationships. Yuri is the higher scale of lesbian relations, Shoujo Ai is a softer version of the genre. It is aimed towards heterosexual men and lesbian female audiences.

As I have mentioned, Hentai is not limited to gender but it also caters to the personalities of its readers. Hentai is also a dwelling to a person's sexual fetishes, commonly there are 5. First are people who are inclined to sadism and masochism, there are certain mangas (Japanese comics) that feature this type of fetish. Next is Bakunyu, literally translated to "bursting breasts", this genre is aimed for men who have a certain interest for women with unusually massive breasts. Next is Incest, by definition incest is relationship between a legal family member, a good example of this would be The Sagara Family which is a hentai computer game. Next is Lolicon, it is a type of hentai fetish featuring one's addiction to preadolescent girls. And finally, Shotacon, it is the depiction of young boys, either with other young boys or older men, or depicting young boys with older women, an example would be the anime, Boku no Pico.

There are no words to how large the Hentai market is, this is supposedly because of Japan's early start to sexual influences since the Meiji Era. But besides this information, let's face the facts, Hentai is just a part of Anime, meaning not all anime are to be perceived as Hentai. Even though a lot of anime are subjected to sexual themes and innuendos, they are not to be taken seriously. This might be a gimmick as to make the audience laugh or make them more interested in the series. Anime is not a sexual outlet, the genre Hentai, is just an expression in which the desires of the director/author comes alive. So whenever someone tells you that they are interested in anime, think open mindedly, Anime is not equals to watching Hentai.


 

Post 5: Is Anime overly Violent?

Ever since I was little, I have been exposed to different kinds of anime: Romance, Slice of Life, Shoujo (anime for girls), Shounen (anime for boys), Sentai (i.e. Power Rangers, Masked Rider) and many more. But the genre I just cant seem to handle is an anime jam-packed with action, violence and gore. The bloody scenes was relatively too much for a little girl to handle and most of all easily imitated.

Makoto, being stabbed to death in School Days

By definition of AniRecs, Action is by far one of the most common genres out there and the name basically explains it all. On the other hand, Gore or Graphic violence is the realistic depiction of serious physical injuries involving blood, flesh, bone and internal organs. An example of this is the anime, School Days, innocent title as it may, School Days proves that anime isn't just for small little children. School Days is disgusting. It starts off cute, and then just gets gross, and then morbid.


The real question is does violence and gore in Anime themes beget the audience to do the same as the characters do?

Tom and Jerry, regular slapstick cartoon violence

Because of questions like this, anime is ridiculed by parents-specifically in America- and they basically rip off that all anime genres are the same. This leads to the distinction of anime and western cartoons. Against the light, visual-slapstick comedy that cartoons give children, Anime is enormously different. According to Yumeka's Violence in the media and anime, this might be due to the 9/11 incident, in which American society opted to let children know of the safe sanctity of entertainment. But as the years go by, we still see that America continues to play it safe.




Then we look at Anime in Japan which is as I said, jam-packed with action, violence and gore at times. But this does not relatively mean that because Japanese media inhibits such genres that it reflects onto real life violence and murder in Japan. No absolutely not. Except for certain incidents in Japan -as do most countries have. Japan is known for its low crime rate and peaceful society. This is to the fact that Japan has a lack to bear arms in which we realize how easy it is to possess a gun in America.

No matter how fantastical anime violence and gore maybe, it is not shall we say, a mirror to real life. These themes are to express one's struggles in life. Yumeka says that: 

"Violence is a part of life and since we’re not allowed to be violent in real society, violence in the media is a great outlet for that emotion."

In my opinion, Japan serializes such shows to open the eyes of the children that whatever life throws at them, they have to deal with it. While America continues to shelter their children to false truths about the world, sugar coating facts to save them from the suffering of knowing what reality is. In my defense, I'd prefer cold hearted reality than to sugar coated fantasies, just because a few people don't know how to differentiate fantasy from reality doesn't entirely mean that Anime is an outlet for children to imitate the actions they will see. It is just a mild preparation for them to face the world head on and to expect the unexpected. Life is not just handed unto you on a silver platter, its more complicated than that.