Anime Roundtable

Day two from Anime North always starts with impressions of it. Especially the weather and cosplay, what we saw in the TCC, and the panels seen and even done0:49:40 - We talked about Matt Alt's article about the resiliance of the popularity of Japanese Pop Culture in comparison to Western…perhaps it's a focus issue. And maybe the west's influence in Asian Pop Culture1:20:55 - Anime North Assistant Program Director Norm McEvoy makes his annual walk on with his thoughts on the convention so far1:32:20 - Headlines in brief. Crunchyroll now at 17M subscribers. Anne Shirley's all American cast. And watching 1100 One Piece episodes in 24hr??!1:52:28 - What's on our reading and watch lists (Beastars, Blue Box, The Makani, Summer Pockets, Kowloon Generic Romance, Anne Shirley, Apothicary Diaries, Catch Me at the Ballpark, Gundam GQuuuax, Pikman 4, Haganai, Vigilantes MHA, Dr Stone, Red Ranger Isikai)2:03:10 - Mike's Final InsultMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Amy Lynn Greig, with Norm McEvoyOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico Masaki

We look back on Day 1 of AN. We talk initial impressions, how the AN compound looks, the weather, then some thoughts on the foreign film tariffs and wonder how this either ties into anime in North America and how it makes any senseThen we look ahead to Day 2, and Mike's special presentation before the evening tapingMike Nicolas, James Austin, Mohamed Sharmarke, Lawrence Black

Editors Note: This was taped just before Switch 2 preorders were also delayed in Canada. Which means a chunk of this aged about as well as milk...A very long conversation about the ongoing Ghibli/ChatGPT controversy, the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and V-Tuber Mint Fantome speaks as herself to explain her world to the rest of itMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: Fubuki - Snowstorm by Pico MisakiVisit our launch page for links: animeroundtable.com

James finally gets a little time away from work again to visit Mike for a Space Heater. After a quick overview of shopping options in Toronto, they decided to talk about the Animeigo documentary series “The Anime Business”, the upcoming Anne of Green Gables anime and the hopes for it in Canada, and James' thoughts on Assassin's Creed: Shadows and how he feels it's not enough to save UbisoftMike Nicolas and James AustinOpening Theme: “Fubuki-Snowstorm” by Pico MisakiCheck out our website for more information and other links: animeroundtable.com

We start with Mike looking back on 19 years (on and off) of the Roundtable. And then current events with the Oscars, a followup to Space Heater and Ontario politics (with the election earlier in the week)18:25 - Everyone around the table tonight has seen Gundam GQuuuux Beginning in theatres. And we have thoughts from Gundam watchers, and newcomers57:12 - On the anniersary of Akira Toriyama's passing, the Japan Foundation New York is doing an online panel about Dragon Ball's popularity (on YouTube now)And coming back full circle, Mike looks back on 19 years of the Anime Roundtable, and ahead to kicking the Twitch stream into high gear. Cheers to all thatMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “Speed Demon” by Simon Holland (Greetings and Saluations)Visit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Kevin gives a Mike quick lecture to Mike as feedback on the first gaming stream. Then we talk Japanese Music with his thoughts on seeing Nano and MADKID in concert, Cloud Nine CEO Takuya Chigira's thoughts on the state of JPOP internationally. How the downfall of a former member of SMAP is proving to be an issue for the TV network he was an anchor of, and some possible ramifications. Then we unwind with by looking back on Animeigo's Valentine's town hallMike Nicolas and Kevin NgAnime Roundtable playlist on SpotifyOpening Theme: “Fubuki-Snowstorm” by Pico MisakiLanding Page: animeroundtable.com

Mike and Moh sat down for a space heater. We started by looking back on the first gaming stream on Twitch the night before, and the ongoing Playstation Network outage, which at the time of taping had gotten to 25 hours. But at the heart of the matter, Mike and Moh wanted to talk about The Colors Within, and why you should check it out in theatres before its run likely ends in less than a weekMike Nicolas and Mohamed SharmarkeAnime Roundtable playlist on SpotifyOpening Theme: “Fubuki-Snowstorm” by Pico MisakiLanding Page: animeroundtable.com

We just had to talk about the reveal of the Switch 2 and take a quick trip down recent Nintendo history and how it rebounded from the Wii U almost 15 years ago. And wonder about the future of the handheld gaming console world as a whole. Then we dive into some anime headline with Diamond Distributor's Chapter 11, Discotek's latest reveals, Crunchyroll's latest issue (add it to the pile please), and James giving a thought on an anime title this season that doesn't have a North American pickup...when its manga does, and a business reason as to why you should be disappointed that's the caseCouldn't you tell Mike wanted to meet quota for the month?Mike Nicolas and James AustinCheck out our Linktree for more links animeroundtable.com, or our socials @animeroundtable

We begin 2025 with Mike and James doing a live video space heater where James goes on a rant about the issues with the Phantom Trigger Grisaia anime Kickstarter and looks back on similar anime and manga crowdfunds over the years. Then, some CES news with Crunchyroll looking to restart their digital manga service (hot off the heels of the increased stake in Kadokawa), do some Ghosts of Tsushima live action, and VLC looking to get into the AI subtitle space. Then we come home as the pre-reg for Anime North memberships and hotels begin, and Anime Revolution makes its move on TorontoMike Nicolas and James AustinCheck out our Linktree for more links animeroundtable.com

Aside from talking about the fallout from the Video Game Awards, you know we just had to talk about every piece of Sony and anime related news over the last few weeks (00:17:00)00:22:00 - Sony becomes the largest major shareholder in Kadokawa. And a little more about how we got to here00:37:42 - Bloomberg's expose on the inner workings of Crunchyroll as their recent numbers don't look great00:55:50 - Former Funimation man Lance Heiskel speaks01:28:35 - NHK noting how big the anime business is this year. And CNN arguing for the upside for SonyAnd finally, Kevin was late because he was returning from a shopping trip, the Gashapon pop up at Union Station, and the first of Mike's New Years Resolutions (01:45:07)This Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when Mike thought it was already 2025 Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Mike, James, and Kevin catch up after a month and a half off. We talked about Black Friday shopping in Canada (especially video games and some from the store formerly known as Right Stuf) before talking about Sony's pursuit of Kadokawa and VISA of all thingsVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

We finally get in for the first time in a few months. But Mike and James kept it simple and just talked more of the ups and downs of Playstation's last bit, then the busy week Toho has had, remember a few more voices that have been silenced, and James' further issues with Crunchyroll taking over Nozomi's Kickstarter campaignsVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Mike and Moh test out some new equipment by talking a little Playstation. A little bit of Pro, 30th Anniversary, and maybe a new portable as the 6 comes out?Hope the new equipment passed the testVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

After completely missing out on August, Mike quickly gets the first episode of September out of the way. And we quickly talk about Kevin's brief experience at this year's FanExpo Canada and how it fit in with our fandom this year00:30:30 - Then we talk about Toronto's Union Station and Amy's experience at a Gashopon pop up there earlier today01:05:35 - James goes through some of the summer company announcements made during convention season. Which gets into a talk about extras on physical media releases01:22:50 - Mike remembers Tanaka Atsuko and Rachael LillisThis Week's Drinking Game: Here's to the ones that we got. Cheers to the wish you were here but you're notMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

*Note: This was taped just before the Euro FinalJames is English, Moh has relatives in England, we had to talk soccer to start, before getting the former caught up on the space heaters00:12:19 - We finally talk at some length about the demise of Gainax. Maybe time gives us a little perspective and lessons00:25:55 - Crunchyroll getting rid of their comments functions, we discuss how this happened and other motivations behind it00:46:35 - Let's go to Los Angeles. First we talked about the Dodger x Hololive promotion. And then Anime Expo and the line between artist alley and dealers room01:17:47 - The Community Calendar. Back to the two Muv Luv bundles on Humble. Oh and the Revue Theatre in Toronto is doing a 20th anniversary showing of Place Promised in Our Early Days (which will probably be done by the time this goes up). And Flow is coming to TorontoThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when Bluelock is referencedMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

It's been two weeks since the ITZY concerts. Mike and Kevin were on site for the ITZY concerts in Toronto. So they talk about their observations from different angles, from Kevin's previous experiences at KPOP concerts, to Mike soaking in the atmosphere around the concert hall. And how it reminded them of Anime NorthVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.comOther links coming soon

Mike, Kevin, and Mohammed give a few thoughts on Anime North almost three weeks after, the City Hunter live action almost three weeks after Mike was supposed to have watched it, a conversation with a friend and listener sparking another thought on merchandise, and maybe three headlines as we settle back into the micsNot necessarily in that orderToronto Japanese Film FestivalGainax Goes BankruptVisit our launch page for more links and socials: animeroundtable.com

We actually got a few people in the audience, it didn't last long though. As always we started with impressions of the con so far. First with the new layout again, then the actual panels and events we sawThen we get to the news00:53:50 - Matt Alt talked about the potential and pitfalls of AI in the fine art of translation, so we did too01:19:20 - Norm McEvoy takes a break from his rounds to make his annual visit to the podcast and explains a few of the changes that happened to Anime North this year, and talk about its DNA01:35:06 - Norm gives his thoughts on Akira Toriyama as the tributes continue at AN, and then goes on his usual pro wrestling fandom for Terry Funk, and remembers some AN staff who passed awayThen some headlines in brief01:45:15 - Wanna watch Miku Expo on TV? Pretty sure those who've gone to the concert in person weren't interested01:48:05 - Toru Furuya, say it ain't so!? Another in a list of voice actors and bad behaviour01:51:59 - Best wishes to Rachale Lillis as her Breast Cancer battle reaches a difficult pointThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot of sake when someone in the audience adds to the conversationP.S. We'll hopefully figure out the buzzing sound by next yearMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Amy Lynn Greig, with Norm McEvoyOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiOther LinksLawson's and Mt FujiCheck out our website for more links and socials: animeroundtable.com

Mike, James, and Lawrence make their observations as day one of Anime North winds down. Also we revisit some of the conversations from last year after the Nominoichi, and James and Lawrence give their thoughts on Akira ToriyamaGive it a listen before day two beginsCheck out our website for more links and socials: animeroundtable.com

Mike's voice and well being has recovered enough for him, James, and Kevin to sit around and talk about the world that has passed by in the last two months. After looking back on the Leafs' season, we actually look forward to TCAF and Anime North (but watch your cellphones), and other things headlines that caught our attention This Week's Drinking Game: Take a pint when Mike finally realizes that we've talked about Dokibird already this yearVisit animeroundtable.com more information and links

We spend most of the episode sharing our memories and giving a toast to Akira Toriyama after news of his death brokeBut we did also talk about these too on the community calendarHumble Bundle: Japanese Language, Culture, and TravelMomo Anime Market at The Momiji CentreMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Mike, James, Kevin, and Moh briefly got together over coffee and each talked about one thing that caught their attention this weekMoh: Initial reactions to the Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender live actionKevin: The latest on the Ninjisanji controversyJames: Some titles people thought would never see an english release (from titles like Tsukihime and Fate/Stay Night to Ashita no Joe) will see oneMike: Animego's sale to MediaOCDAnd in case you missed it in the community calendar, 100 Yen the Documentary, and another recommendation Living the GameVisit our launch page animeroundtable.com to links to everywere we are online

We are able to return two weeks after the last time we taped (and less than a week after said episode was posted). Too bad Mike was still half asleep through it00:05:15 - Changes abound at Anime Toronto. We try to make sense of that and what it means for the anime convention scene in Toronto00:28:00 - Sony is finally winding down the Funimation streaming service. Of course there's going to be an issue there. So the Sony bashing continues as we talk more about the kicking and screaming move from physical media to digital consumption of content01:06:05 - The conflict between V-Tuber Selen Tatsuki and former agency Ninjisanji/ANYCOLOR has been the talk of that part of fandom, Kevin gives us a quick summary there and how it parallels the rest of the fandom01:22:40 - And Japan Foundation Toronto and Humble Bundle have some stuff going onThis Week's Drinking Game: Pour one out for Funimation. Then pour one more for the creator of the World of Narue who passed away this weekMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, with “long time listener first time caller” Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit animeroundtable.com for links to everywhere we are online

The first episode of 2024 (which was taped a week before it was published) starts with us catching up with James. He's been playing some games. So we talk games 00:28:35 - James gives another eye roll in talking about his latest shopping experience on the Crunchy store. Another lesson about being a Canadian fan00:52:10 - We look back on the verdict in the Kyoto Animation arson tragedy01:04:50 - We look back at the beginning of Anime North season, and the traditional scramble for early spots of any sort at the convention later this year01:15:06 - The community calendar (of items that may have already passed as of publishing). A Japan Foundation Toronto discussion on Japanese Arcades. And KPop group ITZY is coming to TorontoAnd more shopping at the endThis week's drinking game: Take a shot of espresso when you realize Mike wants to finish the episodeMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit animeroundtable.com for a list of all of our links online

Mike, Kevin, and Moh gather around the table for the final time in 2023 and talk more Miyazaki, Mike and Moh's Netflix watches, streaming services Mike should take a longer look at, defining titles of various generations of fandom, and Kevin's little exercise. We then make our new years resolutions and debate how fast we'll break themVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*SPOILER WARNING* Mike and Kevin talk about and try to wrap their heads around every aspect of The Boy and the Herron, Miyazaki's latest (final) film. And I mean EVERY POSSIBLE ASPECT

After looking back on the Space Heater Chat and some purchases in the latest Indigo Books sale. We focus on Crunchyroll on a few fronts this time around00:09:45 - The retail side of CR with the end of Right Stuf. James gives his experience ordering from the revamped retail site00:37:03 - New mobile games to Crunchyroll services, and manga service winds down. And James puts up an arguement as to why that's not a totally good thing00:51:07 - So what about the Crunchyroll's current anime season?And then on to other things01:04:14 - AnimeNYC will have its 2024 edition on August 23-25th, the same weekend as FanExpo Canada. Aside from other news coming from this year's edition01:10:20 - Japan Foundation has a discussion on video games and trauma recovery01:13:50 - James and Kevin go fanboy on Daigo01:23:30 - Kevin talks a little more about his time watching V-tubersThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot of Espresso when you realize Mike really wants to go to sleep soonMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico Masaki

After Mike recovers from yet another illness, he, Kevin and Moh have a morning coffee to talk about the last month to settle back around the table. Like Halloween and Anime North, thoughts on the Overwatch League Finals as Championship Season in various eSports wind down, and the uncomfortable story and latest developments in the Johnny Associates scandalMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

A rare time we decided to get right to the main topic and talk at length about PLANETES and Vinland Saga creator Makoto Yukimura's appearances this past weekend in Toronto01:20:32 - Then in brief, more Haruhi to celebrate 20 years, and One Piece with Jamie Lee Curtis is very possible01:21:39 - Studio Ghibli sold to TV Nippon. We go through the coles notes version, how it came to this and what to expect in the near future. And Miyazaki gives up driving01:30:16 - And longer than usual thought on Sony winding down the Right Stuf store, and how James saw the announcement coming over the last week or two01:46:38 - Wow Paru Itagaki got married?! This Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime James says “Stuff Like That”. Even more impressive, try and count how many shots you take before passing outMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Amy finally returns and starts with some of her watching over the summer and we follow up from last week's epsode on Anime Toronto with a thought on the poplarity of Hololive and other types of virtual idols00:23:55 - So we decide to do a few headlines in brief in relation to live action adaptations. We start with a Japanese Drama based on Pokemon and its life lessons00:36:22 - The GTO live action is returning…WITH ITS ORGINAL STAR!!00:41:30 - We take a long look at what surrounds the renewal of the One Piece live action for a second season. What has helped it, and is it sustainable?01:43:54 - We look ahead to Makoto Yukimura's Toronto appearances at the end of the weekThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when Kevin attempts to sing againMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Amy-Lynn Greig, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

James returns to the table for the first time since Anime North. So we start by recaping his take on the anime summer00:06:22 - A thought on anime on physical media00:10:25 - The original Sailor Moon TV series is leaving streamer Crave on September 17 as Kevin finally shows up!!00:17:25 - Discotek will bring back the original Digimon dub cast for their release of the second movie among other things from them00:24:05 - On Anime Expo, James does go at length on the Tsukihime visual novel release on consoles, and attendance00:37:40 - Crunchyroll having a presence at FanExpo Canada made James and Mike reminisce about the on and off history of anime programming there (which predates the use of the name “FanExpo”)00:49:20 - We begin our long review of Anime Toronto (Formerly IFF Toronto), and how did being on Labour Day weekend a week after FanExpo affect things00:53:40 - So how about autographs from the guests of honour?01:18:40 - A quick word on TIFF and the international premier of The Boy and the Herron01:24:25 - Kevin talks about the Anime Toronto Discord and the Hololive and Yukana presentations01:43:26 - Makoto Yukimora (creator Planetes and Vinland Saga) is coming to Toronto. And then we look aheadThis week's Drinking Game: Take a shot whenever you hear Kevin's keyboard, or when you realize this was taped a day before the 22nd anniversary of 9/11Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Would you believe we taped this more than three weeks ago? Mike, Kevin, and Moe decided to shoot the breeze and talk sports, esports, the convention news to that point, the (at the time) convention look ahead, anime movies, movie festivals, and a thought for those who are no longer with us. Not necessarily in that order

Mike, Moh, and Kevin just had to talk about Toronto politics throughout the chat (we taped it as the city elected its new mayor). Mike, Moh, and Kevin also had to ask again about “appointment viewing” vs binging. Mike, Moh, and Kevin also just had to update the Kenshin reboot controversy (with some thoughts about how adapted titles are better with most of its source material straightened out). Then Mike, Moh, and Kevin just had to bring up the first impressions of the One Piece Live Action trailerVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

As day two of Anime North ended, Kevin and Amy finally sat around the table to give their impressions of the show so far. Kevin and Amy talk the panels, and Mike talks the general atmosphere…and the parkingThen, we have a serious discussion…51:22 - With the reboot of the Rurouni Kenshin anime now on the horizon, we revisit the discussion that has simmered in light of the issues of its creator some years back. Can you separate the art from the artist here?After we tried to lighten the mood with a game of Yes or No, but then…1:33:15 - Anime North's Co-programming head, Norm McEvoy joined us for his annual visit and gave his take on the Kenshin issues and looks back at the weekend to this point. And looks back on the lives of Leiji Matsumoto, Ichiro Mizuki, and Antonio Inoki1:59:57 - Hey Kevin. What do you really think about Kodansha's K-Manga?2:09:49 - Great Pretender has been picked up for physical media. And a Final Insult from MikeThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot for a job well doneMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Amy Lynn Greig, with Norm McEvoyOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*10:45am Editors Note: Mike was so sleepy while putting up the episode this morning, he put up the wrong one. It's now corrected. To the both of our listeners, enjoy!!*Mike is joined by James, Moh, and Lawrence and make observations on the first night of Anime North 2023 and the Nominoichi. James talks about Jun Miyuzuki's appearance at TCAF and her creation process. Then the others give their take on the evolving media mix in fandom. And look ahead to SaturdayWe're off and running at Anime NorthVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Kevin and Mike start off by talking about the core items in otaku fandom's eco-system (and define what a core item is). And then we update manga and graphic novels at this stage of the pandemic in light of the belief that manga sales may have plateaued. Talk some more Kodansha and Drops of GodVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD IN THIS EPISODE. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SUZUME YET, TREAD CAREFULLY Still settling down from episode 81, Kevin and Moh visit Mike for the first in person taping since August. And Moh brought mochi donuts to boot. After settling down with the donuts, talking Sakura season in the Toronto area, the to do list on our social media, and even Kevin's love for Certain Scientific Rail Gun, we really settle down and talk at length about every aspect surrounding Makoto Shinkai's latest film Suzume. In the process we revisit our ongoing Shinkai debate, and maybe how the common aspects are beginning to change a littleVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We carve out time for the first time in a month to gather around the table and talk about the Super Mario Bros movie to start and wonder how other Nintendo IPs would work as movies0:23:15 - We give a brief thought on Suzume and preview the Space Heater Chat coming up later this week0:36:35 - James brought up the Polygon article about the staying power of anime on physical media. And how important that is. Straddling the line between collectable and consumableThen we talk some live action1:12:00 - The test screening for the One Piece live action didn't go all that well did it?1:27:50 - The Drops of God live action on Apple TV+. This is different, but it might be good1:38:30 - The hottest anime right now is not streaming on CrunchyrollThe Community Calendar1:47:22 - Looking ahead to this weekend's Toronto Comic Arts Festival. And a reminder to always support the independent artists (or in this case, one of Moh's friends)1:58:51 - The latest Anime North news, with the first Japanese Guests announced 2:04:03 - RADWIMPS comes to Toronto this week!!This Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime Mike says the word “facetious”Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Only hours after Mike put up the Space Heater Chat recorded ten days before, we return for the 80th regular episode with the entire gang who give their thoughts on the recent past, like the Oscars (and specfically the Best Animated Feature)Then what did we miss?17:45 - The Crunchyroll Awards, what stuck out to us. And a guide on how to start long running titles now…a few decades later. Usual suspects apply. And some talk about Crunchyroll in the greater Sony family39:02 - The end of an era in Canadian television with the rebranding of Teletoon into Cartoon Network. We look back on Teletoon's impact on the fandom in the 90s. A very Canadian discussion here53:00 - Some thoughts on Sentai Filmworks and the things going on there. With an AI thought for the future58:30 - ICv2's annual manga week came and went so we look at a few of the numbers coming from that01:04:10 - We finally talk about Kondansha's online online service K-Manga. And give our own initial thoughts on where this could go01:36:20 - In Toronto convention news, IFF Toronto is now Anime Toronto. And will happen the weekend after FanExpo Canada on Labour Day weekend. And of course an Anime North update two months out. And Kevin talks a little Man with a Mission01:48:30 - Karyu Pamyu Pamyu gets married to a former Terrace House commentator01:50:20 - The final Ash/Satoshi episode of Pokemon aired today. In commemoration Rika Matsumoto did a viral video singing the original Pokemon theme, and Amy quickly summarized and lamented the finaleThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot for 80 episodes downMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Mike, Moh, and Kevin spend Pi Day going a little off the beaten path, and back to the movies as we talk about the Oscars and the evolution of Michelle Yeoh, her path compared to Jackie Chan's, and Asian representation in Hollywood and North American pop cultureVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Mike and Kevin spent over an hour talking about every possible angle after watching the Kaguya-Sama movie a few days before (on Valentines Day of all days)Sadly we had to end it off on this note…Visit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We begin the Super Sunday episode by getting Moh and Amy's thoughts on the last episode two Sundays ago. And then going a little local00:16:45 - Canada's biggest book retailer might also be the biggest seller of manga in Canada. So imagine what would happen if it got cyber attacked and the long term. Oh yeah, and (outgoing) Toronto Mayor John Tory00:38:50 - In anime fashion news…Astro Boy boots and the gacha machine backpack00:42:23 - Boise Anime convention looking for Anime Cosplay only (Mike should have asked about Afro Samurai)00:52:25 - We talked about James Gunn's vision for the DC Universe and how it wants to be different from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And then we try to take that thinking to the Anime and Manga ecosystem (I think that's an ongoing discussion)Then in brief01:28:00 - Netflix finally comes down on password sharing01:32:00 - The top ten most pirated TV seasons from streaming services in 2022. Anime made the list. And which services we're on01:47:03 - Looking ahead on the Anime Community calendar, the Kaguya-sama Movie, RADWIMPS, Japan Society NYC01:53:35 - And finally some thoughts on the Discotek and Viz Media announcementsThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot before doing your Valentines Day shopping on the 15thMike Nicolas, James Austin, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy-Lynn Greig, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We begin this week's Roundtable by talking our Toronto Area roots and the death of former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion (Anime North takes place very close to the Toronto/Mississauga border)11:30 - James gives his thoughts on last episode, and his recent video gaming27:12 - It's Awards Season!!! And anime is no exception (within itself), so we look at both the Reddit and Crunchyroll awards and how they're trying to take the exercise a little more seriously01:06:25 - James and Kevin talk at length about delayed anime productions and how an almost perfect storm (pandemic, Lunar New Year, studio workloads) has impacted that01:23:45 - Kevin did a field trip this week. He watched the “Reincarnated as Slime” movie and went manga hunting uptown01:27:20 - Mike also took a field trip this week. And visited his old university anime club and the location where the first epsiodes of Roundtable were recorded. And wonders about the future relavance of anime clubs and their place in the current fandom01:41:45 - And finally the Anime Community Calendar featuring online presentations by the Japan Society and Discotek (both featuring Mike Toole). And the next Sword Art Online movie too and lets look forward to TCAFThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot whenever sleep is mentioned (chances are it'll knock you out)Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Editor's Note: This episode was taped before other developments in the stories mentioned happenedAs we settle in, Amy gets caught up on last week's episode before we talk about this week's stuff38:58 - We fill in our duty as an Official Podcast of Anime North for the first time in 2023, by talking about the opening of hotels and registrations…and the headaches involved. So we walk through the timeline of events this week01:16:04 - Kodansha USA pulling digital simulpubs from other services. Kevin puts on his manga hat and goes into detail. And of course we take our guesses as to what's next01:41:19 - What's on Amy's list. And isn't it cool to relate to younger fans?This weeks Drinking Game: Take a shot whenver you get the sense there's a reality checkMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy-Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We begin the first episode of 2023 by looking back on the last episode of 2022, with the talk about the Pokemon anime14:55 - Mike remembers Pele's contribution to North American pop cultureThen we start on the things that have caught our attention as 2023 begins23:50 - James brings up Media Blasters founder John Sirabella's YouTube Channel33:17 - Then James brings up Shinchosha's experiment into an AI drawn manga38:05 - Moh and Kevin talk Bleach and Chainsaw Man with a conversation about pacing an anime in relation to its source material52:50 - A Wired article in the aftermath of the Netflix cancellation of 1899 caught Mike's attention on the streamer's ongoing content pivot, and tries to relate the questions from this article to Anime01:02:40 - And Miyazaki is coming out with something new. And a talk about Romantic Killer and how Viz is promoting the manga01:23:00 - So what are we enjoying as of late?01:25:00 - Vinland Saga and Trigun Stampede has James' attention. The latter of which sparks a discussion about the recent trend of going back to older titles01:33:07 - James also recommends Buddy Daddies and his playing of Witch of the Holy Night (with a look ahead to uFotable's next feature)01:41:10 - Moh's choice is Salaryman's Club. Then Kevin mentions Bocci The Rock, and how its popularity was a little much for its creator at the recent Comiket. Gagant as well02:01:48 - Mike's read, Kaguya-Sama (with thoughts about going to the library). And he's still behind on the anime he has been watching in the past. And he's been playing Hot Wheels Unleashed02:05:50 - We start to look ahead to Anime North with registration beginning on Jan 13. And New Years resolutions for the Roundtable in 2023This Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot for Mike forgetting to properly hook up his microphone to his MacBookMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter, IG, and TikTok: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Really we only talk about two (and a half) things this time aroundYou knew we were going to talk Blue Lock with the FIFA World Cup ending a few hours before. So Mike gives Amy and Kevin a quick synopsis of Blue Lock, and how sometimes anime and manga can both imitate real life, and question it32:50 - Mike gives an update on the Hana Kimura story34:50 - We digest on the news of the ending of the Ash and Pikachu story in the Pokemon anime, and the end of an era in our fandom. With Amy giving a quick history of how the anime has “evolved”This weeks drinking game: Take a shot when you realize we will have to explain Blue Lock again…Mike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Amy-Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter/IG/TikTok: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Please note that we talked a little World Cup before the Sunday games happened. We're pretty sure after those games, some brackets were broken. So you knew that Mike and Moh had to give some first impressions of Blue Lock23:55 - What stuck out from Anime NYC…and how we got it confused with New York Comic Con and Big Apple Anime Fest, the different ways titles get licensed, and the tweaks coming to J-Novel Club50:10 - In talking J-Novel Club, Mike talks about one of the recent anime adaptations of one of the titles and wonders if the dynamic of the media mix is changing1:00:02 - What stuck out in the interview with Christopher MacDonald, the CEO and Publisher of Anime News Network1:07:35 - James and Kevin talks about the issues with the new Pokemon games. They still sold well1:21:50 - Netflix stuff, Cooking for the Maiko House trailer, and NHK's issues with the advertising tier1:28:45 - The blocking of the Simon and Shuster and Penguin RandomHouse merger, and looking ahead to the arguements concerning Microsoft and Blizzard1:36:45 - Some thoughts on the passings of Kevin Lillard and Jason David Frank (this week's toasts are to them)Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Mohamed Sharmarke, and Kevin Ng (eventually)Opening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter, IG, and TikTok: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

The Kadokawa acquisition of Anime News Network is no doubt the big news of the week. So we take a long look at it, and the potential that sits there. Along with a few asides like Canadians getting their notice on Crunchyroll's price increase, and James' take on the Discotek presentation a few weeks backMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Amy Lynn GreigVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter, IG, and TikTok: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We settle in as championship week in three major e-sports begins (DOTA2, LOL, and Overwatch)7:40 - Kevin went to the Anime North Halloween Event at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and does a quick recap, with a version of the Nominoichi (obviously his specialty)30:10 - Looking back at the Discotek presentation and what caught our attention thereThen Moh finally gets into the conversation34:11 - Netflix changes their anime focus, and how that clashes with the culture of fandom both past and present54:50 - Some social media thoughts and what's been in our queues1:07:08 - Kevin and Moh look back on James's last appearance in last week's Space Heater Chat and we update it1:13:26 - Finally we talk Halloween, first on the Simpsons, then the tragic events in the Itaewon district of Seoul and revisit Halloween in East Asia againThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when someone says the word “charming”. And take another when it's Mike who says itMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

James returns to the table and chats with Mike as they update the Bayonetta voice controversy. Plus James gives a few thoughts on Bleach and Disney+ from a business standpointMike Nicolas and James AustinVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Amy returns and sparks a discussion about her grade nine students being fans of a show that came out before any of them were born, and similar benchmarks in recent fandom history, and the key things that facilitated those benchmarks16:58 - Disney gets the streaming rights for Bleach for Disney+ and Hulu, and Urusei Yatsura on HiDive26:25 - What have we been watching lately39:29 - We revist the Kyle McCarley story and get Amy's take on it with some follow up details1:23:33 - The Bullets. Some Hunter x Hunter and Card Captor manga news. Tokyo Olympics bribary scandal1:26:44 - Hey someone put out a list of “Starter Anime”1:54:05 - A final kind word for the late Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of Yu-Gi-OhThis Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when you realize that the word Mike was looking for was “acrimony”, or confused both Bleach and NarutoMike Nicolas, Amy-Lynn Greig, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3