PODCAST · leisure
Applied Anime
by Applied Anime
We're two analytical otakus with a passion for digging deep into our favorite anime. In particular, we're curious about the ways anime can both reflect reality and offer us new ways of thinking about our world. Join us in casual conversation as we apply anime to topics like love, grief, crime, politics, and everything in between.
Episodes
-
Ep. 26: Hidden Gems
In our season one finale, we cover a few shows that we think deserve time in the spotlight! From the rewinding story of The Tatami Galaxy to the unusual epic of Katanagatari, we highlight the most underappreciated shows you may not have heard of. We admit it's a long one, but stick around to see...
-
Ep. 25: Tropes and Symbolism
Like any form of media, anime relies on common methods of signaling particular emotions, ideas, to its audience. But what are these tropes, how are they used, and what do they really communicate? This week, we turn our analytical engines on full blast to bring you some answers! SPOILER ALERT! In...
-
Ep. 24: Harems
Spread the love! This week, Feiyon and Dodo examine the staple, clichés, and distortions of harem anime. From the sisterly mystery of Quintessential Quintuplets to the childhood entanglements of Nisekoi, no protagonist is safe their crowd of admirers! SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil...
-
Ep. 23: Revenge
Revenge: a ubiquitous (and convenient) backstory for any budding protagonist. What makes it so universally compelling? In this episode, we dive into a couple shows fueled by characters who will stop at nothing to balance the scales of justice with their own hands. From the interspecies clashes of...
-
Ep. 22: College
This week, Feiyon and Dodo reminisce about the good old college days and discuss anime at the university! From the shenanigans of the diving club in Grand Blue to the tumultuous dating life of Golden Time, we leave no stone unturned. Tune in and take a study break with us! SPOILER ALERT! In this...
-
Ep. 18: Working
Let's get down to business! Despite how much of our lives revolves around our employment, it's rarely shown in anime. In this episode, we take a look a few shows that delve into the world of work, including the breakneck business of anime production in Shirobako and the anthropomorphized...
-
Ep. 16: Grief
In this week's episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore the depths of grief in anime. From the illustrious ghost stories of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu and Natsuyuki Rendezvous to romantic dramas like Orange and Your Lie in April, we unpack how characters (and narrative structures) address loss.…
more -
Ep. 15: Future Funk
Let's get ~ a e s t h e t i c ~ ! In this episode, we talk all about future funk, a groovy, upbeat subgenre of vaporwave with strong ties to anime and Japanese culture. Tune in to jam out with us and dive deep into its unique sound and community!
-
Ep. 14: Delinquency and Rebellion
Some of the most memorable characters in anime are outcasts who aren't afraid to take on the world, however they choose to do so. In this episode, we discuss the renegade space mercenaries of Cowboy Bebop, the existential middle school angst of Flowers of Evil, the spectacular cons and cheats of...
-
Ep. 13: Memories of Japan
In this episode, we're joined by three special guests to reminisce about our travels in Japan and discuss the cultural similarities and differences we noticed as American tourists. From basic etiquette and travel tips to our most memorable (and embarrassing) experiences, we cover it all! Halftime...
-
Ep. 12: Overrated Shows
Can you believe the hype? In this episode, we discuss a few well-loved series that need to be taken down a peg or two. From the ever-popular Sword Art Online to newer shows like Rent a Girlfriend, no anime is safe. Disclaimer: these are just our opinions! SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil...
-
Ep. 11: AI and Technology
The future is here! In shows like Chobits and Plastic Memories, we catch a glimpse of what possibilities (and dangers) may await us as AI grows ever-advanced and integrates further into our social lives. Will the robots take over, or we will just fall in love with them? Find out with us! SPOILER...
-
Ep. 10: Distortions of Moe
Moe (pronounced mo-ay) is a mainstay in anime, loosely defined as "cute girls doing cute things." But what happens when this feel-good, bubbly genre takes a dark turn? In this episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore shows like Madoka Magica and Yuki Yuna is a Hero which take the typical moe formula in...
-
Ep. 9: Color Symbolism
This week, we soar across the rainbow to unpack the significance of colors in Japanese culture and anime. Through this lens, we analyze names, settings, social status, and much more! Join us to find out the hidden colorful meaning in your favorite characters and shows. SPOILER ALERT! In this...
-
Ep. 8: Nice Boat (Spooky Anime)
Listeners beware, it’s time for our Halloween episode! Join us as we dive deep into the bubbling cauldron of spooky anime, from the plodding, mysterious horror of Another to the episodic frights of Yamishibai and Kagewani. Don’t worry if you hear a little maniacal laughter – there’s nothing to be...
-
Ep. 7: NEET is Neat
Tired of the real world? Total envelopment in ultra-immersive gaming, whether by choice or by force, falls under the "isekai" genre in anime. But why is this theme so prevalent? From the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) lifestyles portrayed in Himouto! Umaru-Chan and Recovery of an...
-
Ep. 6: Ridiculous Short Series
This time, we take a break to reflect on some of the most ridiculous short series we know. From the unique production style of Rinshi!! Ekoda-Chan to the sadomasochism of series like Bludgeoning Angel Dokura-Chan, we examine the dark underbelly of short-form anime in its weirdest extremes. It's…
more -
Ep. 5: Vocalizing Vocaloid
Special guest Elestora joins us to discuss one of the most unusual, yet imaginative offshoots of otaku culture: Vocaloid! From the aesthetic aspects of music production to the digital celebrity of figures like Hatsune Miku, we cover it all. For American movie news and reviews, check out Movie…
more -
Ep. 4: Capitalism vs. Freedom
From supernovas and falling stars to aquariums and rivers, we're looking to the skies and the seas to examine a pair of unusual opposites: capitalism and freedom. Through series like Kakegurui and Arakawa Under the Bridge, we explore how anime can present critiques and alternatives to a global...
-
Ep. 3: Idol Thoughts
This week, we tackle idol culture, both in real life and as represented in anime like Love Live!, Wake Up, Girls!, and Satoshi Kon's cinematic masterpiece, Perfect Blue. What makes idols so captivating? What positive impacts do they have on the world? What understated social issues might be…
more -
Ep. 2: What is Love? (pt. 2)
We continue our discussion of this elusive question, delving into more positive examples of love in shows like Rascal does not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai and A Lull in the Sea. Can we finally get to the bottom of this? Listen in to find out! Part 2 of 2. SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil A...
-
Ep. 1: What is Love? (pt. 1)
In our debut episode of Applied Anime, we attempt to wrestle with one of the most fundamental questions in anime: What is love? From its traditional representations to its most horrifying distortions, we look high and (very) low for answers. Don't worry, Future Diary fans, we left your beloved…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
We're two analytical otakus with a passion for digging deep into our favorite anime. In particular, we're curious about the ways anime can both reflect reality and offer us new ways of thinking about our world. Join us in casual conversation as we apply anime to topics like love, grief, crime, politics, and everything in between.
HOSTED BY
Applied Anime
Loading similar podcasts...