Justin

Since we're having The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan on air this season, I think it will be good if someone writes about why the very name of 'Haruhi Suzumiya' is so big in the ACGN World. It was no doubt a sensation when it came out in mid-2000s, causing quite a cultural stir that very few other anime managed to cause before. A good one could explain to the newer viewers why this anime was such a sensation, from the legendary live band performance, the episodes being broadcast in no particular order, the experimental approach, the never-ending Summer, the ED dance, and how Haruhi popularized the trend of adapting light novels into anime.

I'm thinking of a list of memorable teacher figures in anime/manga and a discussion on why they are so influential and popular both in the shows and among fans. Examples will include Kuro-sensei from Assasination Classroom, Ansai-sensei from Slam Dunk (technically not a teacher, but I think a "sensei" figure could fit into this topic as well), and of course the great Onizuka from Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO). It will be interesting to see what fans see in them and what traits they might not have when compared to other teachers.

While one of the authors has written a piece on yuri before on this site, that one was centered on yuri itself as a categorical genre in manga. For this one, I'm thinking about yuri elements that are becoming prevalent in anime.

It seems that anime emphasizing on the yuri element are on the rise, even if the anime itself is not a yuri anime: consider the cases of "LoveLive!", "Selector Infected WIXOSS", Mahou Shojo Madoka Magica", "The Idolmaster", just to name a few, where fans rather quickly ship certain female characters from the show, whether or not that is the intention of the show's producers.

This article could go on to discuss when yuri element became prominent (or even essential, in some cases) in recent years. Then, it could explore why yuri is so popular among regular viewers, and could do a contrast with why yaoi is not as popular (unless as comic relief).

Not necessarily "development" per se, but could also be comparison, analysis, history etc. I think this will be an interesting topic to work on. I would have written a piece myself have I been freer in my daily life.

In recent years we see idol anime like "Idolmaster" and "LoveLive" that are extremely popular among anime fans. We also have the likes of "Wake Up, Girls!" that divide opinions. Many characters throughout anime history are also considered idols, such as those in "Sailor Moon", "The World God Only Knows", and "Fortress Macross" for those who watch older stuff. What should we look for in idol anime? Are they simply "moe-oriented" shows? If not, How serious should we treat them? How does Japanese culture in its own shape idol anime? Why aren't idol anime as popular in the West?