KyelandJ

Great article. I’ve always felt somewhat more knowledgeable about Japanese culture because of anime, but not enough to be comfortable possibly visiting there. Your research is very helpful, and I feel more learned because of it!

Loved Shokugeki no Souma anime! I’m excited to see it return and really enjoyed the blend of cooking trials and tribulations with comedic story. The story of the underdog really got me into it as well. Witnessing the underestimated Soma destroy opponents with his cooking skill is a thrill to see. Unfortunately for me, I leave the show hungry after each viewing haha.

This reminds me of a simple statement told to me by a friend. I asked him how his day was going and he responded: “I’m having a great day! Everyday is a great day as long as I make it that way!” I’ve come to realize that the “facts” of what life is and how we consume it are entirely based on how we individually frame it. Being optimistic is taking what you see everyday and determining it to be great. Being pessimistic is taking what may be normally positive and viewing it negatively. We have the power to essentially be the gods of our own perceived world and how it affects us. I’ve only watched through EVA once, but after reading your article I’m excited to dive back into it and digest the philosophical meanings within it.

Great analysis! I found many of the philosophical discussions on Fate/Zero to be mentally taxing and confusing, but this was one that stuck to me. It’s hard to define what makes a good leader. I found truth in both opinions, that a leader should be a figure of splendor and decisiveness that leads their people. At the same time I feel a leader should be connected to the people, able to listen to their demands and sacrifice themselves if needed for the good of the nation. If there is a gray area in between, that would be idealistic. Overall I loved Fate/Zero and it’s blend of history and fantasy, and look forward to more iterations of it.