Across the Stage: A View of Japanese Traditional Theater
First Presented At: Otakon 2012
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2012
Program Description
From the mysterious Noh to the hilarious Kyogen, from the dynamic Kabuki to the artful Bunraku, join us as we bring the world of Japanese traditional theater to life. Get a glimpse at how these art forms were actually learned, perceived, and performed before your very eyes!
Features
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- Video Clips of Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku
- Demonstrations of Noh Movements, Kyogen Expressions, Kabuki Movements, and Nihon Buyo (Japanese Traditional Dance)
- A Live Kyogen Performance given by the presenters.
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Comments
With this panel presentation, it is my hope that I can shed more light on the known but perhaps not so understood Japanese performing arts such as the Noh and Kabuki theater and expose people to the lesser known arts as well (namely Kyogen and the Bunraku puppet theater).
I have studied Japanese traditional theater extensively for several years. With this experience I hope to do more than just present pictures and video clips but actual demonstrations complete with costumes, props, etc.
Anime Live-Action: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
Live-action anime adaptations seem to have a bad reputation, but in Japan they are readily accepted by audiences, with dozens of anime/manga adapted for film and TV on a yearly basis. Come and find out about some of the best (and worst) received live-action anime Japan has to offer, and decide for yourself what’s good, bad, or just plain weird.
Features
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- Video clips taken from some live-action adaptations, as well as from the original anime series to serve as comparison
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. This new panel is focused on the hugely popular trend of adapting anime into live-action films in Japan, the history behind it and why it is so popular to adapt anime for live-action in Japan. A significant part of this panel is dedicated to critical analysis of some key examples, in order to address how some adaptations have gotten it “right” compared to ones that have gotten it really “wrong” or even taken the adaptation in a completely different (or “weird”) direction entirely.
Blood & Honor: The Path of the Samurai in Japanese Cinema
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2012
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2023
Last Updated/Revised: July 2023
Program Description
The samurai in Japanese films today is often portrayed as a superhuman warrior, but how did they come to be seen this way? Their importance to Japan spans throughout history, and their image in the modern age has continued to evolve across the last 100 years of samurai films. From the classics to recent groundbreaking films, find out all you need to know about this essential genre of Japanese cinema.
Features
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- Video clips of samurai movies
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Comments
This panel has been revised, updated, and re-designed with a new shift in focus on the historical significance of the samurai figure to Japanese cinema to consider how fictional depictions of the samurai reflect Japanese identity even today. This will be mostly achieved through the close examination of key samurai films across several eras of Japanese history, from wartime to modern day, as well as address recent trends, namely the rise of live-action film adaptations of samurai anime/manga and its effect on the genre.
Originally titled “Blood and Honor: The Story of the Samurai in Japanese Cinema”
Days of the Wolves of Mibu: Shinsengumi!
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2006
Last Presented At: Anime Boston 2012
Last Updated/Revised: April 2012
Program Description
They lived in a tumultuous time and became national heroes in a single night. Their swords were feared by countless revolutionaries. Their names were carved in stone and in the hearts and imaginations of many. But just who were these great men called the Shinsengumi? Find out here! Learn about the real Wolves of Mibu, and how they compare to their media counterparts.
Features
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- A detailed account of the Ikedaya Incident
- Video clips from popular media portrayals of Shinsengumi
- Photos of actual Shinsengumi locations taken by Jennifer in Japan
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Comments
This is a personal favorite of mine. In all of Japanese pre-modern history, the Shinsengumi are my favorite historical figures. I find their story truly inspiring, and I love the opportunity to share it with others.
Enter the Death Game: From Battle Royale to Squid Game (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
Life is a game where you win so long as everyone (else) dies. Ever since the cult classic Battle Royale, Japan’s fascination with the so-called “death game” has given rise to a major subgenre for film as well as television and video games. Join us as we delve into the mechanics of the “death game” in Japanese media and consider the reasons for its continued popularity.
Features
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- Video clips taken from some examples of death games in Japanese media
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. This new panel is addresses the “death game” genre of media entertainment, covering its development and focusing on its particular characteristics as depicted in Japanese media. We will pay particular attention to how the genre intersects with societal issues in Japan, as well as consider the international popularity of the genre/concept, potential concerns/issues behind it, etc.
From Noh to TeniMyu: A Crash Course in Anime on Stage
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2022
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2022
Program Description
The theatre of Japan is among the most distinct and easily recognizable arts known today. Recent years have seen more and more production and performance of theatre shows based on popular anime, manga, and video games in Japan. Join us on a crash course of all there is to know about anime adapted for the live stae, including the mysterious noh masked theatre and its use of VR to recreate Ghost in the Shell, the flashy Prince of Tennis Musical (TeniMyu) that sparked an entire genre of anime theatrical adaptation in Japanese theatre, and recent kabuki productions of anime/manga such as Naruto and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.
Features
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- Video clips of anime stage productions
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Comments
The hope is to both share my enthusiasm for and experience from researching Japanese theatre and discuss the growing popularity of anime.
From the Mountains and Seas: A Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Folklore (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
Dragons, phoenixes, mystical foxes and the infamous Monkey King – Chinese folklore and its rich, long history has been one of the greatest sources of influence and inspiration for East Asian culture, especially popular media.
Features
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- Retelling of some Chinese folktales/legends
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. This new panel will survey aspects of Chinese folklore, especially those that have had the biggest influence on Korean and/or Japanese culture, such as certain pervasive folk beliefs, major folktales/legends, as well as mythical creatures.
How to Become a Ninja in 1 Hour
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2007
Last Presented At: Otakon 2010
Last Updated/Revised: July 2010
Program Description
Ninja – “One skilled in the art of stealth.” Made infamous by the media, perhaps more popular than the samurai, these dark figures cloaked in shadow need little introduction. But what do you know about the real ninja? What did they actually do? Were they really lethal assassins? How did they fight? What about the kunoichi, the female ninja? How does one become a ninja? And can anyone do it? Learn how to live, think, and fight like a ninja in “How to Become a Ninja in 1 Hour.” Find out for yourself if you’ve got what it takes!
Features
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- Video clips from popular media portrayals of ninja
- Video clips of real ninja in action
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Comments
An all-time favorite with con-goers!
How to Become a Samurai in 1 Hour
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2006
Last Presented At: Otakon 2015
Last Updated/Revised: July 2015
Program Description
Samurai – “One who serves.” Thanks to movies like the Last Samurai and anime like Rurouni Kenshin, almost everyone knows a little about these warriors. But what about the true samurai? What did they really do? Were they as strong as the media make them out to be? Could anyone be one of them? Find out here! Learn the code of Bushido and how to think, live, and even die like a samurai.
Features
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- Video clip examples of samurai from popular media
- Demonstration of seppuku (aka hara-kiri)
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Comments
An all-time favorite with con-goers!
Japanese Folklore: A Field Guide to Yōkai (Classic & Special Edition)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2009
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
CLASSIC: Ever wondered what a “tanuki” really is, or how to survive an encounter with a kappa? Find out the answers here! Join us as we explore the supernatural side of Japan, its most iconic monstrous creatures and demons, its strange stories and superstitions, as well as its continued influence on popular culture.
SPECIAL: Beyond the classic supernatural creatures and tales, join us as we discuss some of the more obscure (or just plain random) entries within Japanese folklore. We are willing to bet that you have not heard of (at least one of) these!
Features
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- Retelling of some Japanese folktales
- Video clips from Japanese media featuring Japanese folklore
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Comments
This panel has been revised, updated, and re-designed to focus solely on yōkai-oriented folklore. The structure of this panel will be divided into subcategories of creatures taking a field guide entry approach to discussing each yōkai we cover. As we discuss each entry, we will also (like before) bring in both popular and traditional cultural context as relevant.
Due to the popularity of this panel, we have since decided to revise the scope of material even further, with one version of the panel, “Classic Edition,” intended to be more of an introduction to yōkai and Japanese folklore overall, focusing on the more iconic and familiar entries. In contrast, our “Special Edition” version of this panel will be dedicated solely to the more obscure and unfamiliar yōkai recorded in Japanese folklore.
Originally titled “Japanese Folklore: Kitsune, Oni and Yurei, Oh My!” & “Japanese Folklore: Ghosts, Monsters, & Strange Tales”
Japanese Folklore: Yūrei, Hauntings, & Urban Legends
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2023
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
From the traditional ghosts that have set the foundations of Japanese horror to the more recent hauntings and superstitions of modern Japan, join us as we explore a darker, more macabre side to Japanese folklore.
Features
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- Retelling of some Japanese ghost stories/legends
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Comments
This panel is designed to focus solely on yūrei and related Japanese folklore, both traditional and urban. We will be sharing the stories of key traditional Japanese ghosts, as well as the lore and hauntings of contemporary Japan. As a part of this panel, we will also address the presence these aspects of Japanese folklore have in popular culture, such as anime/manga and film.
Japanese Horror Then & Now: Monstrous Mothers & Dead Wet Girls
First Presented At: Otakon 2015
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2023
Last Updated/Revised: July 2023
Program Description
No Japanese horror (J-horror) or ghost film is complete without its haunting woman specter, dating back from as early as the time of Akira Kurosawa to as recent as the latest Sadako film of the Ringu (The Ring) franchise. Join us and find out why the monstrous feminine has dominated J-horror cinema and why some of the most iconic women figures of the genre are the way they are.
Features
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- Video clips of Japanese horror films
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Comments
The content of this panel comes out of my dissertation research into this particular topic which I have (hopefully) made accessible to the average con-goer.
Originally titled “Thy Name is Woman: Exploring the Horrors of Female Ghosts in Japan” & “Japanese Horror: Monstrous Mothers & Dead Wet Girls”
Legends of the Samurai and Ninja
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2008
Last Presented At: MIT Splash 2008
Last Updated/Revised: November 2008
Program Description
Come and learn about various famous (some of history, some of myth) samurai and ninja and hear the stories about them that made them legendary.
Features
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- Stories about favorite, well-known samurai and ninja figures told in an active style.
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Comments
Was initially presented sans PowerPoint presentation. I’m still debating whether or not it’s better with it.
Lights, Camera, Henshin: The Evolution of Kamen Rider (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
From the world of tokusatsu comes Japan’s long history of masked heroes, the most iconic of which is Kamen Rider. Come and learn more about what inspired this more than fifty-year-old franchise, its creator, and how this hero has evolved with Japanese culture over the decades.
Features
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- Video clips from some series within the Kamen Rider franchise
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. This new panel presents an introduction and overview of the tokusatsu genre, delving into the personal history of the creator behind the Kamen Rider and Super Sentai franchises, Ishinomori Shōtarō. We focus primarily on the development of the Kamen Rider to present day, how its significance has changed, etc.
Living with Kami: Shinto
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2009
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2009
Last Updated/Revised: July 2009
Program Description
When we think of Shinto, Japan’s native religion, anime such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and others may come to mind. But if we were to try and explain Shinto fully, we may find ourselves at a loss for words. For to the Japanese, Shinto is more a way of living than a religion. Join us as we try to shed some light on this mysterious “Way of the Gods.”
Features
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- A demonstration of a Shinto norito prayer
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Comments
This panel attempts to cover as much about Shinto as possible, starting with how the Japanese view religion as a whole, then moving on to Shinto beliefs and worship, and ending with the influence Shinto has on Japan today, including popular media.
Living with the Undead: Zombies in Korean Cinema & TV (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Presented At: N/A (NEW PANEL)
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
Despite being originally a Western/American film genre, zombies have steadily risen to prominence in Korean popular media over the past decade or so, rivaling countries like Japan, home to the Resident Evil (Biohazard) multimedia franchise. Join us as we discuss how Korea has translated the genre to be so culturally relevant for its audiences and re-interpreted its tropes to great commercial success.
Features
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- Video clips taken from popular “K-zombie” media works, both film & TV drama
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. This new panel looks to examine the zombie genre as it has developed and risen to prominence in Korean popular culture. As a part of this panel, we are looking to address how despite being originally a Western/American genre, Korean media has utilized its tropes differently to not only produce works that are culturally relevant, but also commercially successful.
Ninja: Myth Meets Reality
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2007
Last Presented At: New York Anime Festival 2007
Last Updated/Revised: November 2007
Program Description
Summoning giant frogs! Making thousands of clones! Forming countless and impossible hand signals at the speed of light! Dear God, someone turn off the TV! If you’re sick and tired of hearing from fellow members of your anime club, or maybe even your younger cousin or sibling about how awesome ninja are because they can do x, y, and z, come to “Ninja: Myth Meets Reality”
Features
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- Discussion/Dismantling of the superstitions and myths surrounding ninja
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Comments
Was initially presented sans PowerPoint presentation. I’m still debating whether or not it’s better with it.
Shamans, Goblins, Ghosts: An Introduction to Korean Folklore (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2023
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
From shamans and gods to goblins and ghosts, Korea is rich with folkloric history that is prevalent even in modern day. Come learn about how a king became a dragon, what exactly a Korean goblin (dokkaebi) is, and why there are 1 million fortune-tellers and shamans in South Korea.
Features
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- Retelling of some Korean folktales/legends
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. While there is a lot of interest in the supernatural in Japan, Korea also has a very rich cultural history of spiritualism and folklore that we hope to share with attendees in this new panel. We believe this will be especially of interest due to the rise in popularity of Korean fantasy media (dramas, webtoons, etc.). This panel will survey various aspects of Korean folklore, such as creation myths, mythological beings/deities, folk beliefs/superstitions, as well as the critical importance of shamanism in Korea.
The Art of Fighting: Martial Arts & Action in Hong Kong vs. Hollywood (Co-Presented with Sam Kyung Yoo)
First Presented At: ConnectiCon 2023
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2024
Last Updated/Revised: July 2024
Program Description
From the weightless grace of the flying swords of wuxia (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) to the “gun fu” violence of John Wick, the influence of Hong Kong cinema has extended well beyond its borders. It is to the extent that kung fu has become synonymous with martial arts action in the film industry. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an action lover, or just curious about East Asian culture/history, you will get a “kick” out of this panel!
Features
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- Video clips of select films from genres of martial arts/action found in East Asian cinema compared with some Hollywood examples
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Comments
Co-presented with Sam Kyung Yoo. Originally a panel meant to survey the most important action genres (wuxia, kungfu, samurai, muhyeop, Korean revenge, etc) across East Asian cinema, with an emphasis on the differing depictions of martial arts as performance vs. portrayals of violence. We have since revised this panel to be focused on depictions of martial arts and action in Hong Kong cinema (i.e. kungfu) so that we can expand our discussion and get to talk about more films/actors, while also comparing to the use of martial arts and action in Hollywood films.
Originally titled “The Art of Fighting: Martial Arts & Violence in East Asian Cinema”
The True History Behind Samurai Anime
First Presented At: Arisia 2006
Last Presented At: ConnectiCon 2008
Last Updated/Revised: July 2008
Program Description
Who is Oda Nobunaga? What’s a Shogun? Was Himura Kenshin real? Was Saitou Hajime actually left-handed, and did he really like plain soba noodles? Learn the answers and a whole lot more right here! Find out what’s true and what’s not in some of your favorite Japanese historical series. Bring questions and maybe a notebook and pen; learning history has never been this fun!
Features
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- Video clips of samurai anime
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Comments
The focus of this panel is to present a layman-friendly approach to Japanese premodern history through the lens of everyone’s favorite samurai anime series.
When the Walls Start Closing In: Hikikomori and Ijime
First Presented At: Anime Boston 2010
Last Presented At: Otakon 2011
Last Updated/Revised: July 2011
Program Description
Hikikomori, the phenomenon of the recluse. Ijime, the social illness of bullying. Come and learn about a dark side of Japan you never knew existed.
Features
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- Video clips showing examples of ijime
- Anecdotes of actual cases of hikikomori and ijime
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Comments
Content-wise, this panel is more “mature”. I spend time covering what exactly ijime and hikikomori are, who it concerns, why it occurs, how Japan deals with these two issues, and how this might reflect on Japanese contemporary society.
Women of the Floating World: Geisha and Oiran
First Presented At: Otakon 2009
Last Presented At: Anime Boston 2010
Last Updated/Revised: March 2011
Program Description
What is the difference between a geisha and an oiran, or courtesan? What did each lady actually do and how did she live? Join us and learn about these “Women of the Floating World”.
Features
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- Video clip examples of geisha
- Demonstration of Nihon Buyo (Traditional Dance)
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Comments
This panel makes the distinction between a geisha and an oiran (courtesan), and tries to explain why they are mistaken for each other. It also covers what their respective lifestyles were like, and what it took to be one of them.
Panda Samurai 