Anime Roundtable

Yeah Mike, James, Kevin, and (maybe) Moh, talked about the World Cup, and buying manga, and the stuff upcoming in the Toronto Area. But we finally had our chance to talk about all the Sony stuff on the Playstation and Crunchyroll ends that's been simmering for sometime. Why don't you hear our take on it. And who knows, you may hear Moh talkVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Anime Trending’s William Moo sits down with Mike to talk about his time on the judging panel for the recent Crunchyroll Anime Awards and the future of anime awards in general. Another angle on the “Physical vs Digital” debate, light novels and manga with respect to anime seasons. And then Mike gives some quick thoughts after seeing the live action version of Five Centimeters Per Second, and the lack of opportunity to see more Japanese live action movies outside of Japan.Producer's Note: We realize that much of this discussion might actually be out of date now. But we do feel (like with a lot of things we talk about), it'll find a way to become a conversation againWilliam's Queue:Japan's Anime Revolution by Jonathan ClementsDaemons of the Shadow RealmEren the SouthpawThis week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot when you hear Mike and William shifting in their chairsVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

We begin day two of our annual Anime North visit by looking back on day two…and the rain. And you know the autographs for the Japanese Guests of Honour would be a story00:48:10 - We quickly recap the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and give a thought on a brewing discussion about how much it matters01:08:42 - Assistant Programming Director Norm McEvoy makes his annual appearance and actually answers some of the concerns of Day 2 and specifically how Japanese Guests can be different from other guests at anime conventions. Then of course the weather, and thoughts on the 30th Edition of Anime North, along with thoughts for the organizing members who passed away, most notably Cathy Schutt (Graphics Coordinator)01:41:40 - Mike’s Final Insult. What’s in the number 30?Tonight’s Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime you hear Kevin tapping the tableOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

We begin our annual visit to Anime North by catching up with Lawrence and make our usual initial observations on the grounds, especially the Toronto Congress Centre side. Then talk anime merchandise, streaming on service not called Crunchyroll, and use all of that to look forward to tomorrowTonight’s Drinking Game: Take a shot when Norm comes in to check inMike Nicolas, James Austin, Mohamed Sharmarke, and Lawrence BlackVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Of course Mike and James had to start with a lot of video game talk (we believe in fandom’s overlap). Then Mike wonders how much AI help would be needed for the socials in the future, and how much video should figure into the podcast side. We come back to Toronto and look ahead to Anime North and beyond to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, and the Toronto Japanese Film Festival. The first English voice of Sailor Moon is running for Toronto City Council this fall. Then, in memoriam we remember Ted Turner, Tatsuo Sato, and Koji Suzuki and their impact on our fandom over the years. And it’s Mother’s Day, so we talk about our Moms in our fandom.And the Queues:- Your Castle’s Little Helper- Cat’s Eye- Petshop of Horrors- Gals Can’t Be Kind to Otaku- Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten- The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses- I Made Friends With the Second Prettiest Girl in Class This Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot when Mike or James make a joke that goes over the other’s headMike Nicolas and James Austin——Visit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

And we start it with a story about Neil and one of his favourite subjects…hentai. And the others give their 20 year reflections of the Roundtable and the Toronto fan community00:33:10 - We give the latest update to the Pokemon Centre stabbing murder. Along with an overview of shops based on specific IPs01:06:20 - We finally weigh in on the Shogakukan cover up controversy and wonder about the past competence of its editorial department01:28:00 - And the nominees for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards are…And the QueuesIs It My Fault That I Got Bullied?One Piece Live ActionHagenaiGeppy-XThe Darwin IncidentOshi UplinkTim Horton's Korea and Anne of Green GablesThis Week’s Drinking Game - Pour one out to the victims of the stories we talked about this weekMike 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

Mike and James do a space heater for the first time with the wireless mics…and you can hear it. And we start by looking back on 20 years of the Roundtable, and what has changed in terms of how we keep up with any of this (hint: social media and life). And then we look ahead to episode 100This Week’s Drinking game: Take a shot when you hear Mike taking a TUMS, or use the word “efficency”Mike Nicolas and James AustinWhat was mentionedGachiakutaKaho Shibuya becomes a Twitch ambassador Afroman LawsuitThe Shogakukan controversySeven Seas Publishing is purchased by Media DoRight Stuf warehouse is for saleVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

We start the Valentines episode by recapping Mike’s space heater review of Scarlet00:15:22 - We look at the latest crackdown in manga piracy and try and make some sense out of it00:49:38 - Kodansha expands their Print on Demand program. Of which Crunchyroll is part of?00:56:00 - We crack the whip on the obligatory Crunchyroll stuff. Let’s start with the store…01:13:30 - Then the streaming subscription prices…going up01:32:00 - Fandom kept the receipts from Viz. And a quick history of limbo titles from them01:53:35 - What’s on our queues?James - Lupin III: The Immortal BloodlineMoh - Scarlet (maybe)Kevin - Stray Kids: The DominATE ExperienceMike - Falling For Her Secret Side (LN), Otonari Asobi (LN)02:11:55 - The community calendar, Fruits Basket Prelude, Oshi Uplink V-Tuber ConventionThis Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot when Mike goes on his rantMike Nicolas, James Austin, Mohamed Sharmarke, Kevin Ng (eventually)Opening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our linktree for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Mike and Moh were talking on the phone the day after the former went out to see Scarlet in IMAX. So the former hit the record button so everyone can know if it's worth seeing in IMAX...Check out our linktr.ee for more all of our links to our blog, channels, and socials, animeroundtable.com

As we settle in and spill a few drinks (this week’s drinking game), we welcome Amy back around the table and get her thoughts on the last number of months00:12:05 - We start with the Toronto goings on with the official start of the countdown to Anime North, The Artist Alley Shop, local sweets, the follow up to AniRevo Toronto (and what it might overlap with), the predatory nature of the Gaming Card side, and the Nerd Market00:46:10 - Another angle on the Amazon AI Dubbing story and the scenarios00:54:40 - An update over the battle between Netflix and Paramount for the soul of Warner Bros/Discovery, and a thought for series being released for binge vs week to week01:14:30 - Hideaki Anno on Japanese creators adapting to international markets…let’s dig here a little bit, there’s some nuance to talk about01:45:50 - And what’s on our read, watch, and play lists…with some further therapy for Mike and his growing Light Novel addictionMoh: Rental Family, FrierenJames: Wash It All AwayKevin: Another Code: RecollectionAmy: My Hero Academia, Sanda, Spy x Family, Rica ‘tte Kanji, My Journey to Her, With You Our Love Will Make It ThroughMike: My Stepmom’s Daughter is My Ex, Catch Me at the Ballpark, Days With My Stepsister, Falling for Her Secret SideAnd finally a possible idea for a future stream...Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Amy-Lynn Greig, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiCheck out our Linktr.ee for more details and the socials: animeroundtable.com