We spend most of the episode sharing our memories and giving a toast to Akira Toriyama after news of his death brokeBut we did also talk about these too on the community calendarHumble Bundle: Japanese Language, Culture, and TravelMomo Anime Market at The Momiji CentreMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links: animeroundtable.com

Mike, James, Kevin, and Moh briefly got together over coffee and each talked about one thing that caught their attention this weekMoh: Initial reactions to the Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender live actionKevin: The latest on the Ninjisanji controversyJames: Some titles people thought would never see an english release (from titles like Tsukihime and Fate/Stay Night to Ashita no Joe) will see oneMike: Animego’s sale to MediaOCDAnd in case you missed it in the community calendar, 100 Yen the Documentary, and another recommendation Living the GameVisit our launch page animeroundtable.com to links to everywere we are online

We are able to return two weeks after the last time we taped (and less than a week after said episode was posted). Too bad Mike was still half asleep through it00:05:15 - Changes abound at Anime Toronto. We try to make sense of that and what it  means for the anime convention scene in Toronto00:28:00 - Sony is finally winding down the Funimation streaming service. Of course there’s going to be an issue there. So the Sony bashing continues as we talk more about the kicking and screaming move from physical media to digital consumption of content01:06:05 - The conflict between V-Tuber Selen Tatsuki and former agency Ninjisanji/ANYCOLOR has been the talk of that part of fandom, Kevin gives us a quick summary there and how it parallels the rest of the fandom01:22:40 - And Japan Foundation Toronto and Humble Bundle have some stuff going onThis Week’s Drinking Game: Pour one out for Funimation. Then pour one more for the creator of the World of Narue who passed away this weekMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, with “long time listener first time caller” Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit animeroundtable.com for links to everywhere we are online

The first episode of 2024 (which was taped a week before it was published) starts with us catching up with James. He’s been playing some games. So we talk games 00:28:35 - James gives another eye roll in talking about his latest shopping experience on the Crunchy store. Another lesson about being a Canadian fan00:52:10 - We look back on the verdict in the Kyoto Animation arson tragedy01:04:50 - We look back at the beginning of Anime North season, and the traditional scramble for early spots of any sort at the convention later this year01:15:06 - The community calendar (of items that may have already passed as of publishing). A Japan Foundation Toronto discussion on Japanese Arcades. And KPop group ITZY is coming to TorontoAnd more shopping at the endThis week’s drinking game: Take a shot of espresso when you realize Mike wants to finish the episodeMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit animeroundtable.com for a list of all of our links online

Mike, Kevin, and Moh gather around the table for the final time in 2023 and talk more Miyazaki, Mike and Moh’s Netflix watches, streaming services Mike should take a longer look at, defining titles of various generations of fandom, and Kevin’s little exercise. We then make our new years resolutions and debate how fast we’ll break themVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*SPOILER WARNING* Mike and Kevin talk about and try to wrap their heads around every aspect of The Boy and the Herron, Miyazaki’s latest (final) film. And I mean EVERY POSSIBLE ASPECT

After looking back on the Space Heater Chat and some purchases in the latest Indigo Books sale. We focus on Crunchyroll on a few fronts this time around00:09:45 - The retail side of CR with the end of Right Stuf. James gives his experience ordering from the revamped retail site00:37:03 - New mobile games to Crunchyroll services, and manga service winds down. And James puts up an arguement as to why that’s not a totally good thing00:51:07 - So what about the Crunchyroll’s current anime season?And then on to other things01:04:14 - AnimeNYC will have its 2024 edition on August 23-25th, the same weekend as FanExpo Canada. Aside from other news coming from this year’s edition01:10:20 - Japan Foundation has a discussion on video games and trauma recovery01:13:50 - James and Kevin go fanboy on Daigo01:23:30 - Kevin talks a little more about his time watching V-tubersThis Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot of Espresso when you realize Mike really wants to go to sleep soonMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico Masaki

After Mike recovers from yet another illness, he, Kevin and Moh have a morning coffee to talk about the last month to settle back around the table. Like Halloween and Anime North, thoughts on the Overwatch League Finals as Championship Season in various eSports wind down, and the uncomfortable story and latest developments in the Johnny Associates scandalMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

A rare time we decided to get right to the main topic and talk at length about PLANETES and Vinland Saga creator Makoto Yukimura’s appearances this past weekend in Toronto01:20:32 - Then in brief, more Haruhi to celebrate 20 years, and One Piece with Jamie Lee Curtis is very possible01:21:39 - Studio Ghibli sold to TV Nippon. We go through the coles notes version, how it came to this and what to expect in the near future. And Miyazaki gives up driving01:30:16 - And longer than usual thought on Sony winding down the Right Stuf store, and how James saw the announcement coming over the last week or two01:46:38 - Wow Paru Itagaki got married?! This Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime James says “Stuff Like That”. Even more impressive, try and count how many shots you take before passing outMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Amy finally returns and starts with some of her watching over the summer and we follow up from last week’s epsode on Anime Toronto with a thought on the poplarity of Hololive and other types of virtual idols00:23:55 - So we decide to do a few headlines in brief in relation to live action adaptations. We start with a Japanese Drama based on Pokemon and its life lessons00:36:22 - The GTO live action is returning…WITH ITS ORGINAL STAR!!00:41:30 - We take a long look at what surrounds the renewal of the One Piece live action for a second season. What has helped it, and is it sustainable?01:43:54 - We look ahead to Makoto Yukimura’s Toronto appearances at the end of the weekThis Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot when Kevin attempts to sing againMike Nicolas, Kevin Ng, Amy-Lynn Greig, Mohamed SharmarkeOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

James returns to the table for the first time since Anime North. So we start by recaping his take on the anime summer00:06:22 - A thought on anime on physical media00:10:25 - The original Sailor Moon TV series is leaving streamer Crave on September 17 as Kevin finally shows up!!00:17:25 - Discotek will bring back the original Digimon dub cast for their release of the second movie among other things from them00:24:05 - On Anime Expo, James does go at length on the Tsukihime visual novel release on consoles, and attendance00:37:40 - Crunchyroll having a presence at FanExpo Canada made James and Mike reminisce about the on and off history of anime programming there (which predates the use of the name “FanExpo”)00:49:20 - We begin our long review of Anime Toronto (Formerly IFF Toronto), and how did being on Labour Day weekend a week after FanExpo affect things00:53:40 - So how about autographs from the guests of honour?01:18:40 - A quick word on TIFF and the international premier of The Boy and the Herron01:24:25 - Kevin talks about the Anime Toronto Discord and the Hololive and Yukana presentations01:43:26 - Makoto Yukimora (creator Planetes and Vinland Saga) is coming to Toronto. And then we look aheadThis week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot whenever you hear Kevin’s keyboard, or when you realize this was taped a day before the 22nd anniversary of 9/11Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin NgOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Would you believe we taped this more than three weeks ago? Mike, Kevin, and Moe decided to shoot the breeze and talk sports, esports, the convention news to that point, the (at the time) convention look ahead, anime movies, movie festivals, and a thought for those who are no longer with us. Not necessarily in that order

Mike, Moh, and Kevin just had to talk about Toronto politics throughout the chat (we taped it as the city elected its new mayor). Mike, Moh, and Kevin also had to ask again about “appointment viewing” vs binging. Mike, Moh, and Kevin also just had to update the Kenshin reboot controversy (with some thoughts about how adapted titles are better with most of its source material straightened out). Then Mike, Moh, and Kevin just had to bring up the first impressions of the One Piece Live Action trailerVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

As day two of Anime North ended, Kevin and Amy finally sat around the table to give their impressions of the show so far. Kevin and Amy talk the panels, and Mike talks the general atmosphere…and the parkingThen, we have a serious discussion…51:22 - With the reboot of the Rurouni Kenshin anime now on the horizon, we revisit the discussion that has simmered in light of the issues of its creator some years back. Can you separate the art from the artist here?After we tried to lighten the mood with a game of Yes or No, but then…1:33:15 - Anime North’s Co-programming head, Norm McEvoy joined us for his annual visit and gave his take on the Kenshin issues and looks back at the weekend to this point. And looks back on the lives of Leiji Matsumoto, Ichiro Mizuki, and Antonio Inoki1:59:57 - Hey Kevin. What do you really think about Kodansha’s K-Manga?2:09:49 - Great Pretender has been picked up for physical media. And a Final Insult from MikeThis Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot for a job well doneMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Amy Lynn Greig, with Norm McEvoyOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*10:45am Editors Note: Mike was so sleepy while putting up the episode this morning, he put up the wrong one. It's now corrected. To the both of our listeners, enjoy!!*Mike is joined by James, Moh, and Lawrence and make observations on the first night of Anime North 2023 and the Nominoichi. James talks about Jun Miyuzuki’s appearance at TCAF and her creation process. Then the others give their take on the evolving media mix in fandom. And look ahead to SaturdayWe’re off and running at Anime NorthVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Kevin and Mike start off by talking about the core items in otaku fandom’s eco-system (and define what a core item is). And then we update manga and graphic novels at this stage of the pandemic in light of the belief that manga sales may have plateaued. Talk some more Kodansha and Drops of GodVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

*WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD IN THIS EPISODE. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN SUZUME YET, TREAD CAREFULLY Still settling down from episode 81, Kevin and Moh visit Mike for the first in person taping since August. And Moh brought mochi donuts to boot. After settling down with the donuts, talking Sakura season in the Toronto area, the to do list on our social media, and even Kevin’s love for Certain Scientific Rail Gun, we really settle down and talk at length about every aspect surrounding Makoto Shinkai’s latest film Suzume. In the process we revisit our ongoing Shinkai debate, and maybe how the common aspects are beginning to change a littleVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

We carve out time for the first time in a month to gather around the table and talk about the Super Mario Bros movie to start and wonder how other Nintendo IPs would work as movies0:23:15 - We give a brief thought on Suzume and preview the Space Heater Chat coming up later this week0:36:35 - James brought up the Polygon article about the staying power of anime on physical media. And how important that is. Straddling the line between collectable and consumableThen we talk some live action1:12:00 - The test screening for the One Piece live action didn’t go all that well did it?1:27:50 - The Drops of God live action on Apple TV+. This is different, but it might be good1:38:30 - The hottest anime right now is not streaming on CrunchyrollThe Community Calendar1:47:22 - Looking ahead to this weekend’s Toronto Comic Arts Festival. And a reminder to always support the independent artists (or in this case, one of Moh’s friends)1:58:51 - The latest Anime North news, with the first Japanese Guests announced 2:04:03 - RADWIMPS comes to Toronto this week!!This Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime Mike says the word “facetious”Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Only hours after Mike put up the Space Heater Chat recorded ten days before, we return for the 80th regular episode with the entire gang who give their thoughts on the recent past, like the Oscars (and specfically the Best Animated Feature)Then what did we miss?17:45 - The Crunchyroll Awards, what stuck out to us. And a guide on how to start long running titles now…a few decades later. Usual suspects apply. And some talk about Crunchyroll in the greater Sony family39:02 - The end of an era in Canadian television with the rebranding of Teletoon into Cartoon Network. We look back on Teletoon’s impact on the fandom in the 90s. A very Canadian discussion here53:00 - Some thoughts on Sentai Filmworks and the things going on there. With an AI thought for the future58:30 - ICv2’s annual manga week came and went so we look at a few of the numbers coming from that01:04:10 - We finally talk about Kondansha’s online online service K-Manga. And give our own initial thoughts on where this could go01:36:20 - In Toronto convention news, IFF Toronto is now Anime Toronto. And will happen the weekend after FanExpo Canada on Labour Day weekend. And of course an Anime North update two months out. And Kevin talks a little Man with a Mission01:48:30 - Karyu Pamyu Pamyu gets married to a former Terrace House commentator01:50:20 - The final Ash/Satoshi episode of Pokemon aired today. In commemoration Rika Matsumoto did a viral video singing the original Pokemon theme, and Amy quickly summarized and lamented the finaleThis Week’s Drinking Game: Take a shot for 80 episodes downMike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng, Mohamed Sharmarke, Amy Lynn GreigOpening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico MasakiVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3

Mike, Moh, and Kevin spend Pi Day going a little off the beaten path, and back to the movies as we talk about the Oscars and the evolution of Michelle Yeoh, her path compared to Jackie Chan’s, and Asian representation in Hollywood and North American pop cultureVisit our website for more information and links:Website: animeroundtable.comTwitter and IG: @animeroundtableEmail: animeroundtable@gmail.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwADiscord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3