Mikhail Koulikov
@animemangastudies.com
Promoting and facilitating academic approaches to Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga).
News, announcements, links, commentary, questions, thoughts.
www.animemangastudies.com
- featuring the Anime and Manga Studies Database
News, announcements, links, commentary, questions, thoughts.
www.animemangastudies.com
- featuring the Anime and Manga Studies Database
A new #openaccess study had participants rate "subjective realism, aesthetic value, subjective sexual attractiveness, and pleasantness" of different pornographic images.
"Younger participants rated hentai significantly higher in these measures than older participants".
doi.org/10.1007/s105...
"Younger participants rated hentai significantly higher in these measures than older participants".
doi.org/10.1007/s105...
Subjective Responses of Gynephilic Men and Women to Real versus Artificial Female Nudes - Archives of Sexual Behavior
Depictions of visual sexual stimuli are changing with the advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI), hyper-realistic and idealized images created by artificial Intelligence (AI), and artistic styles ...
doi.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:14 PM
A new #openaccess study had participants rate "subjective realism, aesthetic value, subjective sexual attractiveness, and pleasantness" of different pornographic images.
"Younger participants rated hentai significantly higher in these measures than older participants".
doi.org/10.1007/s105...
"Younger participants rated hentai significantly higher in these measures than older participants".
doi.org/10.1007/s105...
I *thought* I was Done Buying Stuff this trip.
How was I supposed to know!!!.
How was I supposed to know!!!.
February 9, 2026 at 7:27 AM
I *thought* I was Done Buying Stuff this trip.
How was I supposed to know!!!.
How was I supposed to know!!!.
What I came here for!
February 8, 2026 at 7:34 PM
What I came here for!
Snow Miku?
Snow Labubu!
Snow Labubu!
February 8, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Snow Miku?
Snow Labubu!
Snow Labubu!
The manga shelves in the Resting Room at the Dormy Inn Premium Otaru.
I LIKE!
I LIKE!
February 7, 2026 at 6:48 AM
The manga shelves in the Resting Room at the Dormy Inn Premium Otaru.
I LIKE!
I LIKE!
#trailsbeyondthehorizon
Don't see anyone talk about this yet, but - biggest change this game has made is not in any combat mechanics.
You can now see *all* of the character bonding events in one play-through. Before, only way was to reload previous saves, or to replay the whole thing.
Don't see anyone talk about this yet, but - biggest change this game has made is not in any combat mechanics.
You can now see *all* of the character bonding events in one play-through. Before, only way was to reload previous saves, or to replay the whole thing.
February 6, 2026 at 9:48 PM
#trailsbeyondthehorizon
Don't see anyone talk about this yet, but - biggest change this game has made is not in any combat mechanics.
You can now see *all* of the character bonding events in one play-through. Before, only way was to reload previous saves, or to replay the whole thing.
Don't see anyone talk about this yet, but - biggest change this game has made is not in any combat mechanics.
You can now see *all* of the character bonding events in one play-through. Before, only way was to reload previous saves, or to replay the whole thing.
I rarely do gacha pulls.
But, very satisfied with this one!
But, very satisfied with this one!
February 6, 2026 at 12:02 AM
I rarely do gacha pulls.
But, very satisfied with this one!
But, very satisfied with this one!
Great new essay collection from U. of Hawai'i Press - online access via @degruyterbrill.bsky.social - on "the complex and evolving relationship between Japan and the nations of Southeast Asia".
4 chapters in the 'Endearment and Adaptation: Manga, Anime, and Cosplay' section
doi.org/10.1515/9798...
4 chapters in the 'Endearment and Adaptation: Manga, Anime, and Cosplay' section
doi.org/10.1515/9798...
The Contours of Endearment
The Contours of Endearment offers a fresh, Southeast Asia–centered perspective on the complex and evolving relationship between Japan and the nations of Southeast Asia. While much scholarship has emph...
doi.org
February 5, 2026 at 7:13 AM
Great new essay collection from U. of Hawai'i Press - online access via @degruyterbrill.bsky.social - on "the complex and evolving relationship between Japan and the nations of Southeast Asia".
4 chapters in the 'Endearment and Adaptation: Manga, Anime, and Cosplay' section
doi.org/10.1515/9798...
4 chapters in the 'Endearment and Adaptation: Manga, Anime, and Cosplay' section
doi.org/10.1515/9798...
Had no idea this was a thing at the Snow Festival / did not expect to see.
I mean, not surprised at all, but, still.
I mean, not surprised at all, but, still.
February 5, 2026 at 5:12 AM
Had no idea this was a thing at the Snow Festival / did not expect to see.
I mean, not surprised at all, but, still.
I mean, not surprised at all, but, still.
Sapporo.
Continuing w/the Important Parts!
Continuing w/the Important Parts!
February 4, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Sapporo.
Continuing w/the Important Parts!
Continuing w/the Important Parts!
I've always wanted @animenewsnetwork.com to pay more attention to new English-language books on anime!
Made an effort to highlight some when I was writing for the site - fifteen and more years ago now.
And really happy when the site does notice a new book!
www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-m...
Made an effort to highlight some when I was writing for the site - fifteen and more years ago now.
And really happy when the site does notice a new book!
www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-m...
The Many Worlds of Takahata Isao Book Review
At last, Anglophone readers have an in-depth academic study of the director Isao Takahata, taking us through the depth and breadth of his work.
www.animenewsnetwork.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:17 PM
I've always wanted @animenewsnetwork.com to pay more attention to new English-language books on anime!
Made an effort to highlight some when I was writing for the site - fifteen and more years ago now.
And really happy when the site does notice a new book!
www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-m...
Made an effort to highlight some when I was writing for the site - fifteen and more years ago now.
And really happy when the site does notice a new book!
www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-m...
Also me.
(I know I am, but what are you?)
(I know I am, but what are you?)
February 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Also me.
(I know I am, but what are you?)
(I know I am, but what are you?)
Sapporo.
The Important Parts.
The Important Parts.
February 3, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Sapporo.
The Important Parts.
The Important Parts.
Here we go, here is The example.
Why do we watch?
Because anime gives audiences - what American TV, or books, or comics - never will!
youtu.be/7tfxuLFVu7o?...
Why do we watch?
Because anime gives audiences - what American TV, or books, or comics - never will!
youtu.be/7tfxuLFVu7o?...
TVアニメ『ヤニねこ』ティザーPV｜2026年7月からTOKYO MXほかにて放送開始！
YouTube video by TVアニメ『ヤニねこ』公式【ハメちゃんねる】
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Here we go, here is The example.
Why do we watch?
Because anime gives audiences - what American TV, or books, or comics - never will!
youtu.be/7tfxuLFVu7o?...
Why do we watch?
Because anime gives audiences - what American TV, or books, or comics - never will!
youtu.be/7tfxuLFVu7o?...
Talk about a Deep Flashback!
March 2004.
Vertical and Ioannis Mentzas in the Times!
"'Japan has become a brand in terms of good storytelling and cool stuff, and I think that can carry over into literature,' Mr. Mentzas said recently..."
www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/b...
March 2004.
Vertical and Ioannis Mentzas in the Times!
"'Japan has become a brand in terms of good storytelling and cool stuff, and I think that can carry over into literature,' Mr. Mentzas said recently..."
www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/b...
Now That Japan Is Cool, Its Fiction Seeks U.S. Fans (Published 2004)
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Talk about a Deep Flashback!
March 2004.
Vertical and Ioannis Mentzas in the Times!
"'Japan has become a brand in terms of good storytelling and cool stuff, and I think that can carry over into literature,' Mr. Mentzas said recently..."
www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/b...
March 2004.
Vertical and Ioannis Mentzas in the Times!
"'Japan has become a brand in terms of good storytelling and cool stuff, and I think that can carry over into literature,' Mr. Mentzas said recently..."
www.nytimes.com/2004/03/15/b...
February 1, 2026 at 2:24 PM
In 2018, the statement that "because students like Japanese popular culture, it can motivate them to take up Japanese language study, and not only that, but can influence them to continue their study." was a big deal.
Well, that was 2018!
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
Well, that was 2018!
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
Fans Are So Obsessed With ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ They Are Learning Korean
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
In 2018, the statement that "because students like Japanese popular culture, it can motivate them to take up Japanese language study, and not only that, but can influence them to continue their study." was a big deal.
Well, that was 2018!
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
Well, that was 2018!
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
Expanding fan studies and anime fan studies!
First time coming across this journal!
"Using mediated memory theory as a framework, this study focuses on anime nostalgia communities on Bilibili, examining their digital memory practices centered around the Digimon series."
doi.org/10.1007/s406...
First time coming across this journal!
"Using mediated memory theory as a framework, this study focuses on anime nostalgia communities on Bilibili, examining their digital memory practices centered around the Digimon series."
doi.org/10.1007/s406...
Digital memory practices of anime nostalgic fan communities: from the perspective of mediated memory - International Communication of Chinese Culture
Bilibili has emerged as a hub for anime enthusiasts, particularly the youth, fostering a community rich with nostalgic childhood memories. Fans have reignited a collective sense of nostalgia through t...
doi.org
January 31, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Expanding fan studies and anime fan studies!
First time coming across this journal!
"Using mediated memory theory as a framework, this study focuses on anime nostalgia communities on Bilibili, examining their digital memory practices centered around the Digimon series."
doi.org/10.1007/s406...
First time coming across this journal!
"Using mediated memory theory as a framework, this study focuses on anime nostalgia communities on Bilibili, examining their digital memory practices centered around the Digimon series."
doi.org/10.1007/s406...
This probably requires pulling up my transcript (...do I *have* my transcript anywhere?), but, let's try to remember.
- Military Force & Foreign Policy
-Science Fiction as Cultural History
- Introduction to Public International Law
- Russian & Soviet Thought
- Roots of Western Civilization
- Military Force & Foreign Policy
-Science Fiction as Cultural History
- Introduction to Public International Law
- Russian & Soviet Thought
- Roots of Western Civilization
Tell me five classes you took in college:
Creation Myths
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Agony in Stony Places
Intro to the Gothic Language
Advanced Musical Skills
Creation Myths
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Agony in Stony Places
Intro to the Gothic Language
Advanced Musical Skills
Tell me five classes you took in college:
Germanic Literature (various)
Central European History (various)
French, Russian, Chinese
French Essayists
Film Criticism
Germanic Literature (various)
Central European History (various)
French, Russian, Chinese
French Essayists
Film Criticism
January 31, 2026 at 3:53 AM
This probably requires pulling up my transcript (...do I *have* my transcript anywhere?), but, let's try to remember.
- Military Force & Foreign Policy
-Science Fiction as Cultural History
- Introduction to Public International Law
- Russian & Soviet Thought
- Roots of Western Civilization
- Military Force & Foreign Policy
-Science Fiction as Cultural History
- Introduction to Public International Law
- Russian & Soviet Thought
- Roots of Western Civilization
Prize for Collection of Scholarly Essays w/a VERY INTRIGUING TITLE goes to!
link.springer.com/book/9783032...
link.springer.com/book/9783032...
January 28, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Prize for Collection of Scholarly Essays w/a VERY INTRIGUING TITLE goes to!
link.springer.com/book/9783032...
link.springer.com/book/9783032...
Japanese comics can also be adaptations of all kinds of original sources.
New in the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics.
"This paper examines Unbeaten Tracks through Isabella Bird’s original writings as well as the French and Japanese/English manga adaptations."
doi.org/10.1080/2150...
New in the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics.
"This paper examines Unbeaten Tracks through Isabella Bird’s original writings as well as the French and Japanese/English manga adaptations."
doi.org/10.1080/2150...
Unbeaten Tracks: Isabella Bird in Wonderland translation, transculturation, transcreation
Isabella Bird’s Unbeaten Tracks in Japan was first published in 1880 as a compilation of letters Bird wrote to her sister Henrietta, describing her journey travelling from Tōhoku to Hokkaidō. In 19...
doi.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Japanese comics can also be adaptations of all kinds of original sources.
New in the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics.
"This paper examines Unbeaten Tracks through Isabella Bird’s original writings as well as the French and Japanese/English manga adaptations."
doi.org/10.1080/2150...
New in the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics.
"This paper examines Unbeaten Tracks through Isabella Bird’s original writings as well as the French and Japanese/English manga adaptations."
doi.org/10.1080/2150...
This is mostly only interesting if you are REALLY into the history of, uh, animation studies...but - the UCLA Animation Workshop is working to restore access to Animatrix, maybe the field's first scholarly journal
TOC's of selected issues are now up!
animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/showcase/ani...
TOC's of selected issues are now up!
animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/showcase/ani...
Animatrix – UCLA Animation Workshop
animation.filmtv.ucla.edu
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 PM
This is mostly only interesting if you are REALLY into the history of, uh, animation studies...but - the UCLA Animation Workshop is working to restore access to Animatrix, maybe the field's first scholarly journal
TOC's of selected issues are now up!
animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/showcase/ani...
TOC's of selected issues are now up!
animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/showcase/ani...
Happy new Monday morning #openaccess anime studies reading!
"We argue that films by Miyazaki Hayao and Shinkai Makoto can work as a medium to transcend these limits of posthumanism and offer a pathway for understanding humans’ connection with nature."
doi.org/10.1080/0955...
"We argue that films by Miyazaki Hayao and Shinkai Makoto can work as a medium to transcend these limits of posthumanism and offer a pathway for understanding humans’ connection with nature."
doi.org/10.1080/0955...
Animism meets posthumanism: reimagining the human–nature relationship through shrine gates (torii) in the works of Miyazaki Hayao and Shinkai Makoto
How can we rethink the human-nature relationship in the Anthropocene? Posthumanist approaches offer a critique of anthropocentrism, but often implicitly appropriate spiritual approaches, and explic...
doi.org
January 26, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Happy new Monday morning #openaccess anime studies reading!
"We argue that films by Miyazaki Hayao and Shinkai Makoto can work as a medium to transcend these limits of posthumanism and offer a pathway for understanding humans’ connection with nature."
doi.org/10.1080/0955...
"We argue that films by Miyazaki Hayao and Shinkai Makoto can work as a medium to transcend these limits of posthumanism and offer a pathway for understanding humans’ connection with nature."
doi.org/10.1080/0955...