MarionetteCreep
@marionettecreep.bsky.social
Cryptid. Weary Millennial. Occasional artist. Horror and monster enthusiast. English/日本語/Dabbling in français, español and norsk. May go on tangents about Japanese linguistics.
🚫Do not use art for purposes of AI training/ AI 'art' will blocked.
🚫Do not use art for purposes of AI training/ AI 'art' will blocked.
Pinned
Things I like for those who might be curious:
- Horror in general
- All kinds of monsters
- Terry Pratchett/Discworld
- Reading (broadly)
- Drawing/sketching
- Japanese linguistics/話せるからね
- Folklore/mythology
- Fighting games (particularly Darkstalkers)
- JRPGs
- Movies/video games/anime
- Horror in general
- All kinds of monsters
- Terry Pratchett/Discworld
- Reading (broadly)
- Drawing/sketching
- Japanese linguistics/話せるからね
- Folklore/mythology
- Fighting games (particularly Darkstalkers)
- JRPGs
- Movies/video games/anime
Following up on the repost about the joy of the creative process and its struggles, I must say that it's very much the same with language learning.
We do this because it kindles a fire within us, and the struggle is half the point. Replacing that with genAI removes the fundamental joy of learning.
We do this because it kindles a fire within us, and the struggle is half the point. Replacing that with genAI removes the fundamental joy of learning.
December 6, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Following up on the repost about the joy of the creative process and its struggles, I must say that it's very much the same with language learning.
We do this because it kindles a fire within us, and the struggle is half the point. Replacing that with genAI removes the fundamental joy of learning.
We do this because it kindles a fire within us, and the struggle is half the point. Replacing that with genAI removes the fundamental joy of learning.
Reposted by MarionetteCreep
This is something about "AI" that I have a hard time putting into words, but creators just love the WORK. It's just fun. Even when it's hard. All the thinking, and all the detail work, and all the struggle, it makes the things we make, I don't know... have weight and value for us.
If the writer’s eyes light up when asked, “why did the character do that?” then it’s real.
December 6, 2025 at 2:13 AM
This is something about "AI" that I have a hard time putting into words, but creators just love the WORK. It's just fun. Even when it's hard. All the thinking, and all the detail work, and all the struggle, it makes the things we make, I don't know... have weight and value for us.
My life has had a lot of turns.
2006: Started Continuers' at Uni
2009: Finished Continuers' with one mini-thesis completed
2010: Felt rusty, panicked, took/blitzed N4
2010-2022: Snowed in with career
2023-4: Travelled to Japan, started reading books/resumed study
2026: Likely going to take N3
2006: Started Continuers' at Uni
2009: Finished Continuers' with one mini-thesis completed
2010: Felt rusty, panicked, took/blitzed N4
2010-2022: Snowed in with career
2023-4: Travelled to Japan, started reading books/resumed study
2026: Likely going to take N3
2006 - started studying Japanese
2008 - year abroad in Japan and passed JLPT 4
2010 - year abroad
2011 - passed N3
2012 - 6 months in Japan and passed N2
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 - failed N1 nine times (also moved in Japan in 2018)
2022 - passed N1 🥳
2008 - year abroad in Japan and passed JLPT 4
2010 - year abroad
2011 - passed N3
2012 - 6 months in Japan and passed N2
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 - failed N1 nine times (also moved in Japan in 2018)
2022 - passed N1 🥳
2012 - start studying in high school
2013 - take classes in university
2014 - passed N4
2015 - exchange year in Japan
2016 - passed N1
a little insane now that I look back on it, actually. I studied hard on my exchange year
2013 - take classes in university
2014 - passed N4
2015 - exchange year in Japan
2016 - passed N1
a little insane now that I look back on it, actually. I studied hard on my exchange year
December 4, 2025 at 8:55 AM
My life has had a lot of turns.
2006: Started Continuers' at Uni
2009: Finished Continuers' with one mini-thesis completed
2010: Felt rusty, panicked, took/blitzed N4
2010-2022: Snowed in with career
2023-4: Travelled to Japan, started reading books/resumed study
2026: Likely going to take N3
2006: Started Continuers' at Uni
2009: Finished Continuers' with one mini-thesis completed
2010: Felt rusty, panicked, took/blitzed N4
2010-2022: Snowed in with career
2023-4: Travelled to Japan, started reading books/resumed study
2026: Likely going to take N3
Hard choice really, but I'd say a certain video tape that cost a LOT of woolongs is definitely a favourite.
The whole scene remains as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
The whole scene remains as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
December 2, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Hard choice really, but I'd say a certain video tape that cost a LOT of woolongs is definitely a favourite.
The whole scene remains as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
The whole scene remains as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
Reposted by MarionetteCreep
The only thing less human than these AI dub performances is the decision to sign off on them
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
November 28, 2025 at 11:21 PM
The only thing less human than these AI dub performances is the decision to sign off on them
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
Metaphors for linguistic concepts/grammar have a storied tradition, but this one from Madrigal's on 3rd person pronouns is definitely... something.
This third man, sleeping in a sombrero (drawn by Warhol) represents EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY, except YOU.
The third man is legion, but singular.
This third man, sleeping in a sombrero (drawn by Warhol) represents EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY, except YOU.
The third man is legion, but singular.
November 30, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Metaphors for linguistic concepts/grammar have a storied tradition, but this one from Madrigal's on 3rd person pronouns is definitely... something.
This third man, sleeping in a sombrero (drawn by Warhol) represents EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY, except YOU.
The third man is legion, but singular.
This third man, sleeping in a sombrero (drawn by Warhol) represents EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY, except YOU.
The third man is legion, but singular.
Reposted by MarionetteCreep
The 教師と学習者のための日本語文型辞典 is a grammar dictionary for teachers and linguists that every intermediate and advanced learner of Japanese should get.
The explanations and examples are written for native Japanese speakers, which (I think) makes some complex grammar patterns easier to understand.
The explanations and examples are written for native Japanese speakers, which (I think) makes some complex grammar patterns easier to understand.
November 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The 教師と学習者のための日本語文型辞典 is a grammar dictionary for teachers and linguists that every intermediate and advanced learner of Japanese should get.
The explanations and examples are written for native Japanese speakers, which (I think) makes some complex grammar patterns easier to understand.
The explanations and examples are written for native Japanese speakers, which (I think) makes some complex grammar patterns easier to understand.
2025 is in its final stretch, and I'll be honest, this has been the most difficult year of my adult life due to a range of factors.
That's not to say there hasn't been some fantastic stuff with language learning, reading and learning to draw, but a... great deal has happened in these past 11 months
That's not to say there hasn't been some fantastic stuff with language learning, reading and learning to draw, but a... great deal has happened in these past 11 months
November 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
2025 is in its final stretch, and I'll be honest, this has been the most difficult year of my adult life due to a range of factors.
That's not to say there hasn't been some fantastic stuff with language learning, reading and learning to draw, but a... great deal has happened in these past 11 months
That's not to say there hasn't been some fantastic stuff with language learning, reading and learning to draw, but a... great deal has happened in these past 11 months
One of the unfortunate consequences of the language app boom is that in many ways, languages have become another part of hustle/productivity culture with scores and streaks.
When in reality, languages are organic things that need time to take root, and in time, to bloom across many seasons. 1/13 🧵
When in reality, languages are organic things that need time to take root, and in time, to bloom across many seasons. 1/13 🧵
November 23, 2025 at 1:01 AM
One of the unfortunate consequences of the language app boom is that in many ways, languages have become another part of hustle/productivity culture with scores and streaks.
When in reality, languages are organic things that need time to take root, and in time, to bloom across many seasons. 1/13 🧵
When in reality, languages are organic things that need time to take root, and in time, to bloom across many seasons. 1/13 🧵
Experimenting with language methodology practices a little. I'll report back in due time.
November 21, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Experimenting with language methodology practices a little. I'll report back in due time.
Been hearing about the new 'AI-based instant translation AirPods', and it's another reminder that companies see languages as a problem needing products to 'fix' it, rather than languages being one of the best opportunities for personal growth, broader understanding and for potential human connection
November 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Been hearing about the new 'AI-based instant translation AirPods', and it's another reminder that companies see languages as a problem needing products to 'fix' it, rather than languages being one of the best opportunities for personal growth, broader understanding and for potential human connection
Looking for intermediate Japanese listening material? I can highly recommend Seika's Japanese podcast. It's fairly accessible language-wise, and is fantastic for learning to listen to/decode extended articulations of experiences and thoughts/opinions by a native speaker.
sub) 📝PDF / 🎧Japanese Listening🌛 #113 ：日本で今！話題のドーナツ🍩 / Podcast
YouTube video by SeikaのJapanese Room
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Looking for intermediate Japanese listening material? I can highly recommend Seika's Japanese podcast. It's fairly accessible language-wise, and is fantastic for learning to listen to/decode extended articulations of experiences and thoughts/opinions by a native speaker.
Finally got around to watching the first of the 忍びの者 films tonight (Shinobi: Band of Assassins). It's a bit of a winding origin story for Ishikawa Goemon, with Iga machinations and the rampaging Oda as driving forces for the plot.
A little messy, but definitely a key piece of ninja film canon.
A little messy, but definitely a key piece of ninja film canon.
November 9, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Finally got around to watching the first of the 忍びの者 films tonight (Shinobi: Band of Assassins). It's a bit of a winding origin story for Ishikawa Goemon, with Iga machinations and the rampaging Oda as driving forces for the plot.
A little messy, but definitely a key piece of ninja film canon.
A little messy, but definitely a key piece of ninja film canon.
Reposted by MarionetteCreep
森崎書店の日々 is back in print, and after tackling the English translation, I definitely want to read the original as part of this ongoing reading project.
November 6, 2025 at 8:50 AM
森崎書店の日々 is back in print, and after tackling the English translation, I definitely want to read the original as part of this ongoing reading project.
A rare JLPT practice question that caters to Australians like myself.
November 1, 2025 at 1:16 AM
A rare JLPT practice question that caters to Australians like myself.
Happy Halloween from a very spooky future time zone!
October 30, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Happy Halloween from a very spooky future time zone!
While Pokemon/DBZ were some of my first tastes of anime (and few smaller things as well), ultimately it was Evangelion that got me into anime. Between the animation, music and characterisation, I was intrigued.
That, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and Martian Successor Nadesico were the trio that hooked me.
That, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and Martian Successor Nadesico were the trio that hooked me.
October 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM
While Pokemon/DBZ were some of my first tastes of anime (and few smaller things as well), ultimately it was Evangelion that got me into anime. Between the animation, music and characterisation, I was intrigued.
That, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and Martian Successor Nadesico were the trio that hooked me.
That, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and Martian Successor Nadesico were the trio that hooked me.
Well... this is at least ONE bright spark in a rough week, speaking as a Toshinden apologist/fan. I do wonder whether 4/Subaru will make the cut though.
Edia to port Battle Arena Toshinden games to modern platforms
Edia has entered into a licensing agreement with Takara Tomy to port 3D fighting games Battle Arena Toshinden, Battle Arena Toshinden 2, and Battle Arena Toshinden 3 to modern platforms, the compan…
www.gematsu.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Well... this is at least ONE bright spark in a rough week, speaking as a Toshinden apologist/fan. I do wonder whether 4/Subaru will make the cut though.
It's been a deeply challenging week with complications with family health, adding to the slog 2025 has been.
It's been a time in which the world has felt impossibly small, but also dizzyingly broad. Been resting where I can, reading old comics as comfort food, and taking each day as it comes.
It's been a time in which the world has felt impossibly small, but also dizzyingly broad. Been resting where I can, reading old comics as comfort food, and taking each day as it comes.
October 27, 2025 at 10:04 AM
It's been a deeply challenging week with complications with family health, adding to the slog 2025 has been.
It's been a time in which the world has felt impossibly small, but also dizzyingly broad. Been resting where I can, reading old comics as comfort food, and taking each day as it comes.
It's been a time in which the world has felt impossibly small, but also dizzyingly broad. Been resting where I can, reading old comics as comfort food, and taking each day as it comes.
My Kanji knowledge isn't quite up to standard for more formal history texts yet, but I think this new arrival might be a starting point for Bakumatsu and Shinsengumi reading.
October 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
My Kanji knowledge isn't quite up to standard for more formal history texts yet, but I think this new arrival might be a starting point for Bakumatsu and Shinsengumi reading.
Language learning is a personal journey, and it will take the time it needs and different forms for every person. There is no singularly most-optimised method that will bring sustainable results quickly.
Also, language learners need to be kind to themselves, as the road is long and winding.
Also, language learners need to be kind to themselves, as the road is long and winding.
Do you have any extremely niche, but serious, ethical stances?
October 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Language learning is a personal journey, and it will take the time it needs and different forms for every person. There is no singularly most-optimised method that will bring sustainable results quickly.
Also, language learners need to be kind to themselves, as the road is long and winding.
Also, language learners need to be kind to themselves, as the road is long and winding.
I'm coming up on a year since my last trip to Japan, and given the health of family, it might be a while...
I'm leaning into language study in the mean time, and it's time to tackle some translated literature as well.
Got some Natsume, Dazai and Akutagawa ordered, and I'm reading some Edogawa.
I'm leaning into language study in the mean time, and it's time to tackle some translated literature as well.
Got some Natsume, Dazai and Akutagawa ordered, and I'm reading some Edogawa.
October 19, 2025 at 7:37 AM
I'm coming up on a year since my last trip to Japan, and given the health of family, it might be a while...
I'm leaning into language study in the mean time, and it's time to tackle some translated literature as well.
Got some Natsume, Dazai and Akutagawa ordered, and I'm reading some Edogawa.
I'm leaning into language study in the mean time, and it's time to tackle some translated literature as well.
Got some Natsume, Dazai and Akutagawa ordered, and I'm reading some Edogawa.
One of the biggest traps of the intermediate plateau with Japanese is the loop of "I haven't gotten N3/2 yet, so I can't do X" and "This text is difficult, I need to study for N3/2 first".
At this stage, you're actually building literacy, which reading is essential for, and study BOOSTS it. Do both
At this stage, you're actually building literacy, which reading is essential for, and study BOOSTS it. Do both
October 19, 2025 at 2:38 AM
One of the biggest traps of the intermediate plateau with Japanese is the loop of "I haven't gotten N3/2 yet, so I can't do X" and "This text is difficult, I need to study for N3/2 first".
At this stage, you're actually building literacy, which reading is essential for, and study BOOSTS it. Do both
At this stage, you're actually building literacy, which reading is essential for, and study BOOSTS it. Do both
Decided I'd look back at some of the spookier cartoons I saw when I was a kid, and one of the most unsettling at the time was a Mr. Magoo episode adapting Frankenstein.
There's a fever dream sequence featuring this imagery while stomping, laughing/moaning and organ music plays. Intense for the time
There's a fever dream sequence featuring this imagery while stomping, laughing/moaning and organ music plays. Intense for the time
October 18, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Decided I'd look back at some of the spookier cartoons I saw when I was a kid, and one of the most unsettling at the time was a Mr. Magoo episode adapting Frankenstein.
There's a fever dream sequence featuring this imagery while stomping, laughing/moaning and organ music plays. Intense for the time
There's a fever dream sequence featuring this imagery while stomping, laughing/moaning and organ music plays. Intense for the time