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In my continuation to find more information about the issue, I came across an article stating that Japanese publishers and the government are finding ways to countermeasure pirated manga. One countermeasure that I found alarming was the Japanese government seeking to revise the Copyright Law. Under current Japanese Copyright Law, authorities can only take action if the publisher and/or original author of the works, files a complaint. The revised version would allow publishers and companies to file lawsuits to pirated versions of manga/anime posted on the internet. In other words, the publisher would not necessarily have to file a complaint to take action. Any pirated version in the net found will prompt immediate removal.
Aside from pirated manga/anime posted on the net, the revised Copyright Law would also affect cosplayers or people that dress up like the character. If their costume was deemed too detailed and if a video of the costume was uploaded online, you should hide in a corner.
Right now though, it's just talk. It may or may not be official but, I think in general we are overall seeing more fights from authors and publishers against piracy.
I was surprised to know that Copyright Law would affect costumes from manga or anime. That makes sense, though. However, people dressing up like the character are unintentionally promoting their work, which is beneficial for the publishers or production companies.
ReplyDeleteYou seem pretty into Japanese subculture.
I was always curious to know, as I grew up in Japan, what is so appealing about manga or anime to those who did not grow up in Japan. Is it the stories that you find interesting? Did you have to understand Japanese culture first to follow the scenario? What do you think about the way characters look? Is it what you find attractive? Do you think the English subtitles are accurate from the originals? I am simply curious.
Growing up in Japan, what you refer to as "manga" was just comic books to me, and what you refer to as "anime" was just animated television series to me, just like SpongeBob in the United States. Outside Japan, "manga" is used as a genre of comics and "anime" is used as a genre of animation. We don't really consider them as a genre, so it is quite interesting to see how they are treated in other countries.
My mother, sister, and brother have a large collection of manga. My brother also works for anime as an editor. I'm the only one in my family who is into completely different things, so I would feel left out when they start talking about manga or anime they are into. I love Hayao Miyazaki films, though.
You ask a very good question! Why do I watch Japanese animation instead of American animation shows such as Family Guy, or American Dad? Why do I prefer to watch shows in Japanese with English subtitles than shows that are in English? Indeed, I was born and raised here in the U.S. (with an Asian background) and yet, I would rather take a class about Japanese culture and society than a class about American society.
DeleteI admit, I have a side of me that is fascinated with Japan overall.
I think what makes manga or anime so appealing is that they form idealized worlds. Imaginary worlds where the reader or viewer wants to be in. I mean for example, take our classmates that missed class because of the anime convention. I pretty much can assume that they are cosplaying their favorite character and acting them out as if he/she is the character itself. The interesting stories and attractive artwork are just some of the few reasons that makes the world idealized. In fact, I think from the perspective from a person in any country whether it's the United States, or Japan, he or she would think that "it's just an ideal world that fans created." I believe we refer to call these fans as "Otaku."
Personally, manga and anime is a hobby or pastime for me. I enjoy it because of my fascination with Japanese culture. Recently though, I find the English subtitles are never accurate from the originals. With my continue study of the Japanese language, I have been able to watch some anime without subtitles. Watching without subtitles to me is completely different on how I see the show. I believe English subtitles "westernizes" the anime. Translation is never perfect.
Since you grew up in Japan, does "into completely different things" mean things that come from the U.S. or Europe?
As I can talk on and on about this topic, I think I wrote too much for a simple comment. I'll stop here.
Thanks for answering all of my questions. It is even interesting to learn that Americans use the word "cosplay" borrowed from Japanese. I guess it's only understood among the fans of Japanese subculture… right?
ReplyDeleteIt is impressive that you understand anime without subtitles, but let me warn you something: People in Japan don't actually talk like those characters in anime. I'm sure you've taken Japanese classes in school (or maybe you have even lived in Japan), but I know some Americans who learned Japanese just by reading manga and watching anime, and they spoke really funny in real life. What was even funnier is that they didn't realize that.
"Into completely different things" means non-Japanese stuff, such as music from North America and Europe and films and TV series from the U.S. I particularly enjoy the films and shows that take place in prison or courtroom, such as The Shawshank Redemptions, The Green Miles, Sleepers, Dead Man Walking, Prison Break, etc. They are really fascinating to me since these kinds are not very common in Japan. I think how laws work here is unique and some of the U.S. laws make more senses than Japanese laws. (I can talk on and on about this topic, but I will stop here, too. :P) The only Japanese music I have been really into is Nujabes. Have you heard of him? He is dead now, but his music was actually used in the anime called "Samurai Champloo", which is more known in other countries than in Japan. The reason why I am never into the Japanese TV series or films are because the dialogues are usually very unnatural. They sound SO "acting," and I can't really put myself into the stories.
Anyway, I have absolutely no idea who you are from the class, but if you want to practice speaking Japanese or talk about Japan, feel free to come talk to me. (I'm the one who looks so Japanese in class. :P)
You're definitely right about people in Japan do not actually talk like the characters in anime. When I first start to learn Japanese, I was one of the few that "survived" the language. I had former classmate quit because learning Japanese just for anime and manga is, I think, not a good reason to learn the language. Sure, anime and manga can help supplement Japanese listening, but, by no means should represent the whole language.
DeleteI never heard of Nujabes or seen "Samurai Champloo." I tend to watch or listen to not very known Japanese music and anime. Also, I tend to be a "nobody" in classes so, I am not surprised that you have no idea who I am.
I find your perspective on laws in the U.S. interesting. Understanding the U.S. from an outside perspective would probably make me appreciate what is here. I'll take up the last part of what you said.
By the way, thank you for commenting on my blog. I'll frequently comment on your blog as thanks. (If that's alright :P)