#53 The Darwin Incident: An Incidental Dar-Win
In this episode, we avoid cringey Gen Z puns while talking about The Darwin Incident. We explore veganism, the epidemic of mass shootings in America, the concept of animal rights, and how the United States is perceived from abroad. Not sure what a humanzee is, or whether there's ever actually been one? Find out by listening!Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Darwin Incident02:59 Major Themes of The Darwin Incident04:56 Animal Rights and Veganism09:54 How Other Countries See America14:37 A Real-Life Humanzee?! The Strange Case of Oliver17:41 Ethical Implications of Humanzee Research27:39 2AM OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー人 / Hitoー
#52 Apothecary Diaries: Magic Ice Cream!
In this episode we talk about the Apothecary Diaries (again!), this time examining the phenomenon of "magic" engraved mirrors and the history of ice cream. How does a magic mirror work? Who has the best claim to the invention of frozen creamy desserts - China, Persia, or England? What's a yuurei? Listen now and find out!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Episodes 38-42 of The Apothecary Diaries01:40 Episode 38: Dancing Ghosts and Magic Mirrors05:52 Episode 39: The Ice Cream Mystery11:32 Who Is Shisui, Really?17:22 OP Theme Song "Kusushiki" by Mrs. Green Apple18:36 2AM OTTACK! Word of the Day ーYuurei / 幽霊 ー
#51 The Rose of Versailles - Fact or Fiction?
In this episode we talk about the 2025 feature-length anime The Rose of Versailles. In addition to our opinions about this version of the story, we talk about the historical people who inspired the characters, which parts are real and which are fiction, and the far-reaching influence of Riyoko Ikeda’s original 1970s manga. Brush up on your knowledge of 1780s France by joining us for this conversation!0:00 Introduction 03:01 Introduction to The Rose of Versailles 08:19 Marie Antoinette IRL 16:03 Oscar and the Historical Figure that Inspired Her 17:22 Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen the Younger (and His Life) 19:26 Feminism and Gender Roles: The Rose of Versailles and Revolutionary Girl Utena24:56 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー誇り / Hokoriー26:44 The Show's Reference to "Julie, or the new Heloise" by Rousseau...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga
#50 To Be Hero X - Social Media Heroics
In this episode we introduce To Be Hero X, a new Chinese-Japanese anime collaboration with an original story and star-studded Japanese voice cast. We examine the mash-up of visual styles (which mixes 2D and 3D), talk about its time slot in Japan (replacing One Piece!), and opine on the series’ central conceit, which is that a hero’s social media popularity and people’s faith in them is what determines their power(s). Learn about the Japanese term for hero and where we think the show might go next!...0:00 Opening 01:24 To Be Hero X Introduction 03:43 Animation Styles - 3DCG and Regular 2D 06:18 To Be Hero X Replaces One Piece?!07:26 S-Rank Japanese Voice Actors in To Be Hero X09:17 Hero Rankings and Social Media Influence in Modern Society18:56 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー英雄 / Eiyuuー21:55 Final Thoughts and Future Expectations...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #TOBEHEROX #ANIMEREVIEW #ANIMEREACTION
#49 Yaiba-ck to the Future: 80s/90s Anime Remakes
In this episode we discuss the recent Netflix remake of the 90s anime Yaiba! Samurai Legend, speculate about why 80s/90s remakes are so popular currently, and ponder the differences between remakes and reboots. What is a "yaiba" anyway? Find out in this week's 2 AM OTTACK!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsW... ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: / @3amottack ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBd... ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bs... ◎Instagram: / #ranma½ #animeclassics #animereview
#48 Kowloon Generic Romance - Thrilling Romance or Romantic Thriller?
In this episode we discuss our reactions to the first two episodes of the new anime Kowloon Generic Romance, the nature of nostalgia, the history of Kowloon Walled City, the theme songs, and the voice actors. Learn how to pronounce Kowloon in three languages, and how to talk about nostalgia in Japanese!0:00 Opening Talk 02:17 Introduction to Kowloon Generic Romance 08:56 Where Does “Nostalgia” Come From? 13:15 Pronunciation of “Kowloon” & the History of Kowloon Walled City 21:57 Voice Actors, Theme Songs, and the Live-Action Adaptation27:38 OTTACK! Word of the Day! ー懐かしい /Natsukashii..........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottack_podcast/#kowloongenericromance #animereview #animerecommendations
#47 Apothecary Diaries S2: Guns, Baths, and “Frogs”
In this episode we talk about the end of the first cour of the second season of Apothecary Diaries, the history of firearms in China (and elsewhere), world bathing cultures, and the importance of consent. What the heck do those things have to do with the Apothecary Diaries? Listen and find out!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga
#46 Solo Leveling Ep 1 "I'm Used to It" Reaction/Commentary
In this episode we give our honest reactions to the first episode of Solo Leveling *as we watch it!* Join us as we question the story’s internal logic, Mayu repeatedly tells Cisco to stop talking (is this a podcast or isn’t it?!), and Cisco tries to give the protagonist unhelpful advice. Listen while watching along, or enjoy our incomprehensible non-sequiturs if you don’t!0:00 Opening 3:10 Watching Solo Leveling with Commentary 27:04 Post-Episode Discussion ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga
#45 Witch WachーWhich Watch? Witch Watch!
In this episode, we talk about attending the “Witch Watch” Watch Party / screening of the first three episodes in an LA theater. We discuss our reactions, expectations for the series, and thoughts about the opening and ending theme songs! We introduce a word of the day that appears in a huge variety of rom-com anime shows, and spill the beans about the truth of our watch party experience!0:00 Opening02:09 The “Witch Watch” Screening Experience 19:13 Word of the day! ー幼馴染 / Osananajimiー22:33 OP “Watch Me!” by YOASOBI & ED “Magic Spice” by Aooo24:46 The Truth About the “Witch Watch” Watch Party! ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottack_podcast/#witchwatch #yoasobi #animereview
#44 Orb: On the Movements of the Earth – The Final Revolution!
In this episode, we bid farewell to talking about what’s obviously been our favorite anime of this season – Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. We break down the final episode’s content and meaning, especially the biggest question: what’s going on with Rafal?! We also talk about Sakanaction’s new music video for the opening theme song, introduce a new word of the day, and definitively answer the question of what must be given up to obtain the truth of this world. 0:00 Opening 1:43 Breakdown of Ep. 25 - Final Episode of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth 18:41 The Brand New Music Video for “Kaiju” by Sakanaction 26:06 2AM OTTACK! Word of the Day ーはてな / Hatenaー 29:09 Honest Reviews After Finishing Orb: On the Movements of the Earth2AM OTTACK! Orb: On the Movements of the Earth playlist! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-LcZRGlcrAd2FPoP1YX-ZmlaPWp1_pp&si=og9jz7XIUOk0COxUSakanaction Kaiju -Music Video-https://youtu.be/a8dgNdJVluc?si=X-W7YhNmGglSOxt9 ...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: 300am.ottack@gmail.com ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0 ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407 ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBdSIyycbujPMUHTAH?si=b496a00e609045e8 ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/3-00am-ottack/id1734521806 ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram: ◎Instagram https://www.instagram.com/3amottack/ #anime #podcast #manga