Japanamerica is the first book that directly addresses the American experience with the Japanese pop culture craze--including anime from Ha...
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Aug 11, 2008
Natty
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Extremely insightful connection between history and Japanese pop culture, and why Americans in particular are fascinated by it.
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Apr 29, 2010
Aaron
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Japanamerica is an excellent introduction to the world of anime and manga for the general public. Roland Kelts explores the topic from several angles including the history of the medium, postwar Japan, film production production, business, marketing, Japanese fandom, foreign fandom, and the projected future of anime.
Two main comments about this book: First, Kelts does an excellent job of making meaningful and sound comparisons between particularly "Japanese" characteristic More...
Two main comments about this book: First, Kelts does an excellent job of making meaningful and sound comparisons between particularly "Japanese" characteristic More...
Nov 17, 2008
Christine
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This book basically put into words a lot of what my friends and in Japan and at University would chat about. The thing that stays with me the most from this book isn't the tentacle discussions, but the descriptions on how lots of Japanese people react to their pop culture being popular in the US. In my experience their are twin reactions to hearing Americans like something: "wow! Omg, I can't believe they like it! that's so crazy cool!" and "there is no way Americans could poss
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Dec 31, 2008
Jordan
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Sort of uneven. Gives way too much info about the business side of things. Barely covers some of the more..tastier topics. Worth a read if you are into Japan Pop culture, though. I did learn quite a few cool things (like how the guy who invented PacMan barely made any money. Why isn't that guy a millionaire? That sucks!)
Jan 15, 2012
Michal
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An overall enjoyable and informative read with a heavy focus on the market of anime, manga, and related commodities. The best aspects are to be found in its initial chapters that focus on a more culturally-anthropological perspective of the reasons for the media's existence, potential, and appeal as an art form.
Jun 29, 2008
Gopakumar
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These are heady days for anime and manga as they occupy the mainstream spotlight. Japanophilia is on the rise. But how could a very singular culture (anime and manga riding the cultural tsunami wave) explode into an American phenomenon? Even the Japanese seem to be dumb founded. Roland Kelts topical book Japanamericaprovides that answer. Clocking in at 223 pages (HC) it's a cultural treatise on steroids. _Japanamerica_ provides an intimate insider's look and overturns some long held myths. Highl
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Jan 22, 2010
Kacper
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it was okay, but the author kept saying how poor japanese companies get exploited by rich american corporations, specifically 4kids. I did, however, enjoy the descriptions of the different types of manga.
Oct 18, 2007
Rebecca
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I found this book a very interesting study, not only in how Japanese culture has affect the United States, but finding that the things that get my students the most excited stem from American creations from my parents' childhood/young adult years.
It's also an interesting look at the cultural differences, and how that has played into the accommodation of the other culture. Thankfully, Kelts doesn't paint this with a Pollyanna shade, instead pointing out that for all the good this cult More...
It's also an interesting look at the cultural differences, and how that has played into the accommodation of the other culture. Thankfully, Kelts doesn't paint this with a Pollyanna shade, instead pointing out that for all the good this cult More...
Jan 28, 2012
Akeem
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Interesting book, has some interesting theories on the Western appeal with anime. The book does feel a little skimpy but nonetheless enjoyable to a certain degree...
Mar 25, 2011
Sebastiano
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Enjoy it a lot. Gave me great insights into the dominant pieces of pop culture today.
Jul 04, 2008
Sarah
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This book came out in 2006 but I only got to it now. I write a blog on Japanese pop culture for a business company in Los Angeles, so I was familiar with the basics of the topic, but there was still plenty of new information, expertly explained. The author is half Japanese and half American, and he's spent many years living in both countries and writing about Japan so I found his information useful and informative. He also interviews some key figures in Japanese pop culture (including Haruki Mur
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May 07, 2010
Jesse
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One of my best friends gave me this book for my birthday. I wasn't so sure what to think at first because I only know a bit about Japan and a few anime movies like Totoro and Spirited Away. But this book is really a lot of fun to read and has a lot of entertaining stories and comments from people who make Japanese Pop and fashion. The author Kelts knows how to tell good stories and he did a ton of research. I'm ging to give this to another friend of mine who is having a birthday next week.
May 22, 2011
I had to return this to the library finally but I think I ended up reading most of it. I got this as part of my research on the history of anime and manga and enjoyed it enough to actually read it as opposed to just skiming it.
Very good read and entertaining.
Very good read and entertaining.
May 07, 2010
Danielle
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While this might be edifying for those new to Japanese/US cultural studies, it's not that innovative of a work for those somewhat familiar with recent developments. Aside from the predictable nature of the content, I felt that the writing style itself could have been a little more engaging. Still, it's a decent book overall, and quite good for those just dipping into the area.
Jun 26, 2008
Karen
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I read this for a project, not for fun, but it was really intriguing. I don't know how well it covers the topic of anime, manga, and other Japanese pop culture but it certainly made me want to watch some, and it definitely made me want to go to Japan. And now I want to seriously track down the rest of the Gaiman Sandman books!
May 07, 2010
Tosh
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The author Roland Kelts did a great job on the global influence of Japanese Manga comics and it's fascinating to read his take on the current art scene in Japan as well. Well thought out interviews and a good perspective on Japan-pop life. One of the better books that are out there on Japanese contemporary culture.
May 07, 2010
Ariolander
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An excellent book that covers a segment of culture I have always been interested in. Talks about the early history of the anime/manga industry and Japanese culture's spread across the globe. Reminds me of Douglas McGray's article on "Gross National Cool" explaining Japan's "soft power" in the world today.
Jul 28, 2007
malika
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Author wanted to write about anime, someone probably decided it would sell better if it was a broader topic, author ends up writing about anime and marketing sells it as being about pop culture. Too adulatory and too repetitive and I'm only half way through...
May 08, 2007
Janet
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Interesting book, although the title is a bit of a misnomer. It's focused on Anime and Manga's growth. The most interesting part is about the state of Anime and Manga in Japan, the the cultural barriers to exporting it to the United States.
Oct 21, 2011
Phil
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I found this book fascinating. I've been a fan of anime for several years now, which has sparked some interest in Japanese popular culture. After reading Japanamerica, I'm definitely interested in reading more.
May 07, 2010
Paige Turner
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So far this is kind of boring and too general. Don't know if I will get through it. I saw Roland Kelts read and it was really interesting. He was more engaging than his book...
I only read half of this book!
I only read half of this book!
Feb 20, 2011
Kelly
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A fascinating look at the connections between anime and US pop culture -- and their interdependence.
May 07, 2010
Justingibbs
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First time I learned that the anime/manga industry is ailing in it's home of Japan.
Jan 10, 2008
April
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Feb 02, 2012
Jan 29, 2012
