Christopher Kincaid's Blog, page 34

Beastars Impressions (Season 1)

At first, I avoided Netflix’s Beastars. Despite my background in 3D animation, I’ve come not to like it. I prefer the look of traditional animation. Perhaps because 3D is overdone now. Back when I got into it, Toy Story was out. I also avoided Beastars because I’m not into furries! Actually, the character designs troubled…

Christianity’s Reaction to Edo Period Persecution

As persecution during the early Edo period increased, the Christian community turned away from venerating martyrdom. Instead, they went further underground, hiding behind Buddhist and Shinto practices to avoid complete extermination. Unlike persecutions during the Roman Empire, Japanese Christians had nowhere to go. They couldn’t escape the islands of Japan or the reach of the…

The Shogunate Crackdown on Christianity

Under Ieyasus early governmentthe start of the Edo period the Christian population doubled from about 150,000 to 300,000. It was also the only period (from about 1598-1614) when a Roman Catholic bishop was allowed to reside in Japan. But scandals and various events I covered in this article shifted policy toward deportation and eventually execution

Free eBook Giveaway Wednesday and Thursday May 13-14

Download your free copy of Kanzashi from Amazon on Wednesday and Thursday May 13 and 14. After you read it, could you write a short review on Amazon? It would help me out! Mameko never thought shed witness a murder. Her life consists of songs, stories, lessons, and the other social demands of a maiko.

The Start of Christianity in Japan

The people whom we have met so far, are the best who have as yet been discovered, and it seems to me that we shall never find among heathens another race to equal the Japanese. They are a people of very good manners, good in general, and not malicious. Francis Xavier c. 1551 Note: This

Wabi-Sabi and Lawn Care

As I mowed my lawn, I inevitably compared it against my neighbors weed-free, manicured, precise lawn. Mine grows weeds faster than my weed cutter can handle. My weeping cherry tree grows wide and short (standing at my chest). My yoshino sakura trees stand spindly with only a handful of blossoms. My lawn festoons with violets

Considering Anime’s Moe Trend

Moe designs dominate anime nowadays. The designs focus on cute girls with overly large eyeseven by anime standardsrounded faces, and pastel colors in hair and clothing. Ive defined what moe is, but for a brief review: moe is a feeling of affection and fondness someone has toward a fictional character. Character designers have hit on

The Joy of Painting – The Influence of Bob Ross on Me

I watched the first episode of a new Bob Ross inspired painting show called Keeping the Bob Ross Dream Alive. I grew up watching Bob Ross. The bushy-haired, soft-spoken painter passed away back in 1995, yet he remains relevant. I often see teens come into my library wearing Bob Ross Happy Trees t-shirts. In fact,

The Sleep Deprived Otaku

Sleep deprivation affects everyone at some point. I often find myself staying up far past what I should as I watch an engaging anime. Even a single night of messed up sleep has mental and physical consequences, especially as we age. Twenty-somethings to 30-somethings have the best ability to bounce back after poor sleep. Teens

5 Steps to Living an Iki Life

I attempted to define iki already. The shorthand definition of iki is refined, sophisticated. Of course, refinement today has different connotations than during the Edo Period. Living an iki life doesnt mean you have to sip wine while watching opera. Unless that is your thing. But why would you want to live an iki life