Site provides an anime education

October 19, 2005 by

At first glance, Anime Academy seems like one of the many anime review websites that have popped up since Japanese animation gained popularity in the U.S. in the late ’90s. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll see that, just as its name implies, Anime Academy is more of a place of learning.

“A university setting only seemed logical as our purpose was and still is to be a place where people can learn about anime,” said Tony Yu, co-founder and co-administrator of Anime Academy, commenting on the school website theme.

But what is anime? The uninitiated may think these shows are just cartoons. Make no mistake about it, these are not your ordinary Saturday-morning variety. The kinds of settings, characters and styles from series to series range from comedy to drama to horror and even showcase more adult themes.

Since its inception in 2001, Anime Academy has steadily gained popularity, particularly in the anime convention scene. While contributors, referred to on the site as ‘professors,’ still continue to offer reviews on anime series in a comprehensive Library, Yu says they have expanded and now offer “an extensive database of anime and Japanese-related articles, a well-trafficked message board, merchandise and the occasional contest.”

Among the articles the site offers are those geared specifically to viewers who may not be aware of the cultural significance of certain elements in anime. For example,
“Holidays and Events in Japan” explains the importance of celebrations like the cherry blossom festival and the Japanese summer festival, clarifying the reasons why the characters in some shows say and do certain things.

Anime Academy also offers news from major events like Anime Expo 2005 and Otakon 2005. Besides reporting on what went on, the administrators and professors interview and profile the anime insiders at these conventions. Some interviews hosted on the site include chats with director and character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto and singer and voice actress Maaya Sakamoto. Also featured are profiles on composers like Yuki Kajiura, whose music can be heard in the .hack//SIGN series, which aired on Cartoon Network.

Even as the site’s unexpected popularity grows, Yu is keeping it all in perspective.

“The satisfaction I get from working on the Anime Academy is that the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years is helping to steer a new generation of anime fans in the right direction … Knowing that all of our hard work is being put to good use, that’s enough for me,” he said.

Filed Under: Sites

Internet governance: Who should control the Net?

October 17, 2005 by

In a presentation Monday at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication, Peng Hwa Ang, a member of the Working Group on Internet Governance that was appointed by the U.N. Secretary-General, discussed the issue of who will control the Internet.

“Internet governance is basically rules made by government, private sector and civil society concerning the Internet,” said Ang, the Dean of the School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and graduate of USC’s communication management program.

Because civil society is one of the stakeholders, Ang said, this means that academics can take part in the decision-making process that will help shape the Internet of the future. With this in mind, the WGIG developed a process in which all stakeholders participate on equal footing, Ang said.

Ang also stressed that the ideal framework of Internet governance should be “multilateral, transparent and democratic.” In other words, it should involve countries worldwide; be open enough to let the internet community see any changes and developments; and give voice to everyone’s input.

The WGIG created several models on Internet governance with the government, the private sector and civil society playing varying roles. One model proposes a Global Internet Council with governments as members and the private sector and civil society as advisors. The Council would report to the U.N.

Another model suggests forming an International Internet Council in which governments would still play a leading role, and the private sector and civil society would play an advisory role. This time, however, the Council would not be under the U.N.

These models are just recommendations on ways to regulate the Internet. But if the WGIG’s basic formula of including governments, the private sector and civil society is part of the process, good Internet governance can be established, Ang said.

Filed Under: Events