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Find articles and blogs from the old Austin Otaku site, including anime reviews, restaurant reviews, articles, and photo blogs.
Photos from UT’s Invitational Team Kendo Tournament
This weekend, the University of Texas Kendo Association and the Austin Kendo Doshikai hosted the 8th Longhorn Invitational Team Kendo Taikai here in Austin. Teams from around the U.S. and Mexico were represented. I have to say, this was the coolest event I have had...
Standing Meditation – The Art of Kyudo in Austin
Saturday morning was clear and crisp; perfect for getting outside and enjoying an Austin-style Fall day. So I decided to head down to the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center to watch the Austin Kyudo Group practicing the traditional art of Japanese archery. Led by...
Think There’s Nothing to do This Weekend? Let Austin Otaku Fill You In…
So, you're in Austin, and you think there's nothing for you to do this weekend? Oh, you know I can't just leave you in the dark. There is plenty to keep you busy. ... In fact, I have a feeling I'm going to be quite exhausted by Sunday evening. Friday, October 23rd UT...
City of Austin Trembles at News of Austin Otaku Using a Knife … Again!
Following up its successful Sushi Workshop in July, the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin will present sushi chef Jorge from Kenichi for an advanced sushi workshop on Sunday, October 25th at the Triangle Clubhouse (4700 Guadalupe St.) from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. This...
San Antonio Museum to Honor Miyazaki with Film Festival & Lecture
The San Antonio Museum of Art continues its celebration of Japanese culture next month with a film festival series and lecture that honors the early work of critically-acclaimed anime writer/director Hayao Miyazaki. From the official press release: "Miyazaki’s...
Japanese Woodblock Prints Coming to San Antonio Museum of Art
If you don't mind driving a couple of hours south on I-35, the San Antonio Museum of Art will debut one of its four seasonal rotations of the Ukiyo-e or woodblock prints of Tsukioka (Taiso) Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) on November 3rd. The exhibit is called "Seasons of...
Kazuhito Yamashita: Classical Guitar Virtuoso
I know this post is off-topic, but I had to share my impressions of Kazuhito Yamashita's performance last night here in Austin, which I attended with the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin. Before I begin, I guess I should apologize for not having any pictures or...
Manga-ka Konohana Sakuya to Visit Austin
There have been some rumors lately of a possible visit to the Austin area by manga-ka (manga artists) Konohana Sakuya, which is the working alias of Kouhei Nishino and Tsugumi Nishino. And if these rumors are true, the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin will be...
Upcoming Event: Kazuhito Yamashita in Concert
I apologize for the short notice on this, but Kazuhito Yamashita, world-renowned and Japan's most celebrated classical guitarist will be performing this weekend here in Austin. Here are the details: International Concert Series Proudly Presents Saturday, October 10th,...
Presentation on Anime for JASGA
This evening, I presented a lecture on behalf of the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin on the topic of "Anime." JASGA had asked me a few weeks ago to present on this topic. Initially, I was honored that they would think I was versed enough in this aspect of...
Upcoming Presentation: Anime and Japan’s Popular Culture
I've recently been honored by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin, who have asked me to do a presentation at their October Japanese Culture Salon on the subject of "Anime and Japanese Popular Culture." So, if you're in Austin and interested in catching my...
Event: San Jose Taiko at the Long Center
Tonight San Jose Taiko performed at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Austin, Texas. It was a high energy display of some incredible rhythm and coordination. If you ever get a chance to see this group perform, jump at the offer. You will be as...
Toshie Suzuki at Kick Butt Coffee
On Monday of this past week, Tsugaru shamisen player Toshie Suzuki performed at Kick Butt Coffee's World Music Night at The Triangle in Austin. Suzuki-san alternated performances on stage with local jazz band Manteca Beat. (Be sure to swing by their site and listen to...
Austin Otaku: South Florida Edition
As I've mentioned before, the reason I started AustinOtaku.com was to try to make the best of wherever I live, even deep in the heart of Texas. I think this is a pretty good philosophy to have, and in most large cities in the U.S., I think this is possible, even for...
Event: “Eureka Seven” Movie at Gateway 16
After dropping by Barnes & Noble to pick up my copy of The Otaku Encyclopedia by Patrick Galbraith, I headed over to Gateway 16 this evening and joined some fellow otaku from the Austin Anime Meetup Group for "Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers."...
Event: Arcade UFO’s Fighting Game Tournament
Put on your knee-socks and head band. It's time for an 80's-style arcade showdown. This Saturday (September 26th), Arcade UFO will be hosting its Arcade Fighting Game Tournament. Be sure to show up at 1pm for Registration. The big showdown begins at 2pm. Don't miss...
Sunset Dinner and Drinks with JASGA
A few of us members from the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin took Tsugaru shamisen player Toshie Suzuki and pianist Kohei Moriyama from Wednesday night's concert out to Austin's famous The Oasis. The Oasis is a multi-tiered restaurant overlooking Lake Travis...
Thursday Night Manga and Okonomiyaki
Here are some pics from tonight's Thursday Night Manga Meetup, which is an event held by the Austin Anime Meetup Group. In addition to some really great conversation about manga, anime, and Japanese cinema with the group, I decided to treat everyone to some...
Toshie Suzuki in Concert at Casa de Luz
Last night, Toshie Suzuki, a championship player of the Tsugaru Shamisen, performed at Casa de Luz in Austin. Well over 100 people showed up for the event, which is great. That just shows how interested Austinites are in Japanese culture, from anime and manga to the...
Ichigo’s Journey: Anime and the Monomyth – Part 4
Here is the fourth and final installment of my discussion on the Monomyth and anime. In this section, I'll discuss the third group of phases, known collectively as the "Return." If you missed any of the previous discussion, feel free to catch up on Part 1, Part 2 and...