Brian Ashcraft's discussions

Then, you might get stuck at the Vita desk. Read more

Without sleeping. Read more

Well, that and practice since 2005. Read more

Okay. You do it. Read more

Good stuff, per usual, Mox! b(^ ^) Read more

Fyi, by "Japanese ships," I'm referring to the Navy. And there are plenty of images of Japanese troops carrying both flags and causing all sorts of destruction and chaos.

The regular Japanese flag was official until the late 18th century (Meiji Perdio). It, along with the rising sun flag, were made official around the same time. Prior to the 1850s, Japan was largely closed off to the outside world (the Americans forced it open with military ships), so a national flag wasn't needed… Read more

I'm assuming this is the same rationale as to why even today the German military continues to use the Iron Cross, a symbol that existed long before WWII but one that was embraced and used by the Nazis. Though, I'm sure because of those 20th century connotations, its imagery is also found offensive. Read more

This sort of imagery is rife in Shintoism. Here is the Shinto deity Amaterasu*, who brought back light to the world. The Emperor is said to be descended from her, which might help explain why religiously and culturally Japan is so close to sun imagery.

Yeah, there's more details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorshi… Read more

It is if you sell millions of them. Read more

When you're in the mid-to-late 30s, 19 years-old is a kid. Hell, 20 years-old is a kid. Read more

I dunno. As I mentioned above, I saw it in the U.S. while recently on vacation. I'd like to see the Japanese dub, though! Read more

I liked it, too! In Japan, the movie is called "Baymax," and I kinda wished it was the kid and Baymax (and then the other heroes show up in the inevitable sequel).... But yeah, I dug it. Read more

I saw it in the U.S. while on vacation. My kids really, really, really liked it. Read more

It's good. You add a dash of soy sauce (don't drown your rice in it!) and then mix it all up. It's of one of my eldest son's favorite dishes. Read more

Thanks! :) Read more

I think it's important to realize that post-2008, the yen was at historic highs—the highest it had been since the end of WW2. And that prior to this, it traded in the 120 yen to the dollar range. People forget that, but hey, that's what a few years of unusually cheap imports does. Read more

We have Melon Fanta here, but I think that's in lots of places. How's that red root beer? Very keen to try that! Read more

Well now that a photobook is coming out... Read more