Evil Magistrates of Japan Past 悪代官

There has been a bit of an in joke in Japan that I have been thinking about for a while now but not really sure or the details. Basically it goes like this, there is an evil magistrate, called the 悪代官 (akudaikan: aku, evil+ daikan, magistrate). He appears in many period pieces and plays, but I can't find any evidence so far of an actual TV show about the character. He is deprived and lecherous, the epitome of corruption by power.

His signature move is the sash-pull, or 帯まわし (obimawashi: obi, sash+ mawashi, spin), where he pulls the sash off a poor kimono wearing girl from the local area. This is actually supposed to be funny, and his abashed victim always screams out あれ？！ (are, the sound of surprise) while being helplessly spun around. Everybody in Japan seems to know the joke, and you will sometimes see it referenced in pop culture.

The evil magistrate character stars in his own video games as well. In the video below, I've set it to start at the end of his sash-pulling mini game, so you can see the results.

You can also see the slot machine version here, which features things like cosplay, tickle-torturing kunoichi (ninja women), and the youjinbou (bodyguard) character.

And for extra credit, study up on Evil Magistrate sayings here.

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Words I Found Interesting from The Otaku Encyclopedia

Been reading The Otaku Encyclopedia recently (buy link US and JP). I met the author briefly once, though he was missing his Goku outfit.

Thought I would post a sample of some of the interesting words from the book. I did my own research on the meanings and origins of the words, because the book, being concise as possible, doesn't get into a lot of detail.

伏せ字/伏字 fuseji (cover+letter): Those symbols that show up whenever someone swears in an anime. Though we are talking about Japanese here, a language with few swears, so what the book fails to mention is they are often used for many other things such as unintelligible utterances.　Also used to mention the names and intellectual property of others, like the G○nd○m franchise, without fear of legal retaliation.
Bonus related term from uncle Claytonian: チョメチョメ/xx: A blankety-blank.

じょそこ jyosoko (from 女子, girl+ child, and 女装, girl+clothes): A dude that cross-dresses as his favorite anime girl characters. Oh no! I've summoned IT!

間 ma (physical, temporal, or metaphorical space):  A thing where the reader/viewer has to fill in what's happening. I think the book is talking about those beats where the camera pans to a bamboo garden pipe filling up, or a glass of ice and beverage, and they suddenly move due to being full or having an ice cube melt respectively. This is the biggest cliche in Japanese media, but it works well to let you know time is going on while seeming profound. Deeeeep.

漫符 manpu (cartoon+sign): Those wacky manga conventions like nosebleeds, big sweat drops, and pulsating angry vein lines that let us know what characters are thinking. One manpu I have never understood is Osamu Tezuka's little pig guy manpu. What is that?

ヲタク (w)otaku: I like this alternative spelling of otaku (seriously, I don't need to define this one for you, right?) a lot, because the older generations just don't get it. The hard core kids use this one. Maybe.

In the book, there is an interview with Okada Toshio, one of the otaku ledgends behind daikon. By his definition I am an otaku, studying Japanese culture and language. Yay?

オタ芸 otagei (otaku+performance art): Those dance moves and shouts that the audience performs during idoru shows. If you get a chance, check out the otagei at the end of the movie Kisaragi or the movie Densen Uta (both are awesome).




Look up the book! In the meantime, enjoy the Daikon IV video to get yourself in the right mindframe:

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The Best Anime Series (for People that Don't Like Anime)

Listen, I have a problem with anime. Most of it sucks, especially in this era of broad series that never end and are often imitated (Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece). But today I give you some series that stand out as worthy of actually watching. Especially if you don't normally watch anime.

ものの怪　Mononoke (not Princess Mononoke)

What it's about: A quiet medicine seller, who always insists that he is just a medicine seller, wanders throughout Japan and its eras exorcising the demonic presences known as mononoke.

Why it's good: Mononoke is a collection of all the things that are interesting about Japanese art and culture and remixes them into a horrific pastiche that is undeniably cool. And the medicine seller is like the Doctor Who of Japan.

Best part: I'm rather partial to the incense episodes, wherein they play a crazy game that actually exists in real life but seems like it never could.

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瀬戸の花嫁 Seto no Hanayome (the Inland Sea Bride)

What it's about: A young boy's life is saved by a yakuza mermaid. Rather than have him be killed for knowing her secret, she chivalrously marries him (chivalry is connected to yakuza in Japan, so you can guess what kind of world the mermaids have). Of course, her father, the leader of the gang, is very unhappy and tries to kill his new son in law constantly.

Why it's good: Where to start? We have funny yakuza language, Saru's monkey antics, Shark's lilting polite language versus his blood lust, Runa's terminator father, the song that plays when things get chivalrous... The whole show is a collection of odd jokes.

The best part: Probably, and I say this realizing it will take a second for you to digest it, the way that Nagasumi-kun and his mother are in love with afro-dandy Masa-san.

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十兵衛ちゃん Jubei-chan series 1&2

What it's about: The Jubie series are the tale of a young girl that discovers she is heir to the lovely heart-shaped eye-patch of the deadliest swordsman in Japanese history. The first series is more comedic and unrefined, while the second is polished and cool.

Why it's good: Each series is good in it's own way. The first shines in terms of comedy, while the second takes things to a new level. Suddenly the sword fights are superhuman, and the rule of cool takes over.

The best part: For me, the star of both series is the ruffians. I couldn't find any good videos of them, so you will have to settle for this clip of the epic sword fighting.

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セクシーコマンドー外伝 すごいよ!!マサルさん Sexy commando


What it's about: Sexy Commando is actually a series by the same director as Jubei Chan, but it came first and is based on a gag manga, so it is much more crude and experimental.

Why it's good: Sexy Commando takes all the rules and conventions and ignores them to the point where it doesn't even have a proper ending. But that's the joke. It unfortunately had a lot of repeated songs as filler for the super short episodes, but otherwise, it is one of the best gag animes out there. The sexy commando of the title is a fighting style that depends on weirding out your opponent to create openings.

The best part: Definitely the principal of the school. He's an old man that speaks with an odd accent and is secretly a sexy commando. Also, he dresses as the student Susan. In this clip, he suspends the students to keep them in the sexy commando club.

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さよなら 絶望先生, Zestubou Sensei 1&2


What it's about: Mr. Shiki's name is twisted via kanji word-play into despair, and he has a personality to match. He takes a negative view on all things connected to Japanese life. His students all love him, in harem-anime tradition, and they all embody odd Japanese stereotypes.

Why it's good: Satire is something that is usually lacking in Japan, so all the desperation is surprisingly refreshing.

The best part: I'm rather partial to Kaere Kimura, a student that was abroad too long and now thinks Japan is an odd country, while being myopic about her own foreign foibles and tempestuous nature. I totally identify with that.

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ギャグマンガ日和 Gyagu manga biyori (A Good Day for Gag Comics)


What it's about: The story is different each time, but the series is basically an exploration of how much inanity you can pack into five minutes of airtime.

Why it's good: It's unlike any anime you've ever seen, and provides lots of interesting jokes that lend to repeat viewings. Also, it's excellent to share with company in a Golden Eggs sort of way.

The best part: Harris DESU!

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フリクリ Fooly cooly/FLFC

What it's about: On the surface it is just a cool show about a boy who's head is a dimensional door for robots and other horrors to pop out of. But it's really about coming of age. Leave no Freudian stone unturned, viewers.

Why it's good: Stylish and random, Fooly Cooly stays cool all the way to the end of it's short run without losing steam.

The best part: I couldn't choose. Which is just as well; all the YouTube clips are fan made music videos, which are all a plague upon mankind save one.

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妄想代理人 Paranoia Agent

What it's about: Imagine what would happen if our collective-unconscious gave life to an urban legend that likes to smack people with a baseball bat. Then imagine if that entity started to grown exponentially in power.

Why it's good: This is the brainchild of Satoshi Kon, the guy that brought us the feature-length animes Tokyo Godfathers and Paprika. In Paranoia Agent he transfers his expertise to the small screen and provides a truly unique tale that really evokes Japan well. I first saw some of this series dubbed in English and didn't get it, but after coming to Japan and hearing the original voices, it is much better.

The best part: The opening itself. As is appropriate for this show, it creeps you out and the lyrics are haunting as well.

I could mention a few more (yes, yes, everyone loves Azumanga Daiō), but good grief this is a huge enough post! If you have something really interesting to recommend, shoot me a comment, Dear Reader.

Kyounshi (Hopping Vampire) Boom Classic Promo Vid

Had an interesting day today at the school. We held a barbecue and later I introduced the Chinese students to some videos of my favorite Kung-fu practitioner, Sammo Hung. This led into my favorite Kung-fu movie, Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind, which then led into discussion with a teacher of the Kyounshi Boom in the 80s.
So here is a video promo intended for Japanese people of some very odd Chinese flicks from that time and genre.


The Narrator's comments are pretty funny. "The Hong Kong Highlander!" "Can you read this character?" "They do ecchi too..." "A car comes at us!"

Now I must waste some time watching Mr. Vampire.

The Nerdiest Band Ever is Japanese

Glasses, side-parts, sensible shirts and slacks, electronic thingy in the background and new wave sounds all check. Yes, sirs, you have won your title. BTW, can anybody tell me what the nerdy appendage to the guitar head is?

The crowd gives their best nerdy performance too. さすがにっぽん！
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Still on break. Couldn't resist scheduling this.

Nakama Yukie's House on YouTube

Or more accurately, the poor apartment where here character lives in the dorama Trick. Somebody found it and put it on YouTube. You probably won't be as happy to see it as I was unless you are also an obsessive fan.

I posted about Trick the other day too; take a look!

Super Fast Mario

The Japanese narration is what sells this.


[via The Snow]
If you like this sort of thing, you may enjoy the series on the "green devil" at Nico Nico Douga even more; it had me laughing out loud, or LOLing, as the youngsters are reported to express. You have to be a member of the Nico Nico Douga to watch, but isn't about time you joined the age and LOLed as well?
Jeshii (of Yamato Damacy fame) has collected them all here.

Youtube Playlist: Ayaka's Surprise English Lessons

At 206 videos this is one of the biggest playlists I've ever found. All the episodes feature Ayaka ambushing Japanese celebrities and trying to get some English out of them. I'd be pretty surprised if someone watches them all, but it's pretty cute and entertaining.

J commercials: Blood and Soda Edition

I loves me some strange Japanese commercials...

Pretty funny and odd. Is that Bob Sapp?
Next up, an funny Ramen add:

Finishing today, a pretty good Fanta commercial:

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Lecherous Bonus:
Speaking of the Beach, Okinawa, you are coming on a little strong there. And hip is not butt.
Non-lecherous Bonus: The Fanta school series with subtitles. I still love these.

Well, I Can Still Laugh at Least

The results of the last school-run fake test are in, and unsurprisingly, I am not going to pass this year. I am getting between 50 and 60 percent on everything. My American upbringing wants to call this total failure (though an "F" still passes 2kyu), but I do have to concede, well, I came this far at least.

If I can't pass during the special test session in July, I will be bummed. I wish I had gone for 2kyu this year, having been in the 2kyu-1kyu class for the last few months, I know I could pass it without any problems, and at least have that on my record, but I had to make the decision on which to take very shortly after coming, and was foolishly optimistic at the time to boot. There is just so much in 1kyu: Kanji, synonyms, homonyms, spoken language, written language, nuance, trick questions (I'm looking at you, listening test) etc. Too much for me.

Anyhoo, perhaps unwisely, but then again, perhaps to some effect, I often have some Japanese shows playing in a little window while I study. Lately it has been Jubei Chan 2, Gyagu Manga Biyori, and what ever movies* I pop in to spice it up, all on infinite loop. I think it may be good listening practice; I am picking up more things all the time that I didn't notice before.
But recently, because it came with a friend's USB drive which he sold me, I watched Age of Heroes. Some pretty CG visuals, great intro song, but the queen or whatever she is, has a bit of a wardrobe issue for me:
Those spikes are... And your henchman's eyes are way too small for his face...
and she is not the only one. Hey lady, you are, uh, missing something...
You may have to zoom...

In the end of the series, the leader woman finally changes outfits, but...
Overall, kinda teh suck anime. I want to make a list of anime that are good for people not into anime (I could arguably be such people), so maybe in a future post you will see that.
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*The Keep and The Flight of Dragons both seem to be movies I can watch repeatedly, I think because the voice of James Earl Jones and the synthesizers of Tangerine Dream auditorily sooth me.

Top Ten Films for Japanese Culture

I made a list of what I thought are good films for experiencing Japanese culture. And they are entertaining. But what do you think? What would you choose?
Suicide Club
Taste of Tea
Swing Girls
Kamakazi Girls
Kikujiro
Tanpopo
Battle Royal
Izu
Dead or Alive 2
Gozu

I thought about Ringu as well, but the Japanese don't seem very connected to their horror traditions in every day life.

My first interview with an international movie star

We've got an exclusive! Remember when I did the send up of The Drifting Classroom via a video entry? Well, I managed to get ahold of one of the stars of said movie. This is a rare opportunity to get into the head of a childstar, in Japan, in the 80s, in a movie based on a horror manga.
I have no idea what is going on with the yellow stuff in the picture, but the grandfather of Japanese horror manga is standing with the cast in this pic.

Our interviewee is Arthur Johnson, who you may recall as the kid that was holding the racially-questionable piggy bank. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask how he felt about that, but I still got plenty of questions in. Without further ado:

1: How did you get involved in the movie? What was the casting process like?
I was walking home from school. I noticed I lost my book bag. So as I was looking for it. A car pulled up along side of me with a Japanese casting crew inside of it. Asked me if I wanted to be in a movie. Of course I thought they were pulling my leg. So I asked my mom. She said go for it because that was a 1 in a million chance. If they were telling the truth. Acting never crossed my mind at the time. Anyways, all the kids they had gathered up. They had us meet at a specific location on base. They brought a bus. Picked all of us up and drove us to Tokyo. Once we arrived there, they (casting crew) introduced us to the writer, director, and producer. Then we sat around a table and did some cold reading. We repeated that process on them picking us up. Around 4 times. After the last cold reading session. They brought us home and said that they would call whoever made it. But the phone call will be on the first day of the school yr in the morning. So if you got that phone call. You was not going to school. Well, I didn't receive a phone call that morning. So I went to school with my head held low. Thinking I was a failure. Because I knew the kids that didn't show up for school that day. Got chosen over me. Then fate intervened. They called me late that evening. Saying they made a mistake and needed me after all. The next thing you know. I'm working everyday. Missing all kinds of school. Teachers were split on the issue of us doing the movie. Some allowed us to do homework on the road. Others just flat out failed us. But I was making to much money to worry about that at the time. Eventually it all worked out for the best.
All though the casting process was pretty much a lot of cold reading sessions. I thought I should explain the whole story because I thought it was weird how I got chosen.

2: Did you live in Kobe at the time, and go to an international school like your character? If so, how was it? Did you learn to speak Japanese? Could the Japanese kids in the cast really speak English in turn, or did they have their English lines memorized by rote?
I lived at Yokota Air Force base in Japan for 10yrs. From 1980-90. I never lived in Kobe. One thing I regret. Is that I never learned the language there. I just knew the basics to get by. The majority of the Japanese cast could not speak English. They had English coaches. But on set, they spoke enough English, well enough for us to understand.

This interview is continued after the jump.

3: Viewing Japanese films from the 80's makes me oddly (cause I didn't live there) nostalgic. Can you describe how Japan has changed since then, especially from a foreigner's point of view?
Japan will always be nostalgic. They thrive on the past. Especially in the wardrobe department. From what I know and heard. Its still pretty much the same over there. With the exception of a few more high rises and there technology is still light yrs ahead of the U.S.

4: Is there a DVD version of the movie, or special releases?
There are no special releases that I know of. But I do have the DVD version. I found a collector on line that had a version for me. I jumped on that quick.

5: Are there deleted scenes out there somewhere, especially ones that explain plot holes? Several characters seem to disappear without anyone noticing or explanations given. And what happened to the guy that went crazy? I don't seem to recall him dying, but merely being subdued. I could go on, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on the plot and editing.
The movie came across as a sci fi with a comedy twist. I thought it was written pretty well. The movie was suppose to be over 2 hrs long originally. But they took out a huge chunk of the script because of the budget. That's what probably let to some of the holes.
The movie was based off a comic book. Which was a success in Japan. So it was easy to convert it to film. As far as the teachers mysteriously disappearing. Some of them went to find help. Not knowing what was out there in the sand dunes. And were attacked by the huge roaches. Some got scared and just left. The teachers that chose to stay with us. Died during battle. After that crazy guy was defeated he went crazy and left. He pretty much was outnumbered. As quick as the teachers were vanishing. You had to assume the worst for them. Regardless whether you saw them killed or not. The movie was based on how kids came together through adversity and survived off of what we had. Meaning little food and no weapons. Then we had to develop a plan to defeat the creatures. The teachers were just a minute part of the equation.
I thought the editing was pretty good. People have to realize. That movie was made in 1987. Graphics back then weren't to sophisticated. We didn't have a green screen and all that computer animation. Everything was built by hand. We shot 90% of that movie in huge hangers. When we went to the premiere. The audience got a kick out of it. That right there alone, let me know the whole crew did a great job.

6: What was the atmosphere on the set like?
The atmosphere on set was very, very sandy. Everyday I went to work. I got a huge dose of this thick slimy gel and sand thrown on me. I didn't think anybody can pack that much sand into them huge hangers. The only time the atmosphere was clean. Was when we shot the school scene before the storm hit. We actually shot that at a real private school. That was pretty much the only time we didn't have to shower every 20 min.

7: Were the majority of the cast professional actors? Do you know what the acting biz is like for a foreigner in Japan?
The entire Japanese cast and the teachers were professional. Me and the rest of the American kids were not professional. We were just normal kids plucked from a crowd. The funny think is. After that movie. Even all the autograph signings, press conferences. I still had no intentions on becoming an actor.
Back then, when I was living in Japan. Acting came easy for foreigners. Especially commercials. You really didn't need an agent or any type of experience. You could get noticed by just walking down the street. Someone will notice your face. Next thing you know. Your in a commercial.

8: Did you do any more films, Japanese or otherwise?
After the Drifting Classroom. I didn't do no more films there. I had to focus on graduating. I almost didn't graduate. I missed a lot of school my sophomore yr. Although I did do some commercials and shows. It was no big deal to us back then because those little side jobs came easy. We did a show, got paid and didn't think nothing of it.

9: What is your favorite Japanese horror film?
I would have to say all the Godzilla films. I loved watching them.

10: Have you read the original manga upon which the film was based? How good of an adaptation do you think the film is?
[unanswered]

11: Have you seen the recently made drama TV series that was based off of the same manga? If so, do you have thoughts on it?
No, I haven't seen the recently made drama t.v. series. I would love to check it out.

12: Anything you have a burning desire to let people know about this film or your experience?
I tell you one thing. I'm never going to forget that experience. I really enjoyed working with Nobuhiko Obayachi (director). We had Mc Donalds as one of our sponsors. We literally ate free Mc Donalds every day for almost 4 mos. I'm talking breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We were catered to everyday. I'm talking star treatment. Everywhere I went in Japan, people recognized me. At my school. I was like a celebrity. I think I was one of the first ones from my class to buy a car with my own money, and I was a sophomore.
Another thing I learned. That when I look back in hindsight. I realized that I was destined to become an actor. I look at as a preparation period for the future.
Once I actually pursued acting as a profession. That whole process on establishing myself as an actor was so much easier than I anticipated.
Now I'm writing, producing, and co directing my own comedy plays. I'm involved with a production company called No Whip Productions.
In 2007, I will emerge again. lol
Ill send you some of my work. We had to make some minor corrections on our site.

13: Are you still in contact with the rest of the cast? Looking at your guys' comments on IMDB, it seems you really enjoyed working together.
I'm still in contact with some of the cast. We got along really well. They were like my second family.

14: Do you know what the reaction was to a Japanese movie almost completely in English dialogue? Did it fare okay at the box offices? Did it even officially come to America (I saw it here in Japan at the video store)?
At the time. Drifting Classroom debuted. We were paired up with "Goonies" and a few other films. I remember "Goonies" barely beat us out in Japan. Although our movie never made it to the states. I forgot the reason. It did pretty good at the box office. Especially when you consider the anticipation because of the comic book.

Arthur, all growed up and lookin' tough.

Update: Arthur told me the following in an email:

Good job Clay. Although your youtube segment about the movie. Had me on the ground laughing. I'm the jerry curl kid hah... and then at the end. You said that I managed to save my curl with that controversial piggy bank. LMAO

Couple of holes in your commentary though. That little boy wasnt sho's brother. Just some little boy that followed him. lol That bank. I knew it was going to be a controversial piece. Even now. I had a discussion with my folks and told them what I was using. It all boiled down to. Japan is not a racist country. They just didnt know better. They figured since I was black and the bank was black. There shouldnt be nothing to it. Or they probably didnt know the full history behind that character. I know one thing. They sure was not trying to be derogatory with whatever message people were perceiving it to be. Plus I was making to much money to tell them what to do. lol

Oh yah. The preppy kid with the soccer ball. He never was a bad guy. He just formed his own alliance. You see at the end he sacrificed his life to save ours.

In that school. We sung, dance, and played instruments. That's why we knew all them routines. Everybody was gleeful....

1 more thing. The kid that mentioned time wharp. He was one of those gifted students. Thats why he knew alot of stuff when it came down to science and physics. lol

I miss the 80s version of Japan and I wasn't even there

UPDATE: I interviewed one of the stars from the movie! See it here!

How long have you been carrying that funny money?

Old man stopped me on the street today. Actually a few of them did during the course of the day. But this one claimed to have been to America. He produced out of his wallet some bills. "These are Canadian money." he said. I looked at them. They said "nippon" (Japan) on the front, and "peso" on the back. He had a lot of those spurious notes. And I wondered how long he had been carrying them out of this 75 years on earth.
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I've been having the most elaborate dreams lately. And at least one person thought I got married for real to Gina when
I mentioned my last one. That was funny.
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My nose feels like it is made out of woven-metal super-helixes on the inside. Not pleasant. I hope they get softer as I heal.
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Choco-mint icecream on a stick is my savior.
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I finally got a video store membership. This means I can catch up on my Trick. That show has the most charming crazy woman...
But these stills are from Takashi Miike's Great Yokai War.

We're safe, let's drink Georgia coffee

This is an odd commercial. Made for Japanese audiences, who love their coffee when it comes from vending machines. The Japanese also seem to have really liked Twin Peaks back in the day. I read the movie was a hit here. Without further ado...

There are a few more from the Georgia series on youtube.
So I thought that might be a good seguay to mention some of the media I've seen of late. As of late being the last six months or so. Japanese media will have a "J" to the left just to help you out.
J Zebra Man Recommended For those that know their Kamen-ranger history.
Dr. Who 2nd season Recommended Though this season's monsters were almost all really lame. Ooh! Fear the drawing little girl! The new doctor, however fills the role well.
LOST Recommended Makes me feel nostalgic somehow...
J One Missed Call Recommended What could have been another boring Ju-on was made good by Takashi Miike. And the ending... Oddly upbeat for a horror movie twist ending.
J Three Extremes Recommended I only watched Takashi Miike's part. It was an exercise in restrained horror that was simply masterful.
J Ping Pong Recommended Don't have delusions though, it is centered around ping-pong.
Blue Velvet Not Recommended Another Lynch snorer. And not even any redeeming surrealism.
Twin Peaks Recommended to a certain point That point being season two when they solve the mystery. It's drek after that.
Old dog Recommended I haven't even seen the whole thing, but it had one of the best fights I ever saw. And no special effects in that fight, mind you.
J Nobuta wo Produce Recommended This is a J-drama about a pair of guys that decide to make the unpopular girl into the popular one. That formula sucks in America, but somehow the Japanese pulled it off with gusto. And great deals of endearing cuteness of course. Check out Nobuta's signature move.

J 茶の味 (Taste of Tea) Recommended I know I've ranted about this one before, but it bears repeating.
J Dead or Alive Two Recommended Haven't seen a more heart-warming hitman movie than this since Leon.
J Battle Royal Recommended Bad plot device, and yet...
J Battle Royal II NOT Recommended Bad sequel.
J Tetsuya the Iron Man Recommended but it will disturb you.
J Tetsuya II Not Recommended It's like Testuya one, only in color and way too eighties
J MPD Psycho Detective Recommended A six parter TV series, and it starts off slow. But around episode three you realize it is not only hilarious but brilliant. Never figured out what the artificial rain everywhere means though. My favorite is the philandering detective, he's my favorite Miike regular in general.
J Crazy Lips Recommended So wrong, but it feels so good.
J Survive Style 5 Not Really Recommended I wanted to like this one. So much so that I watched twice. But it's ultimately a directorial onanism worse that anything Quentin Tarintino or the Watchowski Bros. would make on a self-indulgent day. And dare I say it, way too influenced by American pop-culture.

As for books, well I always recommend Clark Ashton Smith, who I think is the most brilliant writer ever, and you can find all his stories in my links. I read "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" by Harlan Elison the other day, and found it very cool. Right now, I'm reading Breaking into Japanese Literature, which I totally recommend, it features the work of one of the guys on the money over here. Also, I'm reading Three Hearts and Three Lions, which I understand is a book that inspired many D&D monsters back in the day. Seems alright so far.