2am ottack! - anime manga podcast - by OTTACK! PODCAST

In this episode, we talk about the second season of Netflix's live action adaptation of One Piece, breaking down the new characters, our thoughts about the story and action, and especially the unique music and ending themes! Pray to the sun, whisper Tony Tony Chopper, or just chill with us at the Whiskey Peak Saloon and let us know what you thought!

In this episode, we talk about Satoshi Kon’s 2006 feature film, Paprika, and explore its messaging around dreams, women, and technology. We also talk about the film’s innovative composer, Susumu Hirasawa, and the unique visuals of the movie.  How does it hold up after 20 years?  Find out by listening!

In this episode, we look back on two years of recording this podcast, our previous experiences with being on the radio and podcasts, our experiences of being otaku in Japan vs. America, and our favorite episodes from the past year.  We also share a story from a Mexican listener who follows our 3 AM Ottack! podcast in Japanese.  Join us in celebrating two years of recording in a different style than usual!

In this episode, we talk about You and I are Polar Opposites, one of our favorite new anime series of this season.  From the delightfully retro opening and ending theme songs to the unique and relatable characters, we explain why this show has been so appealing to us.  Learn more about the Japanese title and our admiration for the overall vibe of the show!  No matter where you fall on the personality spectrum, we bet you'll enjoy it too!

In this episode we discuss the second season of figure skating anime Medalist.  From the perfectly timed crossover with the actual 2026 Olympic games to the Disney-on-Ice vibe of the opening animation and theme song, we talk about our reactions to the newly expanded cast, Tsukasa’s approach to coaching, and a word for which there is no direct English translation.  Experience the drama of figure skating with us, anime-style!

In this episode, we take a look back at the opening and ending animations and theme songs of the Golden Kamuy series and discuss our favorites.  We also get into the background music, the mukkuri (an Ainu instrument), and some Ainu phrases covered in the show.  Join us for some nostalgia and some new knowledge!

In this episode, we talk about one of the best anime series of 2025 and its new season - Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, aka Sousou no Frieren.  We interpret the names of each of the main characters as well as the original Japanese title, and give our opinions on what made this particular show stand out.  What's a yuusha, anyway?  Find out in this episode!

 In this episode, we talk about the new anime known as “Journal with Witch” or “Ikoku Nikki,” which focuses on a 15-year-old girl who has just lost both her parents in a car accident and her 35-year-old aunt, a writer who lives alone and had a difficult relationship with her deceased older sister.  We explore the series’s themes of grief and connection, talk about why the third episode was so powerfully emotional for us, and give our thoughts on the characters, plot, metaphors, and, of course, the opening and ending theme songs. Meditate, heal, or just fall under this show’s spell with us!

In this episode we discuss the first two episodes of the new anime version of "The Darwin Incident." We talk in depth about the portrayal of America from a Japanese viewpoint, the interesting choices made in the script and way the characters talk, the bangin' opening theme song, and to what extent the show's depiction of US high schools is a reflection of the popularity of 1990s teen dramas.  Is it an evolution of the manga? Listen along and find out!

In this episode we return to discussing Gachiakuta.  This time we focus on summarizing the plot thus far, talk about Amo's trauma and Zanka's past, why this show is more popular overseas than in Japan, and talk about geniuses and try-hards.  Which are we?  Decide by listening!

In this episode we talk about what's widely considered one of the most influential and iconic anime films of all time, Akira.  Whether you've seen this movie at least three times before (like Cisco) or never (like Mayu), join us for some ruminating on what the movie is about, why it's so enduringly popular, and how the movie version differs from the original manga!  Take a trip down memory lane, or learn a little about this titan of anime cinema.  Enjoy!

In this episode we return to discussing Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, focusing on what the series' villains (Shocker) iconography is all about, what we learned by talking about the series with our Japanese guest Penguin, and why anime and manga can be such powerful sites of connection for otaku and other fans. Is it Kamen Rider Kuga or Cougar? Find out or just take a side! Ridaaaaaaaa! Ottack!

In this episode, we talk about season two of Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skill (Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi).  Does Gindaco actually serve highballs at their stores in Japan, or is that just a Judgment / Yakuza game series thing? Why on earth would someone use rice pilaf instead of bread-based stuffing for a turkey? How many additional servings of shredded cabbage, clam-based miso soup, and rice are you allowed to order free of charge at a Wako restaurant these days? Ponder these and other unanswerable (by us) questions as you listen to our thoughts on this mouth-watering show!

In this episode, we discuss chemistry, gemstones, and the new knowledge we gained by watching Ruri Rocks.  Join us as we “dig deep” into geology and earth science while discovering our new favorite rocks and exploring questions like “what the heck is a mineral, anyway?”, “could I really find my own sapphire, though?”, and “is this a long-form size-inclusive gender-equality-promoting Girls-in-STEM commercial, or a niche eduanime leveraging gratuitous fan-service in order to get non-geologists to watch it?”

In this episode, we talk about Rental Family, the new (live action) movie by Hikari, starring Brendan Fraser. We talk about the real phenomenon of rental families (and girlfriends, and random old guys?) in Japan, the strengths of the film, and why the translation of the promise song in the film is so funny.  Listen to our bicultural take on this bicultural film and let us know what you think!...........................................................................................

In this episode, we talk about the unexpectedly deep and serious parts of Spy x Family Season 3, although with the most meme-able moments. Join us as we think about which parts of the roughly East / West German setting don't quite hold up, how the series manages to make some deaths feel like tragedies and others like statistics, and where it's going from here.

 In this episode we discuss the second four Tatsuki Fujimoto short films from Amazon Prime's Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 collection. From mermaid harems to proto-Chainsaw Man prophecies to very explicit full frontal nudity, we react to the artistry and brilliance present in these adaptations of Fujimoto-sensei's early one-shots.  Fill the hole in your heart left by the ongoing lack of a Sayonara Eri feature film by listening! (a little spoiler contains)

In this episode, we talk about the first four episodes of "Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26", the anime adaptation of "Tatsuki Fujimoto: Before Chainsaw Man (17-21)".  From trying to interpret whether the creator is trying to say anything about animal agriculture in "A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard" to speculating about the alternate possible ending of "Sasaki Stopped a Bullet", we give hot takes and additional context for these four short animated films.  Which was your favorite? What are we most wrong about? Let us know in the comments!

In this episode, we discuss “Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skill,” or “Tondemo Skiru de Isekai Houroumeshi” which is an absurd title no matter what language it’s in. From the loveable cast to the extravagantly drawn food, we enjoy this anime like a gourmet enjoys a finely cooked meal. Join us as we explore definitions, why isekai is such a common setting, and some entrepreneurial ideas for how to parlay this anime into an ingredient-delivery service.

In this episode we discuss our reactions to the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc feature film.  There’s a lot to be surprised about here, including who liked the movie more, our feelings about the film’s nudity, what Chainsaw Man is or isn’t trying to say, and our favorite parts.  Find out what bakudan means and why Beam is the true star of this film. Maybe. (contains spoiler)

In this episode, we talk about “Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be a Kamen Rider”, which Cisco insists on calling “40sai kara Kamen Rider” (Kamen Rider Starting at 40? The 40-Year-Old Kamen Rider?) Learn more about this unique series’ plot, the history of Kamen Rider, the power of nostalgia, and why the Kamen Riders look like bugs. Just kidding. That last part is an eternal mystery.#tojimawantstobeakamenrider

 In this episode, we talk about the newly released (in the US) film, 100 Meters. Originally a manga by Uoto, the same author who created Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, we glaze this movie so hard you’d think it was ceramic.  Find out what we thought of the characters, sound design, music, and animation filming techniques of this modern masterpiece of an anime movie.  What do Japanese people call a false start?  Definitely not “100 Meters”, that’s for sure!

In this episode, we talk about Spy x Family, with a focus on the first episode of Season 3, our predictions about where the series is going this season, what our code names would be if we were spies, and most importantly, how incredibly amazing the new opening theme song is, because it’s by the best band of all time, Spitz. Seriously. If Spitz made an 80 minute movie that was really just a listening party for their new album, Cisco would see it multiple times in theaters............................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsWAt2nenRMr06MfQ0⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/2-00am-ottack/id1738706407⁠⁠⁠ ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICL0oVvIfTQ_T9FIyEMeAQ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social#spyxfamily #animereview #animepodcast

 In this episode, we talk about Crunchyroll’s #1 worldwide streaming anime, Gachiakuta, and our reactions to its plot, characters, and music. Despite being all about garbage, we like it even more than we like participating in community trash cleanups! Come for the boss opening theme song breakdown, stay for the biting social commentary and sympathy for death-metal level despair over the current state of the environment and world.

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc movie, and discuss our reactions to the Chainsaw Man Recap Arc episodes. Is the leaner, meaner, infinitesimally more loyal to the manga version worth having lost the best ending song of all time? What the heck is the difference between a Majin and an Akuma? Find out by listening! (Spoiler alert)

In this episode, we share our experiences of seeing Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer The Movie Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One Akaza Returns (the full title) in 4DX.  What's 4DX? Who fell asleep? What was different between the Japanese and American audiences and reactions?  Find out the answers to these questions and more by listening!

In this episode we discuss how “The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity” might be the most Japanese anime ever made in terms of its relentless apologizing, formal thank-yous, and characters with absolutely abysmal levels of self-esteem.  Join us to learn about the puns on the characters’ names, wallow in nostalgia for when you were too shy to ask someone out (or bask in the glow of knowing your kid has finally made friends), and learn the subtle differences between ways to say you’re sorry in Japanese. (some spoilers)

In this episode, we talk about the plot of episodes 1-8 of The Summer Hikaru Died, focusing on the music used in the show (especially that incredibly moving choral piece!), whether the nature of Yoshiki and Hikaru’s relationship matters that much, and whether we’ve ever seen a wig ghost.

In this episode, we discuss the opening and ending theme songs for Dandadan Season 2 as well as the events of episodes 1-8. What happened to the revolution in AiNA THE END’s Kakumei Douchuu? What’s wrong with WurtS’s Doukashiteru? Why is Yoshiki of X Japan wearing a neck brace? Are you Dandadown to find out?

In this episode, Cisco recounts his experience of seeing Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle (that's a mouthful) at a Japanese theater in Akita prefecture. In addition to sharing thoughts about the film itself, we explore the differences between seeing movies in Japan and the US and where we see things going from here!  Warning: contains some SPOILERS for Infinity Castle, primarily who fights whom!

 In this episode we wrap up our conversation about Takopi's Original Sin by discussing the events of the final episode and what the series is trying to say.  Do you agree with our critiques? How do YOU think the series should have wrapped up?  Listen and let us know what you think!

 In this episode we talk about episodes 3-5 of the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, breaking down what we think is going on in the series' timeline and with the characters, as well as speculating about what the show is trying to say about abusers, victims, and people caught in between.  While this episode might not make you feel that good, we hope it will make you think!https://youtu.be/gr9eOjZvGFs?si=REVTGg3OS4vmildd

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime "The Summer Hikaru Died" - we talk about the plot's set-up, the characters' accents, the depiction of the Japanese countryside, and of course our opinions about the opening and ending theme songs. What would we change if we could? Listen and find out!

 In this episode, we break down some of the events of the final episodes of The Apothecary Diaries. Who's Tamamo? What's up with that jade cicada? Why does Mayu think Sir Jinshi is "like a little child?" Listen and find out!

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, and give our thoughts on the opening and ending theme songs, the ending's official music video, the themes and social problems depicted in the anime, and the story's twists and turns.  Join us to learn more about "ijime" in Japan and hear our reactions to this show!

In this episode, Cisco shares his reactions and thoughts to the first three episodes of the second season of DanDaDan, released in American theaters (and worldwide!) as DanDaDan: Evil Eye.  How is the co-directing working out?  What’s different from the first season? Why the hell don’t these “first three episode” movies ever include the opening or ending theme songs? Listen for (most of) the answers!

In this episode we discuss the newest project from Shinichiro Watanabe, Lazarus. We cover the story, characters, opening and ending theme songs, and what the series is trying to say and how it might end. How similar is this to the original Cowboy Bebop? How did a more international team affect this show? Listen to our thoughts, watch it for yourself, and let us know what you think!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bsky.social ◎Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ottack_podcast/⁠⁠⁠#lazarusanime #lazarus #carboybebop

In this episode, we weigh in on the most recent developments in Kowloon Generic Romance, the relationship between the manga and the anime (and the dangers of adapting a work that's still in progress), the relationship between "originals" and "generics", why some people can see Kowloon and some can't, the emotions of the different characters, and what the "absolute self" really is. Discover who our favorite characters are (and why!) and why Mayu thinks Cisco might be a Zirconian. Hit us up in the comments with your own theories about this show!

In this episode, we explore Netflix's original 18-episode anime series, Moonrise.  We discuss the awesome music, extraordinarily confusing plot, compelling character designs, and our thoughts about the series overall. Not sure what the heck was going on? Eager to know more about the series' origins?  Listen and find out!

In this episode, we avoid cringey Gen Z puns while talking about The Darwin Incident.  We explore veganism, the epidemic of mass shootings in America, the concept of animal rights, and how the United States is perceived from abroad.  Not sure what a humanzee is, or whether there's ever actually been one? Find out by listening!

In this episode we talk about the Apothecary Diaries (again!), this time examining the phenomenon of "magic" engraved mirrors and the history of ice cream.  How does a magic mirror work?  Who has the best claim to the invention of frozen creamy desserts - China, Persia, or England? What's a yuurei? Listen now and find out!

In this episode we talk about the 2025 feature-length anime The Rose of Versailles.  In addition to our opinions about this version of the story, we talk about the historical people who inspired the characters, which parts are real and which are fiction, and the far-reaching influence of Riyoko Ikeda’s original 1970s manga.  Brush up on your knowledge of 1780s France by joining us for this conversation!

In this episode we introduce To Be Hero X, a new Chinese-Japanese anime collaboration with an original story and star-studded Japanese voice cast.  We examine the mash-up of visual styles (which mixes 2D and 3D), talk about its time slot in Japan (replacing One Piece!), and opine on the series’ central conceit, which is that a hero’s social media popularity and people’s faith in them is what determines their power(s).  Learn about the Japanese term for hero and where we think the show might go next!

In this episode we discuss the recent Netflix remake of the 90s anime Yaiba! Samurai Legend, speculate about why 80s/90s remakes are so popular currently, and ponder the differences between remakes and reboots. What is a "yaiba" anyway? Find out in this week's 2 AM OTTACK!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the history and culture behind them through our distinct perspectives as a born-and-raised Japanese non-otaku and 30+ year American anime otaku! Get to know more about Japan and Japanese words from anime/manga at the end of each episode. (episodes may contain spoilers) Voice credit: Funako◎Email: ⁠⁠⁠300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ◎2AM OTTACK! on Spotify:⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WLLFsW... ◎2AM OTTACK! on Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎3AMオタック! (日本語）on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   / @3amottack   ◎3AMオタック! (日本語） on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3g0RUBd... ◎3AM オタック! (日本語）on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast... ◎BluSky https://bsky.app/profile/2amottack.bs... ◎Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠  #ranma½ #animeclassics #animereview

In this episode we discuss our reactions to the first two episodes of the new anime Kowloon Generic Romance, the nature of nostalgia, the history of Kowloon Walled City, the theme songs, and the voice actors. Learn how to pronounce Kowloon in three languages, and how to talk about nostalgia in Japanese!

In this episode we give our honest reactions to the first episode of Solo Leveling *as we watch it!*  Join us as we question the story’s internal logic, Mayu repeatedly tells Cisco to stop talking (is this a podcast or isn’t it?!), and Cisco tries to give the protagonist unhelpful advice. Listen while watching along, or enjoy our incomprehensible non-sequiturs if you don’t!

In this episode, we talk about attending the “Witch Watch” Watch Party / screening of the first three episodes in an LA theater. We discuss our reactions, expectations for the series, and thoughts about the opening and ending theme songs! We introduce a word of the day that appears in a huge variety of rom-com anime shows, and spill the beans about the truth of our watch party experience!

In this episode, we bid farewell to talking about what’s obviously been our favorite anime of this season – Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. We break down the final episode’s content and meaning, especially the biggest question: what’s going on with Rafal?! We also talk about Sakanaction’s new music video for the opening theme song, introduce a new word of the day, and definitively answer the question of what must be given up to obtain the truth of this world.

In this episode we return to Orb: On the Movements of the Earth to marvel at how unexpectedly right Cisco was about the plot; define, explain, and explore the Greek terms introduced by the most recent episodes; introduce a new Japanese Word of the Day; and give some predictions about where the show might go in its last episode! Feel free to argue, compare notes, or correct us in the comments!

In this episode we talk about the classic 1991 anime Fushigi no Umi no Nadia aka Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. From the secret politicking behind the scenes to the connections to other classics like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Neon Genesis Evangelion, find out lots more about this awesome show and its untoppable theme song!

In this episode we return to The Apothecary Diaries to discuss the second season, why having a conversation with Japanese people that includes Chinese names can be extremely difficult, notable challenges to patriarchy in Chinese history, and how color blindness could help you solve a maze!  Find out more by listening!

In this episode, we talk more about Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, examining lead's use in plumbing (and the etymological connection there), the nature of evil and responsibility for state- or church-sanctioned violence, the absolute banger-ness of Sakanaction's full version of Kaiju, and other topics related to the most recent three episodes of the show!  Learn something new and geek out with us about how good Orb is!

In this episode, we talk about The Apothecary Diaries' fictional Chinese setting, they very real toxic plants that appear both there and in LA, how to tell whether someone is a bonafide eunuch or not, and why more weebs ought to be appreciating this show. Embrace your inner poison otaku!

In this episode we talk about the excellent new anime Medalist, the plot of the first few episodes, the opening and ending theme songs, and things that struck us as notable or weird about the show.  Learn more about skating in Japan, giant flying worms, and why Japanese pronunciation sometimes winds up being extremely unfortunate.

In this episode, we talk about the new anime Ameku Takao’s Detective Karte (aka Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective) and our reactions to it!  What’s this show’s appeal? What do Okinawa and autism have to do with this?  And why the hell is the ending theme song by the Gospellers? Find out the answer to *some* of these questions in this episode!

In this episode we return to our favorite new anime of this season, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, to talk about books on bodies, Jesus’s thoughts about material acquisition, Polish female astronomers, and the mind-blowing concept of daycare… at a concert.

In this episode we talk about the brand-new, Japan-only anime series Zenshu and its first three episodes.  Join us as we explore its title, plot, theme songs, and callbacks to famous earlier anime series! 

In this episode we talk about our orb-session with Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, which has been one of our favorite anime series so far.  How does an anime about the development of heliocentrism manage to be as exciting as Game of Thrones?  What the hel-iocentrism is “heliocentrism,” anyway? To what extent exactly is the lingering “great man theory” of science responsible for the blind spots in Cisco’s history of science research?  Find out the answers to some of these questions in this episode!

In this episode, we uncover all the secrets of the occult and UFO (ultimate freakin’ otaku) anime, Dandadan!  Listen and you too can be privy to all the secret callbacks known only to Japanese people “of a certain age” who watched a lot of Ultraman and energy drink commercials in the early 1990s!  If you’re wilting, this episode will pep you right up!

In this episode, we discuss the events of the penultimate cour of Beastars, as well as what the series has been trying to say since the outset. Is it about race, gender, general discrimination, or is it “just a story” a la Watership Down? Which is the best opening theme song? Find out our answers to these pressing questions and more this week!

In this episode, we talk about one of the only famous Christmas anime movies, Satoshi Kon's 2003 Tokyo Godfathers.  We explore the film's depiction of the unhoused, drag queens, and Japanese Christmas traditions.  Learn something new this holiday season and find out if this film is for you!

In this episode, Cisco highlights Mission: Yozakura Family (is the series ending?!) and Astro Royale, and can’t help shouting out Me and Roboco and One Piece. Is Charles Dickens responsible for Weekly Shonen Jump’s format? Find out by listening!

In this episode, Cisco introduces the monthly titles in the Shonen Jump app - Blue Exorcist, Gokurakugai, Seraph of the End, Show-ha Shoten!, and World Trigger.  Find out a little about each series, hear the hot takes, and discover a new read!

In the 13th episode, we talk about Me and Roboco and its rhythm of rapid-fire jokes! Don't blink (or let your ears close) as we explain why we love this manga and anime so much. Me and Roboco is worth re-reading and freeze-framing! ...........................................................................................

In this week’s episode, Cisco explains his love for Undead Unluck, some of the Japanese-language specific jokes in this week’s Me and Roboco, checks in on Syd Craft and Kagurabachi’s vibes, and reveals his ignorance of Edo-era slang.

In this episode we talk about Ranma ½ - the original manga, the original 1980s/90s TV series, and the new remake!  Find out what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what we think about this gender-bending classic!

In this episode we check in on Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi and Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery and Cisco gives a shout-out to a location mentioned in Hima-Ten.  Featured this week is Super Psychic Policeman Chojo and its new “lewd” character!

In this episode we break down "Otonoke," the Dandadan opening theme song by Creepy Nuts.  Learn more about what the title means, the inspiration behind the opening animation, the Easter eggs in the lyrics, and the bizarre origins of the samples used in the song!  We also go on some fun detours about possession and 2chan.  Enjoy!

In this new format, we introduce a brand-new manga title debuting this week in the Shonen Jump app and give a quick spotlight to one other running series.  Looking for a new manga to get into or a hot take on this week's new chapters?  Find it here! ...........................................................................................

In this episode, we talk about Steins;Gate 0, the 2018 sequel to Steins;Gate, and explore the ways in which the show anticipated modern LLM AIs, the slow-burn pacing of the series, the voice actors, and the Japanese festival of Tanabata. Time-leap with us through this awesome show!

In this episode we discuss Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 2022 one-shot, Sayonara Eri (Goodbye, Eri).  We examine what the one-shot is trying to say, what happens at the end, and whether this one-shot will get a film adaptation like Look Back did!  How will people remember us after we die?  How will you remember this podcast after you’re done listening to it?!  Don’t say sayonara till you’ve heard it all!

In this week’s episode we discuss the new ONE PIECE FAN LETTER short. Find out which character each of us look up to in the show, our read on the meanings in the short’s name and plot, and whether Cisco can accurately remember Chopper’s gender!

In this episode we discuss “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” and explore the animated series, its imagery and sound, and spin-offs like the live-action version!  Learn more about this and other anime shows about animation, Japanese sound words, and the theme song!

In this episode, we talk about legendary director Hayao Miyazaki’s most recent film, The Boy and the Heron. Find out the answer to pressing questions like: Who fell asleep during the film? Who wrote the ending theme song? And most importantly, what the hell is going on in this movie?!

In this episode we discuss the new movie adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot manga "Look Back," which had us both in tears. Learn more about the location of the film, the easter eggs, and the multiple meanings embedded in the title!

What do theater, precious gemstones, and the most popular anime theme song of the last two years, and a public apology have in common? This podcast. Make it your oshi!

Our twentieth episode takes a look at 2.5D Seduction! Find out what surprised us, what delighted us, and what left us feeling conflicted about this new series, and learn two new words of the day - "eroi" and "reiya"!

In this episode we discuss The Elusive Samurai and our travels to its real-world location of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.  Learn more about the history, the anime, and the town!

In this episode we talk about the second half of our road trip through Japan from Suwa in Nagano to Takao in Tokyo.  Highlights include Tateishi Park in Suwa, caves in Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Tokyo, Fuji-Q Highland, the (haunted?) ruins of Hachioji Castle, and Tanjiro’s alleged hometown.  We hope you get inspired to take your own trip!

We took a trip to Japan and did a road trip from Akita to Tokyo! Along the way we discovered some beautiful places, delicious cuisine, and even some anime locations, some of which we went to intentionally and some of which we stumbled upon. Listen to the episode and maybe you'll be inspired to take your own roadtrip through Japan!

Enjoy listening to this episode again! We are currently traveling around Japan and we will come back with more contents on 2AM OTTACK!

Enjoy listening to this episode this week! We are traveling around Japan right now and we will come back for more 2AM OTTACK!

We break down some of our favorite parts of Golden Kamuy Season 4, including the theme song (sort of?), Ainu folktales, Japanese regional dialects, and sick Russian put-downs for spoiled brats. Enjoy the episode!

Have you seen ghosts? In the 14th episode, we talk about what makes us shiver and what scares us the most in Dark Gathering! This week's world of the day explains 3 Japanese slangs describing types of girls. Listen now and enjoy the episode!

In the 13th episode, we talk about Me and Roboco and its rhythm of rapid-fire jokes! Don't blink (or let your ears close) as we explain why we love this manga and anime so much. Me and Roboco is worth re-reading and freeze-framing! ...........................................................................................

In the 12th episode, we talk about the live-action movie, Haken Anime! We discuss Japanese anime production, work enviroments, and gender discrimination in Japan. We also talk about whether we would watch the anime created in the movie.

Undead Unluck is becoming more popular outside of Japan. Having watched up to the 12th episode, we share our thoughts why you should read and watch Undead Unluck! 24 episodes of Undead Unluck are available on Hulu right now (not sponsored). ...........................................................................................

 Celebrating our 10th episode on 2AM OTTACK!, we go back our anime roots and talk about the first anime we watched and were inspired by. Starting with They Were Eleven, Cisco talks about how watching this anime at the age of 11 changed his life. Mayu talks about Himitsu no Akko-chan and shares her story of believing in magic and being persistent about being able to turn into anything she wants. Listen to the episode now and find out more.

In episode 9, we dug deep into the Kaiju No.8 ending song, “Nobody” by OneRepublic. Why are the lyrics different for the Kaiju No.8 ending? Are English anime theme songs going to be the new norm? Is Kikoru Shinomiya basically like Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion? Listen to the episode and find out!  ...........................................................................................

Enjoy listening to this episode this week and we will come back for more 2AM OTTACK! next week! ..............................................................................................

In this episode, we unravel the opening song by comparing episodes 23 and 24 to the rest of the episodes of Steins;Gate. We also talk about pivotal moments and scenes throughout the entire series. Find out what Steins; Gate actually means on our podcast! 

We are thrilled to talk about the new live-action Golden Kamuy film! Find out what we thought about everything from the casting to the CG. We also discuss our thoughts about this new trend/pattern of a movie connected to a TV series. Tell us what your thoughts are @ 300am.ottack@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ 

What if your life was the result of having already gone back to your past and changed it, but you couldn’t remember that? In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the first 12 episodes of Steins;Gate, which leaves us with more questions than answers. Also find out what this week’s Word of the Day is - it means “middle school sickness!”

In this episode, we talk about the live action “City Hunter” film.  Is Ryo Saeba cool but perverted or perverted but cool? We also talk about how Shinjuku and Kabukicho have changed over time. Get ready to learn 3 distinctive and iconic Japanese words of the day! .....................................................................................................