Killer Enjoyed Anime

Mon 2008/06/09 15:59 JST
 110
 in Anime
1344 views

It just had to happen.
Several Doujin mags were found in Kato's apartment (yesterdays killer) and apparently he said that he only had interest in "anime and the 2D world" and also that he enjoyed singing anime songs - video clip at fnn.
The media and everybody else in high places (government etc) is going to come down on anime and otaku culture like a ton of bricks. I can see this leading people to think that we who enjoy anime are a dangerous bunch of people.
They've always wanted to put restrictions on anime/doujin and it looks like they now have the perfect excuse.

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  • GundamJehutyKai
    GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia (Registered on 2007/09/12)
    Service desk support
    http://lookingglass.kokidokom.net

    OK, Media using anime violence as a scapegoat in 3... 2... 1...

    Mon 2008/06/09 15:51:34 JST (ID #208596)
    reply to GundamJehutyKai's comment
  • holybell84
    holybell84 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student
    http://saikyou.wordpress.com

    terrific... here they go again

    Mon 2008/06/09 15:54:44 JST (ID #208599)
    reply to holybell84's comment
  • GiafLop
    GiafLop in Philippines (Registered on 2007/11/25)
    Student
    http://kankeishorui.wordpress.com

    How could they possibly do this, I don't want to be isolated also, *hurrying up clicking on 2D's girls categ*.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:00:16 JST (ID #208602)
    reply to GiafLop's comment
  • SG
    SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28)
    Art/Media
    http://sgallen.wordpress.com/

    I bet its a conspiracy! They had him plant it there!

    :/

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:03:30 JST (ID #208604)
    reply to SG's comment
  • laughingman
    laughingman in Canada (Registered on 2007/11/18)
    McMaster Mechanical Engineering & Management II
    http://www.virtualinfusion.net/

    Hey, wow, so now that we have so much in common (loving anime an' all) does that make me a bloody murderer? Well I guess so, seeing as one otaku-gone mad is enough to raise the political eyebrows.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:05:40 JST (ID #208609)
    reply to laughingman's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    that's unfair. most young lads in japan like animes and 2D girls. no?

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:19:45 JST (ID #208621)
    reply to gordon's comment
    • Martin Wandering
      Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04)
      Spiral Warrior
      http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering

      Indeed, anime's so popular around the world, nevermind in its country of origin, that we should be surprised if someone in Japan didn't happen to like it.

      His 'preferring the 2D world' doesn't have anything to do with anime as such, but rather reflects his isolation and desire to withdraw from the world around him. People with this sort of tendency have turned to imaginative media since forever to find their escape. Anime happens to be one of the most flourishing manifestations of imaginative media of our time, just as any form of storytelling has always been.

      Mon 2008/06/09 17:12:49 JST (ID #208676)
      reply to Martin Wandering's comment
      • tarsier
        tarsier in germany (Registered on 2008/02/23)

        I think there were some words on this in the bullying thread. Many of us became otaku due to the lack of a better world outside of the basement.

        The problem is that the public does not seem to differentiate the reasons for preferring an imaginary world and it's existence. It's not that it suddenly forced itself upon us swallowing our soul... and it certainly doesn't only choose the unstable ones that make headline news.

        Regulations of otaku material would seem like making the availability of aspirin responsible for the many reasons of headache.
        And I really can't imagine that happening.

        Tue 2008/06/10 05:12:56 JST (ID #209198)
        reply to tarsier's comment
    • shinsengumi
      shinsengumi in 米国 (Registered on 2007/01/07)
      http://minuial.net

      I find that to be a common misperception. Just because anime comes from Japan does not mean that the majority of Japanese are necessarily anime fans, though certainly most have had significant exposure to anime.

      Mon 2008/06/09 22:30:02 JST (ID #208942)
      reply to shinsengumi's comment
      • Martin Wandering
        Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04)
        Spiral Warrior
        http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering

        Agreed that it certainly doesn't mean every Japanese person is an anime fan, but my point remains that it's no surprise that he was, and as such to mark out his liking for anime as some outstanding thing which can be blamed for his murderous behavior is out of line.

        Tue 2008/06/10 04:02:18 JST (ID #209158)
        reply to Martin Wandering's comment
    • Grimmjoww Pepperjack
      Grimmjoww Pepperjack in New Mexico (Registered on 2008/06/09)
      Video Game Retail
      http://thinkingtoilet.blogspot.com

      unfortunately there are just too many cases like this all around the world. People tend to want to blame things rather than taking it upon themselves for what's really at fault. As quite a few of people have said, it's not BECAUSE he likes anime, it's more than likely BECAUSE he had very little contact with the outside world and there for these feelings grew until he finally acted upon them. I deal with cases here in the states just working in retail with parents buying video games for their kids, and they're worried that the games are going to turn them into raging lunatics and become a danger to society. I try to tell parents who are new to gaming (their kids just picked it up, or even they just picked it up), that you just need to take it into moderation, and also teach your kids that even though you can do something here doesn't mean you can go out in real life and do the same thing. Another thing i tell them is that video games are NOT a substitute for interaction with friends. Though little johnny may not like it at first, force him to go outside and be active with his friends, whether it's playing a sport, or playing with swords (fake ones of course! ;)), human interaction is something that is priceless. It is up to the parents of the world to teach their kids the difference between video games and reality. I would say right and wrong, but that changes based on people's religious views and other factors. And just in case anyone asks, yes i do warn parents about the ratings, and i teach them about what ratings mean what, and i show them on the box where to find it, and how to find what the rating companies have said about it.

      Tue 2008/06/10 06:15:25 JST (ID #209246)
      reply to Grimmjoww Pepperjack's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    I was expecting that, the same way I was expecting them to blame it on games... like Ninja Gaiden 2.

    And they did. Dunno what news made it, but they found a link (which later was proven fake) to Ninja Gaiden 2.

    I really don't know why they do that.
    I mean, really... the people working on the media can't be THAT DUMB.

    I don't know if they do it to get more attention, of if they are using anime and games as scapegoats... or even if they want to make people believe animes and games are to blame to avoid society to look into the REAL causes of such crimes.

    But it's a complete waste of time.
    They could be using that time and effort to try to find out the real reasons.

    Obviously the guy has some mental problem... but how much of it is a disease, and how much is a problem caused by society, parents, his way of living, and his surroundings?

    It's far easier to blame it on animes and games, but it won't solve the problem, and certainly won't avoid crimes like these from happening.

    I'm not even getting mad about this anymore. It's just a shame that the media will use such dirty strategies to address crimes like these this way.

    And I pitty them for not being able to see the real problem behind what they are doing.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:21:23 JST (ID #208623)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
    • Martin Wandering
      Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04)
      Spiral Warrior
      http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering

      Precisely as you say, it's a pitiful shame to unabashedly try to pin something like this on a shallow, false excuse, while not only failing to look into the real causes of this person's problems, but even deliberately obstructing such investigation by waving about this counterproductive scapegoat.

      Mon 2008/06/09 17:15:01 JST (ID #208679)
      reply to Martin Wandering's comment
    • cuteninja
      cuteninja (Registered on 2008/02/26)
      Auditor Junior

      i agree with you on every point and one more thing to add there are lot of movies out there too on every genre so why not point out that. isnt it kind of becoming discrimination. i dont see anything wrong with anime a cause of abnormality. if they say his ethics have been derived from anime then same can be said of non animated drama series and movies.

      Mon 2008/06/09 19:07:58 JST (ID #208808)
      reply to cuteninja's comment
    • ragnarok
      ragnarok (Registered on 2007/12/25)

      I think they make ridiculous scapegoats most likely for 1 of 2 reasons;

      1: the people in charge of what's being said in the media don't agree with something being played, watched, or read by people so they try to make it sound evil for their own causes.
      2: they are simply looking for a scapegoat and these things just happen to be "believable" by some.

      But I guess scapegoats are kind of needed in today's society because they give people hope that humanity hasn't gone as insane as it sounds. I'm not saying I agree with using things like this as scapegoats, I'm just saying it plays an important role.

      Mon 2008/06/09 19:50:51 JST (ID #208838)
      reply to ragnarok's comment
      • Fabian
        Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/08)
        student

        3. Otakus can be used as a scapegoat without offending a high percentage of the readers/viewers.

        If they chose to blame... say... the attitude of today's parents or the coldness of society they would most likely offend quite a few of their readers/viewers.

        Most people don't like to be criticized so it's better to say "the others are at fault" than "society (including our dear readers/viewers) is at fault".

        Mon 2008/06/09 23:12:51 JST (ID #208962)
        reply to Fabian's comment
  • wildflug
    wildflug in Manila, Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/08)
    Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer

    Damn, he's just too sick man! Using anime' as an excuse again, bah!

    I'm an otaku too but you don't see me being violent and going in rampages. Tch, I bet the media is going to make a fuss about this again.

    IMO, I bet he was dumped by his girl or something like that (basing from the statement that he only likes 2d girls)
    He has a very frail mind, very frail...

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:30:05 JST (ID #208632)
    reply to wildflug's comment
  • gregory_gdp
    gregory_gdp in Boise, ID (Registered on 2007/07/16)
    Photographer/Night Auditor
    http://hillbillyotaku.blogspot.com/

    Welcome to my world. It's easier to point fingers at people and things that are in a niche group than have to deal with the real problems. It sucks and you have to stand up and fight or lose what you love, it's as simple as that.

    Because I love and own firearms many people think that I'm dangerous and easy to get mad and are afraid that I might shoot them if they piss me off. Or that I might go on a rampage and kill lots of people. All sorts of stupid stuff like that happens just because I like guns. Now replace gun with anime/eroge and you have the same problem that the Otaku culture will be facing. I have the NRA and other standup groups that fight my battles for me and my guns but I don't know who or how you can turn to to stand up and fight for the culture we all like. I just know that you can't let people point fingers at you as the problem.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:30:44 JST (ID #208633)
    reply to gregory_gdp's comment
  • Da Don
    Da Don in Bavaria/Germany (Registered on 2008/04/29)
    Student ( Electrical Engineering )

    Now it became the same controversy as with action video games. And although knowing that there has been no proof of video gamers (and in our case otaku in general) to be brutal bastards, politicians try their best to bar us from enjoying what we like to do, playing games, watching anime etc.
    It's a shame that the government is trying to solve that problem by restricting something, which isn't the cause of the problem...

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:31:50 JST (ID #208634)
    reply to Da Don's comment
  • Krys
    Krys in England (Registered on 2008/06/09)
    Web Manager

    Theres no way anime can ultimately be blamed for someones actions. Same thing with films, music and games at the end of the day it's all down to the person.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:31:52 JST (ID #208635)
    reply to Krys's comment
  • abao
    abao in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/01)
    NSF, Hikkikomori
    http://yukikaze.wordpress.com/

    lame excuses. the media in japan seems to be on par with singapore's nation building medias with regards to the anime/ otaku culture.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:40:03 JST (ID #208640)
    reply to abao's comment
  • Doctor Fugue
    Doctor Fugue in Various Zones of Canada (Registered on 2008/01/14)
    Pianist, Writer, Teacher
    http://www.doctorfugue.com

    Knee-jerk reactions are the worst kind. Hopefully common sense will prevail, but higher-ups are quite often looking for scapegoats to crush and show their supposed worthiness to the uninformed masses.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:41:28 JST (ID #208643)
    reply to Doctor Fugue's comment
  • Setsuna-san
    Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06)
    VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.

    OH SHIT. HERE WE GO AGAIN.
    In before being stigmatized, discriminated against and all that entails the media witch hunt that is to follow.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:42:43 JST (ID #208645)
    reply to Setsuna-san's comment
  • Hangmen13
    Hangmen13 in Sabah, Malaysia, but now studying in KL (still the same country) (Registered on 2007/04/21)
    Wanderer of the Mist
    http://hangmen13.16ops.com/

    Putting their logic into practice:
    No, no, no! I blame the mass media for causing this man to go berserk with their sensationalist reporting and blame game attitude.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:48:25 JST (ID #208650)
    reply to Hangmen13's comment
    • Setsuna-san
      Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06)
      VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.

      Truer words have never been said my brother. I place the blame squarely on the media for its sensationalism that drove this deranged bastard to commit this most horrible crime.

      Mon 2008/06/09 16:57:50 JST (ID #208657)
      reply to Setsuna-san's comment
  • suki
    suki in Cape Town, South Africa (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
    http://sukidesho.blogspot.com/

    *sigh* Not again...

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:50:24 JST (ID #208651)
    reply to suki's comment
  • jdepot.com
    jdepot.com in Sasebo, Japan - Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2008/06/07)
    Blogger, Video Gamer, Wan-a-b Otaku, Snowboarder, Idol Appreciator
    http://www.jdepot.com

    The media will spin whatever it can for ratings.

    They would do that to WHATEVER they would end up finding in his apartment.

    If he had Grand Theft Auto IV then Take-Two would really get heat this time.

    If they found out that he was an avid golfer with Tiger Woods' items then people may be pointing fingers at the golfing world.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:50:45 JST (ID #208652)
    reply to jdepot.com's comment
  • chibihien
    chibihien in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/19)
    Undergraduate

    not to brush over the severity of the incident and all but...

    once it all settles down.. won't people just go back to enjoying their hobbies...

    why does society always look to find something to blame? that's because we need that something to associate with.. blaming society in general just doesn't really cut it...

    And if you blame it on the person's habits, he is only 1 out of millions... so you can never generalise because of that one person. Sadly that's what people do.

    One thing people never realise is that when you point a finger at others, there are 3 pointing back at you... so it's thrice as important to anaylse yourself before commenting on others. But then again, we always think of ourselves as perfect and the world out there is flawed..

    owarimasu..

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:51:47 JST (ID #208653)
    reply to chibihien's comment
  • Deadly Lampshade
    Deadly Lampshade in Reading, UK (Registered on 2008/01/01)
    Slacker

    http://i29.tinypic.com/5wdul5.jpg

    For those that wish to see, this is a character the killer designed some 10 years before the attack.

    The media decided he was mentally violent because the character had a sword.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:52:19 JST (ID #208654)
    reply to Deadly Lampshade's comment
    • Coco the Bean
      Coco the Bean in Northern California (Registered on 2008/01/06)
      Pokemon master
      http://thecococafe.wordpress.com/

      That's actually Leon from Tales of Destiny. So I'm guessing video games are gonna be blamed as well.

      Tue 2008/06/10 06:50:42 JST (ID #209273)
      reply to Coco the Bean's comment
  • Len-Vesper
    Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada (Registered on 2008/02/16)
    Network Architect, Administrator, Vmware Guru
    http://www.finetoo.org/

    Completely insane.

    I cannot believe that they'd come down after something like this. I understand it's a tragedy but with all the millions of people that buy anime related stuff and they get one or two little bad events?

    What about people that like alcohol? How about all the people they kill when they become irresponsible?

    How about people that enjoy breathing? I bet you there's alot of people that enjoy breathing that commit terrible acts, and I don't see anyone cracking down on those peeps. And I'm one of them.

    Mon 2008/06/09 16:52:44 JST (ID #208655)
    reply to Len-Vesper's comment
  • Dak Roland
    Dak Roland in Western, NY (The State, not the City) (Registered on 2007/02/10)
    ISP Tech Support
    http://www.dakroland.com

    I remember the same thing happening back in the 80's when parents and the media blamed Dungeons & Dragons for why kids became violent. Same thing happened with Heavy Metal Music, TV Shows, Cartoons, and more. Scapegoats, all of them. I think the real problem isn't this stuff at all, but society and the kid's parents. But no, the parent's will say. "Not my child, they were well adjusted until this crap came along", right? Just watch. Unfortunately, 6 examples does not an epidemic or trend make. If this was true, wouldn't there be more occurrences of this kind of thing, not just in Japan, but in the US too?

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:01:02 JST (ID #208662)
    reply to Dak Roland's comment
    • Martin Wandering
      Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04)
      Spiral Warrior
      http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering

      Indeed, let us never forget the well-known connection between D&D and Satan. x___x

      Mon 2008/06/09 17:18:13 JST (ID #208683)
      reply to Martin Wandering's comment
      • tenrou
        tenrou in Honolulu, HI (Registered on 2008/04/16)
        流浪人

        Gods, I remember those days! It really sucked being a roleplayer in the '80s.

        Or a heavy metal fan, later.

        Or a sports fan, after that.

        Or a video game fan, after that.

        Etc., etc.

        Mon 2008/06/09 18:55:48 JST (ID #208791)
        reply to tenrou's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    The killer also had a PINK phone too!

    I guessed the media would dig up anime related background, what with him choosing Akiba as his battlefield.

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:01:11 JST (ID #208663)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • Eva
    Eva in Singapore (Registered on 2008/05/18)
    Admin

    If he had been groping women on trains, stealing pantsu or engaging in perverted behavior, I can see why the Japanese authorities would get on the case of otaku culture.

    But killing people? If I were to proclaim, "Hey, I enjoy otaku culture and I turn out to be just fine!", I'll only be dismissed by outsiders as being biased. So I'll instead see what reasons the Japanese authorities would use if they were to clamp down on otaku culture.

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:10:51 JST (ID #208673)
    reply to Eva's comment
  • suki
    suki in Cape Town, South Africa (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
    http://sukidesho.blogspot.com/

    I recall back when Pokemon first got aired in my country, a few kids took their lives.. the blame went to the television show.. and the support died down after a while.

    It took a good year for the feelings to settle and the blame seemed to have lifted, Pokemon is currently on air.

    Perhaps we'll see the same thing in Japan, or am I under the wrong impression?
    (I do understand that the families are suffering and do no intend to go against that thought with this post).

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:11:46 JST (ID #208674)
    reply to suki's comment
  • Fabian
    Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/08)
    student

    All the sensationalism about the recent events make me wonder if there is any sophisticated news source in Japan or just lowbrow crap.

    I'm pretty sure the killer breathed air, ate bread, read tabloid papers, watched NHK and wore underwear before his rampage. Please ban those (+ pink mobile phones) before it's too late!

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:40:45 JST (ID #208700)
    reply to Fabian's comment
  • kazenokoe
    kazenokoe in Little Red Dot (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    wants to be unemployed

    oh yes its always everything else's fault except the parent who ( should be) raising their kids properly. Blame the games, blame the doujins just don't blame parents.

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:44:38 JST (ID #208702)
    reply to kazenokoe's comment
  • nails
    nails in Denver, Colorado (Registered on 2008/04/19)
    IT
    http://nails.otaku.jp

    I honestly doubt the government will take any real action, however Japan's media will be enemy #1 and will work this up to a scale where the government might consider putting more restrictions on animation and manga, however I kinda doubt this. Animation and manga is rooted in Japanese culture.

    But what I do worry about is this segregating normal people from not only soft fans of anime, but the general otaku community in general.

    The news is saying he was a fan of Tales of Destiny and other otakuish things that even normal people like, so I think it's too broad spectrum to point a finger at anything in particular.

    But the last time something like this happened in Japan was a young boy severing the head of his friend and putting it on a spike gate infront of his school. I remember there was alot of "otaku are the enemy" finger pointing going on. I'm worried the most that will happen is the media spins this up themselves just to create segrigation.

    The Youth sub culture vs the Adult traditional culture is still in full swing in Japan, and I know this will thicken that line for a few years.

    The big question is, will Otaku in Japan buy less anime and manga just because normal people start pointing fingers at them? or will this event be generaly ignored, and life continues as normal.

    Mon 2008/06/09 17:47:15 JST (ID #208704)
    reply to nails's comment
  • Evil King
    Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth (Registered on 2007/12/18)
    Student and full-time otaku

    Hope it doesn't come to that...

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:13:38 JST (ID #208723)
    reply to Evil King's comment
  • Meimi132
    Meimi132 in Stuck in the void between the net life and real life. (Registered on 2007/12/03)
    Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
    http://meimi132.wordpress.com/

    ....yes I can see everyone on this site is ready to break out there baseball bat/knife/other impliment with weapon-like use and go postal in out local town or city.....

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:15:25 JST (ID #208727)
    reply to Meimi132's comment
  • Jollepoker
    Jollepoker in Sweden (Registered on 2008/01/08)
    Nandeyane~
    http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollepoker

    Again... The history repeates again... Why? D:

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:23:48 JST (ID #208747)
    reply to Jollepoker's comment
  • Benjamin Takeyo
    Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/04)
    ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^

    Government of Japan should be more concerned about their declining GDP per capita, their aging population, their slowed nominal GDP growth, their dependence on the US for defense (consequence of WW 2, Japan surrendered the right to defense their own country), their company culture which emphasizes seniority over performance (well this one is culture though, not really an issue I guess..) and their slight bit of racism in letting gaijin rents apartments, rather than trying to suppress the otaku culture, especially with no clear benefits to come from such action.

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:35:13 JST (ID #208764)
    reply to Benjamin Takeyo's comment
  • tenrou
    tenrou in Honolulu, HI (Registered on 2008/04/16)
    流浪人

    After watching that news clip, it seems like the media is trying to come down on everything this guy was interested in.

    He had a pink cell phone. *dramatic music*

    He would go drinking after work with friends. *dramatic music*

    He was a nice guy at work. *dramatic music*

    He was interested in military equipment. *dramatic music*

    And he was an anime and manga fan. *most dramatic music of all*

    Heck, I've seen the later reports of the picture he drew, and they even pointed out (in big bold type) that he wrote everything in English! See the pic at http://www.dannychoo.com/detail/mac/eng/image/3692/Akiba+Killer+designed+a+character..html (posted by Deadly Lampshade).

    I'm getting sick of the news and its biased reports. The only real story I've seen come out of all of this is the piece on the Memorial tents in Akiba, now.

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:37:02 JST (ID #208769)
    reply to tenrou's comment
  • Melo
    Melo in stitutionalized (Registered on 2008/04/14)

    What irresponsible journalism. It's like the media is run by a bunch of over-protective housewives. How the hell did they connect the dots on this one?? How can they be this irresponsible? They really need to do their homework on this one. Is journalism in the stone-age over there?

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:47:27 JST (ID #208780)
    reply to Melo's comment
    • tenrou
      tenrou in Honolulu, HI (Registered on 2008/04/16)
      流浪人

      Journalism is in the stone age in most places. Most news, today, is about getting ratings. You have to sensationalize the stories so people will watch your news show over others. I've been watching the news programming regarding the murders from the perspective of different countries. I think the BBC has had the most unbiased reports I've seen, yet (which is pretty amazing, considering the BBC is usually pretty biased).

      Mon 2008/06/09 18:53:14 JST (ID #208788)
      reply to tenrou's comment
  • lost_packet
    lost_packet in US (Registered on 2008/01/28)
    IT/System Admin

    I get to use my favorite phrase "CORRELATION DOES NOT MEAN CAUSATION." :)
    <br>
    The news will jump at anything to get things stirred up. In the states we have idiots that blame everything on video games. You know,when you have MILLION of people that do one thing, it is bound to show up in the homes of killers, it just doesn't mean it is the cause. Maybe we can blame water, or even TOILET PAPER. OMG NO!!!11

    Mon 2008/06/09 18:51:07 JST (ID #208785)
    reply to lost_packet's comment
    • Benjamin Takeyo
      Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/04)
      ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^

      Lol, I have statistic paper tomorrow. Correlation does not mean causation, you're absolutely right. Not to mention the ridiculously large margin of error with the sample being composed only of few killers that like anime/otaku culture. ^^

      Mon 2008/06/09 19:05:10 JST (ID #208806)
      reply to Benjamin Takeyo's comment
  • cactaur
    cactaur in despair (Registered on 2008/01/13)

    danny wrote: "I can see this leading people to think that we who enjoy anime are a dangerous bunch of people."

    de ja vu, anyone?
    i sure hope this doesn't become "the 2nd Otaku Panic". bah... it is annoying to think that one little ass can ruin everything...
    besides look how famous can one become in just one day... i think that this is one of the "i just wanted to kill someone" goals...

    Mon 2008/06/09 19:02:13 JST (ID #208800)
    reply to cactaur's comment
  • kenjiharima
    kenjiharima in MOE LAND (Registered on 2007/11/28)
    Web Designer, Boxer, StreetFighter, Anime Collector and Gamer
    http://kenjiharima.blogspot.com/

    Just WTF? People like that are sick. There is a fine line between insanity and that guy has crossed the line of insanity.

    Mon 2008/06/09 19:02:28 JST (ID #208802)
    reply to kenjiharima's comment
  • MetalGearGamer
    MetalGearGamer in Great Britain , Scotland (Registered on 2008/05/28)
    Gamer
    http://www.DontVisitThisSite.com

    Rofl to be honest this is nearly just as bad as the problems with games. Everyone blaming games for violence and a rising in crimes commited by younger children it a load of crap. But if you kill 7 people you definetley have something wrong with you in the first place it didnt just happen because you watched anime and read doujins.

    Mon 2008/06/09 19:21:34 JST (ID #208818)
    reply to MetalGearGamer's comment
  • radical anime fan
    radical anime fan in Singapore, Furnace City, Cinderblock Outskirts. (Registered on 2007/01/25)
    Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
    http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/

    Well, that was expected... I think I need more shotput balls for throwing.

    Mon 2008/06/09 20:03:53 JST (ID #208846)
    reply to radical anime fan's comment
  • skankywonders
    skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09)
    Student

    Well, hopefully nothing will be said or done about anime...

    Mon 2008/06/09 20:37:52 JST (ID #208868)
    reply to skankywonders's comment
  • Daemonseed
    Daemonseed in Britland (Registered on 2008/05/06)
    Moe Hunter
    http://moehunter.wordpress.com/

    Everyone needs a scape goat.
    /not surprised

    Mon 2008/06/09 20:51:38 JST (ID #208874)
    reply to Daemonseed's comment
  • Afro Gunsou
    Afro Gunsou in Zearth (Registered on 2007/12/08)
    Highschool Student

    The media, for the most part, knows what they're doing. They're not dumb, nor is the government. They're using whatever they can as a scapegoat. The media just wants a story, most media places don't care how many lives they ruin, as long as they get the story, of course, I can't say this about ALL news sources.

    Mon 2008/06/09 21:29:25 JST (ID #208898)
    reply to Afro Gunsou's comment
    • necrophadian
      necrophadian in a transitionary phase of existence (Registered on 2007/04/22)
      -1
      http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/

      What exactly do they teach in Journalism classes then? Screw the truth lets print lies and whatever keeps the presses running?

      Tue 2008/06/10 01:33:50 JST (ID #209029)
      reply to necrophadian's comment
      • PudgyM29
        PudgyM29 in Chicago, IL. [U.S.A.] (Registered on 2008/03/30)
        Fledgling repowriter
        http://sn.im/sdr002

        What is taught in "journalism" schools nowadays, *worldwide*?
        "If it bleeds, it leads."
        What matters is getting eyeballs to your television show, your newspaper, or your World-Wide Web site.
        The more eyeballs you have, the *more you can charge for advertisements* on your television show, your newspaper, or your World-Wide Web site.
        This keeps the corporation profitable.
        Which is the *bottom line*, and what truly matters.

        Tue 2008/06/10 07:38:24 JST (ID #209309)
        reply to PudgyM29's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    OMGWTFWTH?! Here it goes again...

    Mon 2008/06/09 21:37:29 JST (ID #208904)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • Patrick Barron
    Patrick Barron in Michigan, United States of America (Registered on 2008/02/09)
    Grocery Store Clerk

    People are aways looking for someone to blame. Columbine they blamed Marlyn Manson. The movie the Matrix.

    I could think of a million things.

    In anime they tell you it is wrong to kill.

    Mon 2008/06/09 21:51:53 JST (ID #208921)
    reply to Patrick Barron's comment
  • Arekusu
    Arekusu in The Lost Woods (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Video Game Design Student / Monster Hunter

    FFS -.- This is stupid, stupid, oh and possibly with an extra helping of stupid. The media always try to do this, its the same with video games. But it annoys me because, if you are so mentally unstable that you are influenced to do things based on what you see in video games/manga/anime, then its not the that that should be blamed, but the person themselves. I for one have been playing games since i was 2, and i have played a wide range of games. Take "Hitman" for example, you have to stealthily kill people; i don't finish it, and then think, "hmm, lets go out and try this in real life", no, because thats just stupid. What makes manga/anime and video games so good, are the fact that often, the stories are so out of this world, you are able to submerge yourself in a world that would otherwise be humanly impossible, but when you finish playing the game, you return to the real world. But as usual, people want something to blame, and they turn to stupidest of things in an attempt to get reason out of an otherwise reason-less situation.

    Mon 2008/06/09 22:34:34 JST (ID #208943)
    reply to Arekusu's comment
    • Arekusu
      Arekusu in The Lost Woods (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Video Game Design Student / Monster Hunter

      And also, thats another thing! Saying "The Killer Liked Anime" and hence we are going to blame anime, its stupid because, if it were soemthing else like..."The Killer was a huge fan of Harry Potter" or "The killer enjoyed watching the discovery channel" or even "The killer enjoyed listening to classical music", the media aren't then going to turn around and say, classical music is the blame! or historic documentaries are to blame! Its all because they are out to get the industries that we love so much -.-

      Mon 2008/06/09 22:38:52 JST (ID #208944)
      reply to Arekusu's comment
  • thefrikking
    thefrikking in Spain (Registered on 2007/08/18)
    Ork Warlord

    As expected, this stuff going have bad consecuence for all us, I wish I`m wrong...

    Mon 2008/06/09 22:49:51 JST (ID #208953)
    reply to thefrikking's comment
  • DarkReimu
    DarkReimu in Uruguay (Registered on 2008/05/20)
    Student

    If they blame the 2ch board its fine to me,
    I hope they don't blame anime/doujins.

    Mon 2008/06/09 23:17:09 JST (ID #208964)
    reply to DarkReimu's comment
  • gurugurutrex
    gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    オタク all day long
    http://www.nekomagic.com

    It's just like car accident in Vancouver here. Whenever a kid has a car accident, the media will blame it on street racing, car modification, and racing games even the kid was only driving a non-modified stock BMW and he wasn't racing. =/

    Mon 2008/06/09 23:18:15 JST (ID #208966)
    reply to gurugurutrex's comment
  • Vic Fieger
    Vic Fieger in Mass., USA (Registered on 2007/11/23)
    Typographer
    http://www.vicfieger.com

    I'd like to know more about this. I hope one photograph of a person holding a cell phone does not constitute unimpeachable evidence.

    Mon 2008/06/09 23:41:30 JST (ID #208977)
    reply to Vic Fieger's comment
  • Chuck Gaffney
    Chuck Gaffney in Selden, New York (Registered on 2007/07/28)
    Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
    http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com

    great...now we will be seen as the enemy because of one loser. I can see it now in congress:

    Congress-Man A: "Hear about what happened in Japan?"

    Congress-Man B: "Oh, you mean one of those countries that don't believe in Jesus?"

    Congress-Man A: "Yes, the one that's the furthest east. Apparently some lunatic mowed down innocent people for no reason. Heard he was a fan of this thing called animi..or anime."

    Congress-Man B: "Oh, those cartoons that are not for little kids nor mention the bible like cartoons should. We knew these should be banned, lets petition a bill to ban them now!"

    (PS: My deepest condolences go to the family of this horrid event, my comment is meant to show the stupidity of the hands of power and not to make light of such a terrible thing.)

    Tue 2008/06/10 00:11:30 JST (ID #208986)
    reply to Chuck Gaffney's comment
  • ETERNAL
    ETERNAL in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2008/03/21)
    Amateur novelist
    http://memories-of-eternity.com

    Somehow I'm not surprised a development like this occured >_>

    Tue 2008/06/10 00:33:50 JST (ID #208998)
    reply to ETERNAL's comment
  • Mimi
    Mimi in MIT (Registered on 2008/03/11)
    Student
    http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/

    Not gonna happen. :D I know it seems like a possibility, but taking such extremes because of the culprit of one crime is highly unlikely. If every hobby of every murderer was to be revealed, everything would be seen as potentially dangerous to society.

    Let's put it this way, the most common hobby of murderers worldwide is watching/reading porn. And look, porn is more popular than ever! Youporn is so popular, it's one of the top 50 most viewed out there.

    Look, taking such drastic measures is too ridiculous. Anime will live on.

    Tue 2008/06/10 01:10:03 JST (ID #209017)
    reply to Mimi's comment
    • Triplekia
      Triplekia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
      Student

      I see youporn, thus I have to comment.

      Tue 2008/06/10 15:55:03 JST (ID #209570)
      reply to Triplekia's comment
  • AtelierEdge
    AtelierEdge in Guatemala (Registered on 2008/06/09)
    Artist
    http://www.bridesoferos.com

    It's always easier to blame someone or something else than to take responsibility.

    Tue 2008/06/10 01:16:35 JST (ID #209021)
    reply to AtelierEdge's comment
  • necrophadian
    necrophadian in a transitionary phase of existence (Registered on 2007/04/22)
    -1
    http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/

    killer liked anime. FFS, who in Japan doesn't like anime? its like embedded in the national culture, its a medium that they can be proud of as a people. i don't see why this is relevant at all.

    Same thing with video games here in the US. People seem to like pointing out that if youve played a video game you will turn out violent. Who in the US below 50 years of age hasn't played a video game?

    Why do journalists insist on writing this crap up as relevant to the news?

    Tue 2008/06/10 01:31:20 JST (ID #209028)
    reply to necrophadian's comment
    • AtelierEdge
      AtelierEdge in Guatemala (Registered on 2008/06/09)
      Artist
      http://www.bridesoferos.com

      You're right. My parent's first reaction to the news was that "videogames are turning everyone into violent beasts"

      Tue 2008/06/10 01:46:58 JST (ID #209048)
      reply to AtelierEdge's comment
      • necrophadian
        necrophadian in a transitionary phase of existence (Registered on 2007/04/22)
        -1
        http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/

        i guess my parents are the minority. both my mom and dad play video games (even my grandparents)

        Tue 2008/06/10 02:02:09 JST (ID #209068)
        reply to necrophadian's comment
  • Gundam00
    Gundam00 in somewhere in space (Registered on 2008/04/26)
    MS pilot

    just great! ruin it for the rest of us! this guy is pissing me off more and more...

    Tue 2008/06/10 01:37:33 JST (ID #209034)
    reply to Gundam00's comment
  • KyokoHunter
    KyokoHunter in UK (Registered on 2008/06/08)
    Civil Servant
    http://kyokohunter.net/

    The media will jump to assumptions if it's in their interest and guess what, it usually is. Sadly it makes the rest of us scapegoats. I'm sure if they found a bunch of fighting games, or a collection of American rap, they'd be blaming violent computer games or rappers just as quickly. But what about the 99.99% of other people that don't go homicidal just because they've got some manga, games or music? That's something the media conveniently turns a blind eye to. People with problems will have problems no matter what they're into.

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:05:32 JST (ID #209074)
    reply to KyokoHunter's comment
  • PROXL
    PROXL in Costa Rica (Registered on 2008/05/22)
    Photography, Dealer,computer student
    http://dreamishope.blogspot.com/

    Nothing new about tht if not for video games is for anime always trhe same BS

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:05:42 JST (ID #209075)
    reply to PROXL's comment
  • beatfreak
    beatfreak (Registered on 2007/12/20)
    freelance digital artist

    and so it goes , the worst is always inevitable to come. I believe this is where the "best" part should start; the climax is about to commence.

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:07:31 JST (ID #209077)
    reply to beatfreak's comment
  • Renimar
    Renimar in a handbasket, wondering why he's there or where he's going (Registered on 2008/04/15)
    Jedi 626

    I hear the killer liked breathing, eating and drinking, too. If only -- if only! -- the government would just ban breathing air, eating food and drinking liquids, these events would never happen again.

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:15:22 JST (ID #209085)
    reply to Renimar's comment
    • necrophadian
      necrophadian in a transitionary phase of existence (Registered on 2007/04/22)
      -1
      http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/

      holy crap, i like those things too!!! XD i must be a violent suicidal sociopath
      *hears police sirens in the distance

      Tue 2008/06/10 02:18:18 JST (ID #209088)
      reply to necrophadian's comment
  • noob
    noob in philippines (Registered on 2007/09/02)
    Underdog Artist, Outcast to the Society, Tetsuya Nomura art fan

    NOW ANIME BUSINESS IS JEOPARDY BECAUSE OF THAT BASTARD!

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:30:18 JST (ID #209104)
    reply to noob's comment
  • Wave Rider
    Wave Rider in NJ United States (Registered on 2007/01/22)
    Student/Daemonhunter

    Ahhhhhhh s***, there we go again, this is gonna suck >_>0.


    hmm, so is the anime for Japan the videogames of America in terms of being the scapegoat for violence? I mea seriously, that's just retarded. Fox news blew the proportions out on everything they hear about videogames, even things that dont actually exist. well now that they have 'proof', this is gonna be bad...

    Tue 2008/06/10 02:37:25 JST (ID #209112)
    reply to Wave Rider's comment
  • Neutrinos
    Neutrinos in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/25)
    Engineering research
    http://kikenshisou.wordpress.com

    Sigh, sounds like the Virginia tech case where counterstrike is blamed for turning one into a murderer.

    Tue 2008/06/10 05:09:40 JST (ID #209195)
    reply to Neutrinos's comment
  • JChow
    JChow in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/14)
    Student, ...someday...zzz

    It people like these who ruin the happiness and joyful fun of life for the rest of us.

    Tue 2008/06/10 06:09:53 JST (ID #209242)
    reply to JChow's comment
  • zie
    zie in Arlington,VA USA (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    freelance

    Wow that is FU seems like you can put the blame on anime for all crimes. Damn seems like Japans otaku culture have it rough.

    Tue 2008/06/10 06:25:56 JST (ID #209255)
    reply to zie's comment
  • Hikaru Romero
    Hikaru Romero in US (Registered on 2007/12/11)
    NEET

    Oh oh, this is not good

    Tue 2008/06/10 06:39:18 JST (ID #209266)
    reply to Hikaru Romero's comment
  • BIGGU-gAi
    BIGGU-gAi in Between Tengoku & Jigoku... (Registered on 2008/02/01)
    Chef, Full fledged Otaku, Full time Observer.....

    man not again...
    this damn vicious cycle just doesn't end...

    Tue 2008/06/10 09:58:05 JST (ID #209389)
    reply to BIGGU-gAi's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    *faceplam*

    good grief...media has done it again and pointed our fave hobby yet again >.>

    Tue 2008/06/10 13:00:02 JST (ID #209491)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • Akiba-Kid
    Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17)
    Online Shop
    http://wildarms.egloos.com

    Gah, I knew something like this would happen again... Seems like Japanese medias always have field days for this type of incident... Again, certain few are ruining it for all of us.

    Tue 2008/06/10 13:08:16 JST (ID #209497)
    reply to Akiba-Kid's comment
  • orcinus
    orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/08)
    Art student
    http://ohcirnine.wordpress.com

    I have a proposal, everyone.

    Let's all pretend to be as normal and mundane as possible to the outside world! That way we can completely fit in given these changing times.

    Note: This entails not only being outwardly bland, but also practicing being pretentious, or in Philippine terms, conyo.

    Tue 2008/06/10 13:27:02 JST (ID #209506)
    reply to orcinus's comment
  • Mauro Muraca
    Mauro Muraca in Rosario,Santa Fe,Argentina (Registered on 2008/05/30)
    Law Student

    This reminds me of the Columbine incident, where the media used as a scapegoat that the children who committed the killings were addicted to violent videogames and metal music.

    Tue 2008/06/10 14:42:20 JST (ID #209525)
    reply to Mauro Muraca's comment
  • Katsuyoshi
    Katsuyoshi in Poland (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    Perv

    I'll quote one of my fav anime characters "I'm in despair! This bunch of maniac otaku, not thinking about the consequences of thier actions, to all other otaku, has left me in despair!!!"

    Tue 2008/06/10 14:48:26 JST (ID #209527)
    reply to Katsuyoshi's comment
  • Triplekia
    Triplekia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student

    Anddd, the witch hunt just began...

    Tue 2008/06/10 15:41:14 JST (ID #209563)
    reply to Triplekia's comment
  • Tempest
    Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Exchange Student

    I hate how they're always looking for a scapegoat everytime things like this happen...

    Tue 2008/06/10 16:41:24 JST (ID #209588)
    reply to Tempest's comment
    • Renimar
      Renimar in a handbasket, wondering why he's there or where he's going (Registered on 2008/04/15)
      Jedi 626

      No kidding. Here's a cause: "He was f'ed in the head." Simple. Concise. True.

      What am I thinking? That doesn't have the scandalous, sexy, ad-revenue generating headline like, 'Mad Otaku on Rampage: Is Your Son Next?'

      Thu 2008/06/12 02:38:09 JST (ID #210792)
      reply to Renimar's comment
  • Hatix
    Hatix in Antwerp, Belgium (Registered on 2007/04/25)
    IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
    http://blog.jpopdb.org/

    I was afraid that this was going to happen... Now everybody who watches cartoons are ticking time bombs. What about those American movies full of violence and shooting? No, that has no influence at all, no...

    Tue 2008/06/10 20:47:24 JST (ID #209743)
    reply to Hatix's comment
    • DarkReimu
      DarkReimu in Uruguay (Registered on 2008/05/20)
      Student

      I totally agree with you

      Wed 2008/06/11 03:41:23 JST (ID #210009)
      reply to DarkReimu's comment
  • Certifiably Insane
    Certifiably Insane in Singapore (Registered on 2008/04/13)
    Pursuing that ever-elusive diploma.
    http://finality.dasaku.net

    First it was games and now anime.

    I wonder, does the media have some personal vendetta against the Otaku? 'Cause it seems nowadays these are the two most prominent stereotypes for violence.

    Wed 2008/06/11 13:19:56 JST (ID #210278)
    reply to Certifiably Insane's comment
  • kagami fan
    kagami fan in Oxford (Registered on 2008/06/13)

    This is not really related.

    In history, Adolf Hitler is a Christian.

    Fri 2008/06/13 02:19:16 JST (ID #211819)
    reply to kagami fan's comment
    • kagami fan
      kagami fan in Oxford (Registered on 2008/06/13)

      So that killer may or may as well not be a anime fan. Either way this doesn't make anime fans into murderers.

      Fri 2008/06/13 02:55:58 JST (ID #211870)
      reply to kagami fan's comment
  • Wynn
    Wynn in EVERYWHERE, Singapore (Registered on 2008/04/22)
    Myself-finder

    somehow i dun see reports on other chain muderers/rapists/whoever who did something so bad that made it on the top news regarding their interests, what tv shows they watch, hobbies. they only give reports on their FAMILY BACKGROUND, lousy childhood etc, but never what they do in normal life( whether that person watched Saw hundred times over, or has a stash of child porn in some garage that never got found out cuz it's in some country that land's cheap ( no offence ).

    Wed 2008/06/18 05:41:54 JST (ID #215893)
    reply to Wynn's comment
  • persocomsan
    persocomsan in Pueblo, CO (Registered on 2008/06/20)
    http://animaticfigmation.com/

    who doesn't enjoy anime. everyone I've ever met that's watched any anime at least liked one.

    Sun 2008/06/22 12:00:52 JST (ID #219314)
    reply to persocomsan's comment
  • Recarta
    Recarta in Mobile, Alabama, USA (Registered on 2008/07/03)
    Nursing Student

    Has the Japanese Govt been talking to Jack Thompson recently? This sounds just like one of his twisted arguments linking Mario to rape and murder.

    Thu 2008/07/03 10:16:53 JST (ID #228753)
    reply to Recarta's comment
  • SunnyGeek
    SunnyGeek in The underbelly of the Earth (Registered on 2009/05/14)
    Your resident evil

    This is not the first time I have read about media using anime/manga for murders. There was an instance a couple of months back in which a man killed his landlord, I believe and he read a lot of manga.

    Thu 2009/05/28 20:02:43 JST (ID #624706)
    reply to SunnyGeek's comment

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