Culture Through Pictures- DeathNote (Post 1)

Ever heard of Manga or Anime? That's like half my reading life, between all my favorite authors and the very long lists of literature I hope, but probably wont, ever complete; I always leave some time aside for my daily dose of Asian culture submitted to me by Manga and Anime.

Though most of them are made up stories of other worldly lands and beings, they actually represent the distinct type of Asian culture it gives of. With different supernatural beings and forms of  ruling like with emperors with nobles instead of kings and lords. Everything besides the translated English is immersing you in their world from their epic battle scene and weapons to the single (or many) bowl(s) of Ramen in Naruto's hand(s).

Though DeathNote is different, set in a real city in Japan around the Kanto region and actual company names it feels so much closer to us here in this world. Though with "The Other Side" evident with the use of the Japanese culture of the Shinigamis otherwise known as the "Spirits of Death" it makes it more of a story than a fairy tale.

Submerged in Asian culture, mostly Japanese, is when I feel I am traveling there myself while intertwined with the unique characters that tie me into the story, while the entire time my head is swimming with the culture. Making me a part of it. Which makes me proud to be apart of another culture, cause these books, and people, are amazing.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Note
The Wikipedia page fore DeathNote with TONS of information.

http://www.viz.com/death-note
The VIZ media page with a short summary, pictures, and even streaming episodes of the Anime.