I mainly watch almost if not all my anime online. I'm not a huge fan of buying anime on DVD because most of the ones my friends have bought are all dubbed (im not a fan of dubbed). Tho if i had the money (poor college student) maybe I would buy a dvd here or there but I don't think i would buy the entire series on DVD. Tho I did use to buy a ton of manga untill I got a job at a book store... Now I just read it all while I'm on break or off my phone while I'm on the road
I'm 36 and have only been watching anime for the last 4 years or so, so I'm kind of an anime/manga newbie. Anyways, I usually watch stuff on the internet first and then if I like it a lot, I buy the DVDs. The Cartoon Network shows animes on Saturday night, so I also watch things on there. Funimation actually does (or did) have an all anime station, but I don't think very many people have access to it. I don't through my satellite service and it isn't on local cable either.
Hello. Im 22 year old and I comletely agree with you, buying actual DVDs is much more cooler than something that exist only like numbers on your hard drive. Im living in Russia and we mostly don`t have any anime dvd in stores so Im not buying them but we have games and I love to buy them
It depends really. I was just vewing the episodes online like my fav anime and manga "Welcome to the N.H.K!" but ive decided to buy them and its somewhat of a good feeling knowing they will be appreciated and easily recognizable by anyone looking in my apartment rather then asking them if they ever watched it or want to watch it etc. After that I Just bought a ps3 which can play blue-rays and and im now rebuying all my anime in blue ray when it comes out from funimation.
I mostly watch my Anime online (I only watch one series i've been an avid viewer of since I was about 14) however I have purchased numerous Manga books as so that I could look at them and appreciate them. I find that it is also something fun to have when commuting to University as I can simply read one of my many books and it tends to refresh my memory about what happened in the series which usually makes me smile or motivates me for the day.
I watch the shows online, and then if I like it then I buy the set. I like to see it on the shelf, and for the ease of being able to rewatch it at anytime. The main reason to buy the DVDs for me is because I will have that series forever. My issue with just downloading things is that it is all too easliy lost when computer crashes, or when the site goes down that you get it from. The price of buying the DVD is generally high so I just buy stuff I really like and know that I will rewatch.
I normally watch one episode online to see if I like the series and then buy the dvd set online from ebay. Although most of the sets I buy are cheap because they come from malaysia where I think they have can recopy dvds legally or something? not really sure on it. Love your videos oh and SKYTREE
I usually watch an anime series on the computer downloaded first. If I really enjoyed the series then I have no problem with buying it on DVD. Most recently I ordered Clannad, Clannad After Story (My favourite series) and Angel Beats.
But I always prefer to have physical copies of anything. Games, movie, books, whatever. I always prefer to have a physical copy of it.
I used to collect the digital copies when I started watching anime for the same reasons that you mentioned as the other people commenting below. Now, I'm using crunchyroll and download the ones not streamed there. Who knows what the technology might brings us in terms of showcasing collections and sharing them.
I never knew that DVD's are that expensive in Japan. Thanks for the info
That is an impressive Tokyo Sky Tree you have there. >:D
There used to be a time where I would buy boatloads of DVDs when I was in my early 20s, now I'm 31 and only buy DVD/Blu-rays if the series is a masterpiece work in art, sound, and story. "Summer Wars" by Mamoru Hosoda (Director of "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" fame) was one of my last solid Blu-ray purchases as I simply don't have room for an infinite wall of anime. Now I find myself either downloading or watching on Crunchyroll.
I used to be really into anime when I was a teenager, and while I very rarely watch it anymore, I still have a large collection of DVDs. I think that back then my hobby was more about the collecting than the anime itself, and I would sometimes spend $200+ on a box set just because it was a limited edition or looked nice on the shelf. I'll still buy movies/TV shows (not just anime) that I really like, but I mostly use Netflix or another streaming service.
@leeron111 go over to my other channel - TaishaJason - and I have vids about my comic habits and getting the books sent to Japan. More of a DC guy, but do like Bendis and a few other Marvel writers.
@myargonauts Oh that's cool. I just got into comics via the New 52. So far, I'm loving Red Hood and The Outlaws, Batman, Flash, and Action Comics. So far I gotta say that Morrison and Johns are my favorite writers. How do you get your comics from Japan? Do you read them digitally?
@leeron111 I used to get them shipped, but now I either wait for the trade paperback collections or I read them digitally. I would highly recommend Aquaman - my favorite New 52 title!
I used to actively collection anime (and other shows but mainly animation), but I gave up - I realized I only had the space for collecting one thing, and books won out.
tokyo sky tree ^^ but non the less i agrree. i like to buy and collect dvd bluray or any kind its fun to have some of your fond memories... but i also like to keep some in my hardrive sow hen i travel i can watch my stuff on my computer :)
I rediscovered anime around 16 years ago. Since then, the majority of any anime that I watched was made available to me via fan-subs. If I like the show that I watched, I would go out and buy it on DVD. I would also rent my favorite titles once they were available at my local anime store. however for me the rental aspect stopped once the anime shop stopped renting about 5 years ago. Now the only way i can see ANY new or undiscovered show is thought streaming or a site that has episodes.
The main thing I'd point out is that anime looks a lot better at lower resolutions, or upscales much better, because it has less details than a live-action film. So while you're getting a shitty version of a live-action movie when you stream it, an anime holds up rather well because of the clean lines.
Sites like Crunchyroll and Hulu are playing some anime episode the day after they air in Japan. It's hard for physical media to compete with that kind of instant accessibility.
The main thing I'd point out is that anime looks a lot better at lower resolutions, or upscales much better, because it has less details than a live-action film. So while you're getting a shitty version of a live-action movie when you stream it, an anime holds up rather well because of the clean lines.
Sites like Crunchyroll and Hulu are playing some anime episode the day after they air in Japan. It's hard for physical media to compete with that kind of instant accessibility.
I prefer to own physical copies when it comes to anime, same with books, films, tv series, ect. The only thing I've stopped buying over the years would be CDs. Not to say I don't utilize streaming sites and torrents when it comes to anime, as a majority of the content hasn't been licensed yet or never will be. I'm also one of those who felt the prices were to high on American releases, and it's absurd having to pay 400-500$ for a complete series in Japan, or 80$ for a blu-ray with 5 episodes...
First of all, brilliant video. My two cents as an 18yr old from Sydney. I am the type of person who likes to physically purchase my anime, it is something I enjoy collecting and putting on display and still even with all this streaming technology it's just not the same quality.
I do not however regularly buy movies or CDs I use torrents for all of that and have done so for at least a few years now. Probably similar to you and your comics anime is something I enjoy collecting
I like buying anime DVDs and i would buy more if money wasn't so tight, But i really support what crunchyroll is doing now since after being an illegal site they moved to being legal and getting the licence which can be like pulling teeth sometimes. streaming is great and funamation hit the nail on the head when they said there streaming gets them there DVD sales,when i see a series that is really good i want to support the show more and show people I like the show.
If I couldn't buy DVDs of anime I think I would resort to illegal downloading and make my own DVDs out of that. Streaming is inconvenient at the moment. How do you share it with your friends? You can't let anyone borrow it if you only have a stream. Plus, what if I don't want to pay $10 a month for streaming. What if I don't watch any anime in a any particular month. Then I lose if I choose to pay for streaming. Plus, many ISPs are making you pay extra to stream a lot of content this days :(
I torrent all of the current anime I watch for two reasons: 1. The quality is much higher than on streaming sites and 2. I need to take screencaps for my blog. However, it is important for me to have physical copies of my favorite shows because it's a lot easier to disseminate knowledge of the series by physically giving it to others. It also feels good to support a show by contributing to it; it gave me entertainment, so I give it money. That's how the world typically works. Tokyo Sky Tree!
Anything I like, be it music or any sort of television, I'll torrent it or stream it and if I enjoy it and feel that the makers deserve my money for it, then I'll buy it.
Another thing you can do is burn them to DVD and either use a paper label to identify the content or a Lightscribe DVD which lets you etch the image onto the DVD. This is what I do with video I download that I want to keep. Lots of high quality images you can use to do this. Tokyo Skytree!! I wish it was open when I visit Japan in April.
I download it from torrents since it takes forever to get new series in the US and when there are DVDs, its only a small number of episodes for a ridiculous price. I've seen prices in Japan and they are even worse, even at major stores like Yodobashi Camera. I think they should put their videos on the Apple Store and sell them but the anime producers don't seem to want to do this for some reason.
I mostly watch online, although i havent been watching much at all lately, i prefer to read manga actually. But i know of many anime sites including the one i moderate at and we get quite a few viewers. if a series is particularly good and i actually have money i'm willing to buy it
Physical copy is always great because your favorite artist isn't going to sign a digital copy. Plus, they usually come with posters, stickers, pencil toppers, etc. I buy kpop CDs from the artists I like. "Tokyo Sky Tree" :o
There are some dedicated anime cable channels in America, and some channels like G4 show anime at random times.
I prefer physical ownership too. It's part of creating an environment that reflects your interests and also creates an atmosphere in your personal space. I also find it helps my creative process as well.
I do watch anime but it's really expensive here in Holland. Pricing is like €20 for 3 episodes (1 volume). Box sets are usually a little cheaper but it's still too much. Another problem I have with buying anime is that the translations. Some thing are "americanized/localized" so jokes i.e. don't make any sense at times. And at other times it's just a plane rewrite. I always download my stuff the free way. I mean asking €20 for 60 minutes of enternainment? Now that's stealing.
I have an paid account on crunchyroll. I use to just download from bittorrent or direct download but I wanted to support the industry, and crunchyroll allows me to do it legally.I buy dvds of stuff that I really love, and really want to own.I'm 30 haven't gone completely digital and doubt I will.Have to agree with the pricing in japan, it's REALLY expensive compared to america especially when comes to anime. But at least the options have improved now compared the 90's.Oh and Tokyo Sky Tree :)
Unfortunately i am lacking in the money department so watch my shows online. And the genre "dubstep" seems to be a mainstream genre, usually it will be a remix (or mixing) of one or multiple songs with added effects and repeating sections of a song in a loop. Essentially it can encourage adrenalin rushes (energizing) the Listener. In my opinion. In America some cable companies offer the dedicated anime channels. As far as i know there is the Funimation channel.
I prefer to buy the blu rays that include a DVD, blu ray disc & a digital download (so I can keep it on my ipod & laptop for when I travel.) If it's a series, movie, or musician that I like a lot, I will always prefer to have a physical copy instead of a digital copy.
There is an anime channel in America called the 'Anime Network'. I've never actually got to watch it though because you have to pay extra money to get it.
I've mostly been buying my music strait from iTunes, as well as movies, since it's just easier for me. I'm in college and there aren't very many stores around my campus that sell entertainment stuff like CD's or DVD's, so with iTunes not only can I buy exactly what I want cheaper, it's faster, and I can keep it forever. But that Tokyo Sky Tree looks pretty interesting...
I really do prefer having a physical copy of entertainment media, with the exception of music, in which case I prefer digital. However, as someone working a near-minimum wage job, the price is simply prohibitive. Digital options are usually cheaper, and so that's usually what I have to go with.
Maybe it's me, but I don't think the anime these days are as good, quality wise as the old Japanese animation cartoons (before they called it anime). I've only seen snippets of anime, since animation/cartoons don't interest me anymore. I grew up watching speed racer, gigantor, astro boy, kimba and I thought those were great and better in regards to picture quality. Maybe it's my age, because I would rather watch reruns of Bonanza than some of the trash shows they have these days.
I get most of my anime via digital means these days.
I am on a fairly tight budget and i don't really have the space for a large physical collection. The last time i collected things like that was back when pc games came in the larger boxes. i use to proudly display the games i had bought. Then i had a break in and my collection that valued at over 4k bucks was stolen from me. my property was never recovered. Since then i have been strictly digital. (Tokyo sky tree)
I watch online. I used to buy it from best buy, but it got too expensive, and then they started cutting their selection way back to almost nothing. Plus most anime I watch never seems to get licensed here in the US.
I am, among other things, a giant animation dork, and I have piles of anime DVDs from the late 90's/early aughts boom. I've been thinking of thinning it out.
I still watch a few shows as Netflix has a pretty decent selection. I'll buy the shows and movies I love (Summer Wars most recently), but those are pretty slim pickings now since most anime just isn't for me these days. I do like to have physical copies as I will always be able to hang onto those when licenses lapse and streams disappear.
If I'm at home, I generally Netflix the DVDs (or, if it's available, I stream it online, still from Netflix). If not in the US, I generally find it online (although less than when at home). Although I'm only now getting into Anime in the first place, and it's almost always Animes from Mangas I got had started reading. It's been (like, 10?) years since I've just liked randomly watching anime.
To answer the actual question; I actually like having physical discs. I always buy anime movies. But it's impossible to afford every series (unless you live in America with the box sets and what not). I mostly pirate, but if there's something I really enjoyed watching, and I happen to see it in a store, I'll pick it up. I only go actively looking (On amazon and such) for movies or really short OVAs.
Don't quote me on this, but I don't think the collecting is a big deal for manga people. Maybe for toys? The popular manga's always get high detail little figures of the characters. Usually they're pre-posed. Otaku will line up for those on release day. Though DVDs often come with the toys (But much lower quality)
when I checked comments just now, the ad in front of the video is for an anime inspired Konami game... at least that's better than some of the random ads that show up in front of my vids. :P
I usually wait until a DVD gets cheaper before buying it. That goes for seasons of shows, I wait until the set gets cheap. Sometimes new DVD releases are cheap early on. I got The Hangover DVD and BlueRay combo for under 2000yen. And I usually go for 3 DVDs for 3000yen. Tsutaya and other music and movie stores offer that 3 for 3000yen deal.
@JapanAndThings And I`m talking about movies in general, not anime. I don`t purchase or watch anime now a day, but I see that it`s expensive to buy in stores. Anime is probably pricier on DVD in Japan because most people aren`t willing to actually purchase anime on DVD and the ones who do are willing to pay more than the average person will for a DVD or set of DVDs.
I live in the UK, and Bandai closing their DVD firm has affected us, and the Beez firm, European distributor of Bandai. None the less that has not stopped me from buying Anime DVDs in the UK. As a collector in the UK of Anime I only buy Region 2 sets to support the growth of Anime in the UK and it seems to be going very well with the cross over of Kaze UK of France releasing in the UK now! Now I own over 500 DVDs that has cost me well over £9,000. Including Bluray sets! Anime is expensive!!
@BradSammyC I will also add that a DVD set in the UK for 13 episodes is £14.99 bluray £24.99 and 24+ episodes is £24.99 for DVD and £32.99 for bluray. It gets VERY expensive! and in the UK, in the schools and colleges you see children reading Manga everywhere! even during lessons! Anime is becoming huge in everyday life in the UK.
I love anime. Where I live in NY there is significant Japanese community so we have grocery stores and restaurants. If I go to the Japanese store and want a DVD they are really pricey and they take alot of space in my house. It is easier to stream and download because I find it cheaper, I can watch it anywhere I want on my laptop, and I can find everything in one place.
I'm 29 and made the switch to digital only media a few years ago. For me it's all about ease of access and availability. Being able to purchase what you want when you want is something, I think, mose people want thesedays.
Digital media doesnt get scratched, ripped or waterlogged. Lose you digital file? Download it again! PS - Tokyo Sky Tree :)
Streaming. I don't have enough room or money for any sort of DVD, so streaming and downloading are a godsend for me. I'm only concerned about the content.
CrunchyRoll posted their earnings, which showed really impressive business for niche anime streamed. Funimation has lowered their prices on DVDs/Blu-rays and promote them well for fans.
With Bandai, yeah, they were in a tight spot with their Japanese counterpart. They were very, very expensive and did not promote their series well at all.
I watch anime.. and I love it. I used to buy DVDs .. but at the time they were $20 a pop, it adds up. My problem with anime is: Once a show comes out it takes about a year and a half to see it in the US. Also the english dubbing is really bad. Sometimes unwatchable.
So.. I have to wait, get dubbing I don't want. at $20 +.. No thanks
I do display my DVDs on my bookshelf next to my Tokyo Sky Tree >_o
Tokyo Sky Tree :) The bottom line is that the manufacturers don't want you sharing you stuff around, they want you to buy your copy and other people to buy their own. Do online communities not allow you to say "look at all the DVDs I like" in the same way that having them sitting on your shelf at home does? I'm thinking Flixster, Goodreads, etc.
In Glasgow I would say that stores here have just begun to increase the size of their Anime shelves. Recently I've seen many more anime titles than I would have seen maybe 2-3 years ago. But I would say that with stores like Forbidden Planet, Waterstones etc. There are many more titles in manga which are available here. I often watch an episode or 2 online before I decide to buy any DVDs, but then... they don't release them fast enough here so back online I go.
Stream as there are DVD's are not available at all here in Ireland but i sub some dramas or maybe an anime when i have time to feel like i contributed something and also improve my japanese considering i am going to japan in 6 months.
Here in Finland you have to be really lucky to get a few Naruto or Bleach dvds and thats about it. The major stores don't have anything else, you have to go to special import stores to get your anime fix but there the prices are ridiculous and even there the selectin is pathetic. So I watch all my anime online
FUNimation is right about its supporters having a director mindset. I'm one of those that would much rather have a physical copy I can display, look at, etc. It has much more value to me than an equivalent computer file that is at the mercy of failed hard drives, viruses, and younger siblings. I was a big fan of Bandai, but I guess the business model that was pushed onto them failed in the US market. It's quite unfortunate.
How's the development around Tokyo Sky Tree coming along?
@sonikku10 not sure about the development around the tower - you'd have to ask one of the Tokyo J-vloggers, but excitement is building about the opening in May, and I hope to make it to Tokyo later this year, so I'll be sure you go and get footage.
I watch streaming anime but I also like buying the disks and sets because having the DVDs isn't like streaming. No loading time or freezing. Plus a lot of the boxes normally have creative extra items and such. I think those are tailored to the fans and people with consumer perspectives. I like disks because they're convenient. Would I pay for streaming? Probability not, its free if you can find places like crunchyroll and if you can read and speak Japanese NicoNico Douga is a great place. Tokyo
This, I would say, is my realm of knowledge. Most people are switching away from DVD/Blu Ray because the money is going into figures and figurines more so. Though CD sales are doing fine (for some reason, I still haven't figured out why). I have a good knowledge of where things are going in the near future. As a change of topic, I personally love to collect things. Going into a store and saying you have so and so really feels good as a collector.
Tokyo sky tree- erm yeah, here in London there is not many place to buy Anime on DVD's etc, so i mostly just watch all of mine online like you said. But i dont own some on DVD because yeah i do agreee and think it's better to actually own some! Same thing with manga i read online, but i have got some of my best of Amazon.
I am a 23 year old Canadian and occasionally watch anime. I got into Anime because I love Japan and have always wanted to live there. I watch a lot of anime on youtube or stream it from other sites. I can't wait to start buying Manga and building a collection of that though. I'm sure you can get digital manga but with anything you read, there is nothing better than a physical book. I will be taking Japanese courses at my University next year and will start buying manga once I can read better.
I was a huge anime nerd, until the crap that just took over, (DBZ, Bleach, Deathnote, One piece for example) it is all emo, or predictable. I gave up on dvds torrents, that way I DL watch and realease (delete that is). I tried netflix, crappy selection here in Canada.
The collector in me loves having my favorite series on DVD, but with money being tight I have to be a lot more selective about what I buy these days than I used to be. So I watch anime online (or sometimes rent through Netflix) and then buy the stuff I love when I can.
Tokyo sky tree :) Great topic Jason, I like to have a physical copy of the anime I like but the problem is here in america it can be very expensive, sometimes they will release a anime in volumes and not the whole series and that can add up. so i will end up looking up online for the anime and watching it. I prefer to watch my anime with the Japanese dialog with English subtitles. Netflix streaming has a good anime selection so far, In the US there is a channel called anime network
I'm fairly young (just a few months away from 21) and I hate not being able to have a physical set of DVDs or CDs. I like to find an anime series and watch as much as I can and then go out and buy the set.I love that funimation posts on youtube so I can watch and then order or buy the set later ^_^ Also because of issues that computers have, etc. can have such as needing factory reset. Oh and Tokyo Sky Tree :D
I love buying DVDs BUT they are way tooexpensive even in the US. Like most people my age (early 20s) I don't have $20+ to throw at a single 2 hours of entertainment... So I mostly watch whatever is free online. That really is how I find out about amazing anime anyways. That being said, sometimes there are shows so great that even the high prive of a DVD is tempting (Clannad and DBZ)
I used to watch fansubs in the 90s, and that was part of what got me interested in Japanese language and culture... Funny, by the time I got here, my interests shifted away from anime to shodo, ikebana, and the like. Also, sumo is awesome. :)
Anyway, I can kind of relate your desire to have a physical copy of things you really love. Most of the media I consume today I view online or through a streaming service like Amazon or Netflix. When I do find a show I love, though, I'll often will go out and buy a physical copy of it. I may not watch the dvd all that often, but just owning it seems to provide something. The same goes for music. I have vinyl copies of some of my favorite albums simply as a kind of collectible.
How i collect/watch anime is almost purely digital now, if I can get the physical version cheap if not free i will get it but, most of my collection is digital. My collection is in this format because I dont have the money to buy the discs, the internet is 'free' -cough- SOPA -cough- and tokyo tree tower?
I like to buy the ones I love for sure. The way I see it I want to share them with my kids in the future and the best way to do that is to have them in a physical format. Plus I like to get the best possible picture and sound quality. Tokyo sky tree.
I watch crunchyroll and I also torrent anime. But I definitely buy my favorite anime on DVD or blueray. Its more about associating with your faovites than anything. I like the figures and would not mind having them along side my collection.
I only ever buy movies/series that I really enjoyed and feel like I could watch it 100x over and not be bored (Lord of the Rings etc). The most expensive movie that I ever bought was the second Evangelion Rebuild film. It cost me 7200円 for the Blu-ray version, yes, It was a collectors edition, but the standard edition was only about 1000 yen less. By the time that I bought it and came home, it had already been uploaded to the internet, which was rather gutting. Tokyo Sky Tree :P
i watch most of the shows i like either online or download. dont think ive bought a cd in 4/5 years. ill occationally buy a dvd from the car boot sale if its cheap. games are the only thing i like having a physical copy of because you can play them and they hold a value for the majority of the time, so you can upcycle ones you dont like to other games. TOKYO SKY TOWER
Bottom line Here are the bad things if you don't buy your Anime.
1. The Server/website/Host where you download or watch Anime can go down or get shutdown.
2. Downloading from P2P programs or Torrents their is NO guarantee that its good audio/video glitches or get a nasty virus that can infect your computer.
3.Netflix depends alot on your internet speed and connect or wireless connection to your modem *( but if you cant pay for it then your screwed)
I stream some anime that I had never seen to see if I like it or not. This is what I call a Free sample. This will determine if I buy it or not.
I don't believe what the article is saying of buying to baslically show off how much anime you own. Then again I cant speak for everyone else.
But I buy Anime because I love that Movie or Series and I care alot about quality. A Torrent or AVI or ripped Video will Never ever look as good as a BlueRay/DVD HD Anime on my 60" 1080p LED 240Hz
netflix in canada had really bad selection, especially anime. They only have maybe 3 full series and then random seasons of other shows. It has Full Metal Alchemist, but that's pretty much it.
Netflix has alot of Anime but only a few really good ones. (Bleach,Naruto,Airgear) Adult Swim on Cartoon Network is ok But after a while you get tired of seeing so many repeats. AZN TV was a good channel that played alot of Anime too but sadly they went off the air the big money makers didn't see a point in investing if only kids, and teens would be the only one watching.
In answer to your title, I do both. Streaming is convenient but I like to have a physical copy when I don't have access to internet and such. It's also nice to just have them. Also, I usually don't watch the dubs so I like the Japanese language English subtitle feature on DVD/BD. Streaming is usually just subtitled or dubbed. If I find a title I like for streaming but it's only in dub, I would most likely not watch it. On DVD/BD, you would have the choice to choose between the two.
I do stream some anime but I mainly prefer to own (and I still buy) physical copies of my DVDs, Manga/Comics, CD's, etc. I'm pretty much against digital anything. Like you said, it just feels weird reading a book digitally. :/ I know there is a FUNimation channel on Verizon FioS TV in America but that's about all we get as far as anime channels go. TOKYO SKY TREE! :D
I am an anime Junkie so I stream/buy. That being said, in my opinion I think 3 factors are taken into account on this. 1. Where you live 2. How much money you have. 3. How interested are you in Anime.
I remember first seeing Evangelion the first time. I bought all the VHS like 4 episodes per tape at 35 bucks. Fast foward to today I picked up the whole Evanglion Remastered box set includeing End of evangelion for 50 bucks and picked up Evangelion 2. for 10 bucks (WOW)
I watch most online and only buy those that I really like.
Really interesting article Jason!... I wanna know which english newspapers do you read in Japan and where/how much do you get them for? are there any free ones?
@LSKLam the two big English language papers are DY (Daily Yomiuri) and The Japan Times. I think Asahi also put out an English daily. I subscribe to the DY and it's delivered to my house every morning by 6am for 2450yen per month.
We do both but mostly we buy. Now, we do buy from Hong Kong and Japan in editions that are subbed, never dubbed and sometimes the subbing is pretty awful. I would say most of them are pirated.
@nokomarie1963 back in the early 90s when I was first getting into HK action like John Woo and Chinese films by Jackie Chan and Jet Li, I experienced some horrendous dubbing and subtitling. Sad thing in Modern Japan is that 95% of their DVDs are released with only Japanese subs, so hard for me to watch random movies as rentals. Studio Ghibli is one of the very few that make sure to include English subtitles on every release.
I have not been able to buy dvds because one they are expensive but mainly the anime I like and would like to purchase full episode sets of are not out here in NA. I just got my credit card so I'll probably buy my favourites but thats it. I never torrent anime but always stream because the new series come out and I can watch them before they are even released by big companies like funimation.
I liked Anime when I was younger but havent cared for it much in the last 6 years or so. I used to buy DVDs and Manga but with all that is online now I think I'd just watch online.
crunchyroll is definitly the way to go. sadly, most of the content of crunchyroll is unavailable in my region, but i still think it is the proper way to get anime to the west. i buy as many box sets as i can, tho i wouldnt buy an anime i knew nothing about. and i find out about them by watching them online.
There is like maybe 2 anime channels in america, at least with DirectTv. I know there is the Funamation channel for sure. I really only watch anime online, I never torrent. I used to buy a lot of anime dvd's, but in america its common to see 4 episodes on a dvd and the dvd would cost $30 which is way too much for me. Pretty much the only reason I did ever buy them was for what that guy was talking about, just wanting a visual representation of my favorite anime.
Interesting video Jason, and while I'm not an anime fan (admittedly) Im glad you chose to talk about it. Anime (and most manga) is the soda pop of the East; there is so much that is soulless marketing bait its sometimes difficult to weed through all the fluff to get to the good stuff. I have to agree w those that say streaming helps a product and the resulting success opens up more nonshojo/shonen options for those of us looking for some intellectual stimulation. I rarely buy a DVD I can stream.
I may be one of only people interested in Japan who doesn't like anime. I even grew up around the stuff. Just couldn't ever get into any of it, no matter what genre of it I watched.
I watch everything online, not just animes, but movies, documentaries, lectures from universities, television shows, etc. In regard to music, I just download them. The only "tangible" things that I like to own are books; I would much rather read an "actual" book than an "e-book". Lastly, there's only one anime series that I buy and its called: "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
Streaming and free-information on the internet is definitely the future.
I don't really buy much in the way of anime (save for a few DBZ DVDs etc, for reasons of nostalgia), but I'm 21 and certainly not moving away from buying physical copies of any media. I have all 250+ DVDs that I own proudly on display in my room back in the UK, and I love being able to look back through my game collections as well.
It was something I was thinking about recently when I bought my PS Vita, with games shifting towards download, I still buy 90% of my software in its' physical form.
1.) U.S. has an anime channel, but you must pay for it, and availability in parts of the U.S. is weak. Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" lineup shows anime regularly, but it's not full-on anime devotion.
2.) I have never spent money on anime. I watch it all via streaming. However, perhaps sitting through mandatory online ads and commercials is an indirect way of supporting the company, financially. I do agree anime bought is primarily for its collectable value.
5 percent of anime on netflix here in america is japanese dubs only. Henceforth, i can't depend on watching anime on netflix because i do not like english dubs so ill just download torrents. I especially download torrents of new anime that just came out in japan. I use to buy anime, then i got broke from it. So im gonna stick to torrents in the mean time.
I just simply torrent any anime I'm interested in watching. You can easily find new episodes of anything with English fansubs within 24 hours of airing. It can take usually more than a year for anything to get subbed or even really badly dubbed and then sold for English speaking markets by which time most people are disinterested. Not to mention Tokyo sky tree it's then sold costing nearly 3x what an average series of a TV show is on DVD.
One more thing, most people buy music online through itunes, bandcamp, etc. I don't even think there are music stores anymore, even Wal-Mart in my town of 40k people quit selling cd's.
Tokyo Sky Train - As I have gotten older I actually enjoy going to the movie theater. The trend now in theaters is to have big, wide, luxurious seating with a special section for meals. If I do watch something at home it is a DVD and just a rental. I will say the last DVD I bought was Castaway with Tom Hanks.
well, with paid services like crunchy roll, the anime network, netflix, nico nico, hulu, and funimation video service has made buying anime for me almost obsolete. if there is a series that i really like, i buy the blu-ray of it. streaming shows online is the future.
I think anime is a dying pastime here in the US. Most anime fans here have grown up and gotten married and have kids now. All the greatest shows were around years ago are long gone now..
I mainly watch almost if not all my anime online. I'm not a huge fan of buying anime on DVD because most of the ones my friends have bought are all dubbed (im not a fan of dubbed). Tho if i had the money (poor college student) maybe I would buy a dvd here or there but I don't think i would buy the entire series on DVD. Tho I did use to buy a ton of manga untill I got a job at a book store... Now I just read it all while I'm on break or off my phone while I'm on the road
Lilatta75 1 week ago
I'm 36 and have only been watching anime for the last 4 years or so, so I'm kind of an anime/manga newbie. Anyways, I usually watch stuff on the internet first and then if I like it a lot, I buy the DVDs. The Cartoon Network shows animes on Saturday night, so I also watch things on there. Funimation actually does (or did) have an all anime station, but I don't think very many people have access to it. I don't through my satellite service and it isn't on local cable either.
;-) Tokyo Sky Tree
saltyfrog75 3 weeks ago
oh, almost forgot, Sky Tree xD
sulraen 3 weeks ago
Hello. Im 22 year old and I comletely agree with you, buying actual DVDs is much more cooler than something that exist only like numbers on your hard drive. Im living in Russia and we mostly don`t have any anime dvd in stores so Im not buying them but we have games and I love to buy them
sulraen 3 weeks ago
@sulraen thanks for the comment
myargonauts 2 weeks ago
It depends really. I was just vewing the episodes online like my fav anime and manga "Welcome to the N.H.K!" but ive decided to buy them and its somewhat of a good feeling knowing they will be appreciated and easily recognizable by anyone looking in my apartment rather then asking them if they ever watched it or want to watch it etc. After that I Just bought a ps3 which can play blue-rays and and im now rebuying all my anime in blue ray when it comes out from funimation.
TonPappa 3 weeks ago in playlist More videos from myargonauts
Dear Jason,
I mostly watch my Anime online (I only watch one series i've been an avid viewer of since I was about 14) however I have purchased numerous Manga books as so that I could look at them and appreciate them. I find that it is also something fun to have when commuting to University as I can simply read one of my many books and it tends to refresh my memory about what happened in the series which usually makes me smile or motivates me for the day.
I love watching your videos! Sky Tree
PwnOsaur 4 weeks ago
@PwnOsaur cool - thanks for the nice comment!
myargonauts 3 weeks ago
I apologized that I called your name wrong.
Hello J.C.H.
I was a one of your student.
I want to talk with you face to face.
But I don't know where you are.
And I don't know your mail address.
It is well known that I'm a Japanese.
So I can't understand what you said in this movie. But I like AKIRA and GHIBLI.
I felt quite relieved that you get along with your land.
Lastly I'm sorry to write a bud english.
IronRiver734Scarlet 1 month ago
@IronRiver734Scarlet you can send me a message anytime here on YouTube. I read my messages twice a week here. :)
myargonauts 3 weeks ago
Hello! J.C.K.
I was your one of your student.
I hope to see you again in Shimane.
You can understand when you watch my uploading movie.
IronRiver734Scarlet 1 month ago
@IronRiver734Scarlet ok - good to hear from you Mystery Student :)
myargonauts 1 month ago
Theres 1 channel on cable callled funimation all day annime but its still sloww its better to use the enternet
Delarosaorder 1 month ago
@Delarosaorder its not on cable its on fios I think
TonPappa 3 weeks ago in playlist More videos from myargonauts
and, Tokyo Skytree. lol
RapidReader4 1 month ago
Imo, hardcopies are the best. I have thought about buying some Anime before but I just watch an episode or two every now and then.
RapidReader4 1 month ago
I watch the shows online, and then if I like it then I buy the set. I like to see it on the shelf, and for the ease of being able to rewatch it at anytime. The main reason to buy the DVDs for me is because I will have that series forever. My issue with just downloading things is that it is all too easliy lost when computer crashes, or when the site goes down that you get it from. The price of buying the DVD is generally high so I just buy stuff I really like and know that I will rewatch.
symrustar 1 month ago
I normally watch one episode online to see if I like the series and then buy the dvd set online from ebay. Although most of the sets I buy are cheap because they come from malaysia where I think they have can recopy dvds legally or something? not really sure on it. Love your videos oh and SKYTREE
aleed89 1 month ago
I usually watch an anime series on the computer downloaded first. If I really enjoyed the series then I have no problem with buying it on DVD. Most recently I ordered Clannad, Clannad After Story (My favourite series) and Angel Beats.
But I always prefer to have physical copies of anything. Games, movie, books, whatever. I always prefer to have a physical copy of it.
BurningMice 1 month ago
I used to collect the digital copies when I started watching anime for the same reasons that you mentioned as the other people commenting below. Now, I'm using crunchyroll and download the ones not streamed there. Who knows what the technology might brings us in terms of showcasing collections and sharing them.
I never knew that DVD's are that expensive in Japan. Thanks for the info
don5oan 1 month ago in playlist More videos from myargonauts
That is an impressive Tokyo Sky Tree you have there. >:D
There used to be a time where I would buy boatloads of DVDs when I was in my early 20s, now I'm 31 and only buy DVD/Blu-rays if the series is a masterpiece work in art, sound, and story. "Summer Wars" by Mamoru Hosoda (Director of "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" fame) was one of my last solid Blu-ray purchases as I simply don't have room for an infinite wall of anime. Now I find myself either downloading or watching on Crunchyroll.
GravitySpec 1 month ago
@GravitySpec many people are mentioning "Summer Wars" - I'll have to seek it out
myargonauts 1 month ago
I used to be really into anime when I was a teenager, and while I very rarely watch it anymore, I still have a large collection of DVDs. I think that back then my hobby was more about the collecting than the anime itself, and I would sometimes spend $200+ on a box set just because it was a limited edition or looked nice on the shelf. I'll still buy movies/TV shows (not just anime) that I really like, but I mostly use Netflix or another streaming service.
Great video. Tokyo Sky Tree! ^^
dulcetknight 1 month ago
I watch it on Netflix, sometimes torrent if I can't find it anywhere else, sometimes buy from iTunes.
myutubeacc1 1 month ago
American comic books? Marvel or DC?
leeron111 1 month ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@leeron111 go over to my other channel - TaishaJason - and I have vids about my comic habits and getting the books sent to Japan. More of a DC guy, but do like Bendis and a few other Marvel writers.
myargonauts 1 month ago
@myargonauts Oh that's cool. I just got into comics via the New 52. So far, I'm loving Red Hood and The Outlaws, Batman, Flash, and Action Comics. So far I gotta say that Morrison and Johns are my favorite writers. How do you get your comics from Japan? Do you read them digitally?
leeron111 1 month ago
@leeron111 I used to get them shipped, but now I either wait for the trade paperback collections or I read them digitally. I would highly recommend Aquaman - my favorite New 52 title!
myargonauts 1 month ago
yeah Dubstep is like a weird segue from Drum and Bass I think
WUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUBWUB
but its pretty interesting
LOLitsJono 1 month ago
I used to actively collection anime (and other shows but mainly animation), but I gave up - I realized I only had the space for collecting one thing, and books won out.
MrLeo34 1 month ago
Jason (and those who might be interested), I also remembered that Tsutaya offers a Netflix type of service.
tsutaya.co.jp/
stormko 1 month ago
@stormko I'll check it out - thanks!
myargonauts 1 month ago
Hard copy, please! :-) But I do like the streaming vids as a way of 'previewing' what I can get.
SkittleNekko 1 month ago
@SkittleNekko Tokyo Sky Tree<<< lol, started to comment while still listening...
SkittleNekko 1 month ago
tokyo sky tree ^^ but non the less i agrree. i like to buy and collect dvd bluray or any kind its fun to have some of your fond memories... but i also like to keep some in my hardrive sow hen i travel i can watch my stuff on my computer :)
JoinTeamSammy 1 month ago
I rediscovered anime around 16 years ago. Since then, the majority of any anime that I watched was made available to me via fan-subs. If I like the show that I watched, I would go out and buy it on DVD. I would also rent my favorite titles once they were available at my local anime store. however for me the rental aspect stopped once the anime shop stopped renting about 5 years ago. Now the only way i can see ANY new or undiscovered show is thought streaming or a site that has episodes.
AkitoJr 1 month ago
Oh, by the way, Porsen does Netflix style shipping.
posren.livedoor.com/
stormko 1 month ago
The main thing I'd point out is that anime looks a lot better at lower resolutions, or upscales much better, because it has less details than a live-action film. So while you're getting a shitty version of a live-action movie when you stream it, an anime holds up rather well because of the clean lines.
Sites like Crunchyroll and Hulu are playing some anime episode the day after they air in Japan. It's hard for physical media to compete with that kind of instant accessibility.
TokyoSkyTree.
stormko 1 month ago
The main thing I'd point out is that anime looks a lot better at lower resolutions, or upscales much better, because it has less details than a live-action film. So while you're getting a shitty version of a live-action movie when you stream it, an anime holds up rather well because of the clean lines.
Sites like Crunchyroll and Hulu are playing some anime episode the day after they air in Japan. It's hard for physical media to compete with that kind of instant accessibility.
TokyoSkyTree.
stormko 1 month ago
I go online to watch anime whenever I feel like going on an anime binge. Once in a while I buy dvd sets if I really enjoyed an anime.
twangstclaire 1 month ago
I prefer to own physical copies when it comes to anime, same with books, films, tv series, ect. The only thing I've stopped buying over the years would be CDs. Not to say I don't utilize streaming sites and torrents when it comes to anime, as a majority of the content hasn't been licensed yet or never will be. I'm also one of those who felt the prices were to high on American releases, and it's absurd having to pay 400-500$ for a complete series in Japan, or 80$ for a blu-ray with 5 episodes...
GuitarSlingerPK 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree
mikoru 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree.
First of all, brilliant video. My two cents as an 18yr old from Sydney. I am the type of person who likes to physically purchase my anime, it is something I enjoy collecting and putting on display and still even with all this streaming technology it's just not the same quality.
I do not however regularly buy movies or CDs I use torrents for all of that and have done so for at least a few years now. Probably similar to you and your comics anime is something I enjoy collecting
carpathian94 1 month ago
Watch online
PinkGloom 1 month ago
Tokyo sky tree :D
I like buying anime DVDs and i would buy more if money wasn't so tight, But i really support what crunchyroll is doing now since after being an illegal site they moved to being legal and getting the licence which can be like pulling teeth sometimes. streaming is great and funamation hit the nail on the head when they said there streaming gets them there DVD sales,when i see a series that is really good i want to support the show more and show people I like the show.
xMikeCCx 1 month ago
If I couldn't buy DVDs of anime I think I would resort to illegal downloading and make my own DVDs out of that. Streaming is inconvenient at the moment. How do you share it with your friends? You can't let anyone borrow it if you only have a stream. Plus, what if I don't want to pay $10 a month for streaming. What if I don't watch any anime in a any particular month. Then I lose if I choose to pay for streaming. Plus, many ISPs are making you pay extra to stream a lot of content this days :(
forgottenmemories21 1 month ago
the japan thing in the back. i am only 16 and i find ur videos ever nice i like japan and also wanna move there one day.
killerzach1 1 month ago in playlist Uploaded videos
I torrent all of the current anime I watch for two reasons: 1. The quality is much higher than on streaming sites and 2. I need to take screencaps for my blog. However, it is important for me to have physical copies of my favorite shows because it's a lot easier to disseminate knowledge of the series by physically giving it to others. It also feels good to support a show by contributing to it; it gave me entertainment, so I give it money. That's how the world typically works. Tokyo Sky Tree!
Jimhawk777 1 month ago
Anything I like, be it music or any sort of television, I'll torrent it or stream it and if I enjoy it and feel that the makers deserve my money for it, then I'll buy it.
Soulscare6 1 month ago
Another thing you can do is burn them to DVD and either use a paper label to identify the content or a Lightscribe DVD which lets you etch the image onto the DVD. This is what I do with video I download that I want to keep. Lots of high quality images you can use to do this. Tokyo Skytree!! I wish it was open when I visit Japan in April.
perdomot 1 month ago
I download it from torrents since it takes forever to get new series in the US and when there are DVDs, its only a small number of episodes for a ridiculous price. I've seen prices in Japan and they are even worse, even at major stores like Yodobashi Camera. I think they should put their videos on the Apple Store and sell them but the anime producers don't seem to want to do this for some reason.
perdomot 1 month ago
I mostly watch online, although i havent been watching much at all lately, i prefer to read manga actually. But i know of many anime sites including the one i moderate at and we get quite a few viewers. if a series is particularly good and i actually have money i'm willing to buy it
drhikarisan 1 month ago
Physical copy is always great because your favorite artist isn't going to sign a digital copy. Plus, they usually come with posters, stickers, pencil toppers, etc. I buy kpop CDs from the artists I like. "Tokyo Sky Tree" :o
There are some dedicated anime cable channels in America, and some channels like G4 show anime at random times.
kcazzo69 1 month ago
"Tokyo Sky Tree"
I prefer physical ownership too. It's part of creating an environment that reflects your interests and also creates an atmosphere in your personal space. I also find it helps my creative process as well.
michaelsasylum 1 month ago
@myargonauts
I do watch anime but it's really expensive here in Holland. Pricing is like €20 for 3 episodes (1 volume). Box sets are usually a little cheaper but it's still too much. Another problem I have with buying anime is that the translations. Some thing are "americanized/localized" so jokes i.e. don't make any sense at times. And at other times it's just a plane rewrite. I always download my stuff the free way. I mean asking €20 for 60 minutes of enternainment? Now that's stealing.
kledder2 1 month ago
tokyo sky tree
wobina 1 month ago
Tokyoooooo sky treee~ Desuuu~
NakashimaKentaChan 1 month ago
Sky Tokyo tree
heats1 1 month ago
I have an paid account on crunchyroll. I use to just download from bittorrent or direct download but I wanted to support the industry, and crunchyroll allows me to do it legally.I buy dvds of stuff that I really love, and really want to own.I'm 30 haven't gone completely digital and doubt I will.Have to agree with the pricing in japan, it's REALLY expensive compared to america especially when comes to anime. But at least the options have improved now compared the 90's.Oh and Tokyo Sky Tree :)
asx516 1 month ago
Unfortunately i am lacking in the money department so watch my shows online. And the genre "dubstep" seems to be a mainstream genre, usually it will be a remix (or mixing) of one or multiple songs with added effects and repeating sections of a song in a loop. Essentially it can encourage adrenalin rushes (energizing) the Listener. In my opinion. In America some cable companies offer the dedicated anime channels. As far as i know there is the Funimation channel.
TheOneWhoisDrunk 1 month ago
@TheOneWhoisDrunk oh yes forgot... Tokyo Sky Tree!
TheOneWhoisDrunk 1 month ago
I prefer to buy the blu rays that include a DVD, blu ray disc & a digital download (so I can keep it on my ipod & laptop for when I travel.) If it's a series, movie, or musician that I like a lot, I will always prefer to have a physical copy instead of a digital copy.
There is an anime channel in America called the 'Anime Network'. I've never actually got to watch it though because you have to pay extra money to get it.
Can't wait for Tokyo Sky Tree :)
kirokuma 1 month ago
tokyo sky tree
bratfun 1 month ago
i watch my anime on crunchyroll or amineseason i never buy them why they are always on the internet.
bratfun 1 month ago
I've mostly been buying my music strait from iTunes, as well as movies, since it's just easier for me. I'm in college and there aren't very many stores around my campus that sell entertainment stuff like CD's or DVD's, so with iTunes not only can I buy exactly what I want cheaper, it's faster, and I can keep it forever. But that Tokyo Sky Tree looks pretty interesting...
linkfreak131 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree
BobDaBilder12345 1 month ago
I really do prefer having a physical copy of entertainment media, with the exception of music, in which case I prefer digital. However, as someone working a near-minimum wage job, the price is simply prohibitive. Digital options are usually cheaper, and so that's usually what I have to go with.
ryuuhi11 1 month ago
Maybe it's me, but I don't think the anime these days are as good, quality wise as the old Japanese animation cartoons (before they called it anime). I've only seen snippets of anime, since animation/cartoons don't interest me anymore. I grew up watching speed racer, gigantor, astro boy, kimba and I thought those were great and better in regards to picture quality. Maybe it's my age, because I would rather watch reruns of Bonanza than some of the trash shows they have these days.
kantishna39 1 month ago
TOKYO SKY TREE!
Klonoa7H 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree
fiskjovisst 1 month ago
Both, however I only watch it legally online from Funimation, Crunchyroll, ect
lastcody 1 month ago
I get most of my anime via digital means these days.
I am on a fairly tight budget and i don't really have the space for a large physical collection. The last time i collected things like that was back when pc games came in the larger boxes. i use to proudly display the games i had bought. Then i had a break in and my collection that valued at over 4k bucks was stolen from me. my property was never recovered. Since then i have been strictly digital. (Tokyo sky tree)
Mrlaged 1 month ago
Here all is free..are you guys all radiated because of Fukushima already??
Hanoiboy888 1 month ago
I watch online. I used to buy it from best buy, but it got too expensive, and then they started cutting their selection way back to almost nothing. Plus most anime I watch never seems to get licensed here in the US.
GrayXIII 1 month ago
I am, among other things, a giant animation dork, and I have piles of anime DVDs from the late 90's/early aughts boom. I've been thinking of thinning it out.
I still watch a few shows as Netflix has a pretty decent selection. I'll buy the shows and movies I love (Summer Wars most recently), but those are pretty slim pickings now since most anime just isn't for me these days. I do like to have physical copies as I will always be able to hang onto those when licenses lapse and streams disappear.
emergencyincas 1 month ago
Hit the character limit there. Tokyo Sky Tree.
emergencyincas 1 month ago
Online am poor
crackthecorn 1 month ago
If I'm at home, I generally Netflix the DVDs (or, if it's available, I stream it online, still from Netflix). If not in the US, I generally find it online (although less than when at home). Although I'm only now getting into Anime in the first place, and it's almost always Animes from Mangas I got had started reading. It's been (like, 10?) years since I've just liked randomly watching anime.
selli1dj 1 month ago
Oh and sure, Tokyo Sky Tree
iFukuyama 1 month ago
To answer the actual question; I actually like having physical discs. I always buy anime movies. But it's impossible to afford every series (unless you live in America with the box sets and what not). I mostly pirate, but if there's something I really enjoyed watching, and I happen to see it in a store, I'll pick it up. I only go actively looking (On amazon and such) for movies or really short OVAs.
iFukuyama 1 month ago
Don't quote me on this, but I don't think the collecting is a big deal for manga people. Maybe for toys? The popular manga's always get high detail little figures of the characters. Usually they're pre-posed. Otaku will line up for those on release day. Though DVDs often come with the toys (But much lower quality)
iFukuyama 1 month ago
when I checked comments just now, the ad in front of the video is for an anime inspired Konami game... at least that's better than some of the random ads that show up in front of my vids. :P
myargonauts 1 month ago 3
I usually wait until a DVD gets cheaper before buying it. That goes for seasons of shows, I wait until the set gets cheap. Sometimes new DVD releases are cheap early on. I got The Hangover DVD and BlueRay combo for under 2000yen. And I usually go for 3 DVDs for 3000yen. Tsutaya and other music and movie stores offer that 3 for 3000yen deal.
JapanAndThings 1 month ago
@JapanAndThings And I`m talking about movies in general, not anime. I don`t purchase or watch anime now a day, but I see that it`s expensive to buy in stores. Anime is probably pricier on DVD in Japan because most people aren`t willing to actually purchase anime on DVD and the ones who do are willing to pay more than the average person will for a DVD or set of DVDs.
JapanAndThings 1 month ago
I live in the UK, and Bandai closing their DVD firm has affected us, and the Beez firm, European distributor of Bandai. None the less that has not stopped me from buying Anime DVDs in the UK. As a collector in the UK of Anime I only buy Region 2 sets to support the growth of Anime in the UK and it seems to be going very well with the cross over of Kaze UK of France releasing in the UK now! Now I own over 500 DVDs that has cost me well over £9,000. Including Bluray sets! Anime is expensive!!
BradSammyC 1 month ago
@BradSammyC I will also add that a DVD set in the UK for 13 episodes is £14.99 bluray £24.99 and 24+ episodes is £24.99 for DVD and £32.99 for bluray. It gets VERY expensive! and in the UK, in the schools and colleges you see children reading Manga everywhere! even during lessons! Anime is becoming huge in everyday life in the UK.
BradSammyC 1 month ago
[cough] Pirate. Unless I want a DVD for a collection, then I buy those at a convention or online.
wii7036 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree
I love anime. Where I live in NY there is significant Japanese community so we have grocery stores and restaurants. If I go to the Japanese store and want a DVD they are really pricey and they take alot of space in my house. It is easier to stream and download because I find it cheaper, I can watch it anywhere I want on my laptop, and I can find everything in one place.
1992calebw 1 month ago
I'm 29 and made the switch to digital only media a few years ago. For me it's all about ease of access and availability. Being able to purchase what you want when you want is something, I think, mose people want thesedays.
Digital media doesnt get scratched, ripped or waterlogged. Lose you digital file? Download it again! PS - Tokyo Sky Tree :)
AnfoAU 1 month ago
Streaming. I don't have enough room or money for any sort of DVD, so streaming and downloading are a godsend for me. I'm only concerned about the content.
CrunchyRoll posted their earnings, which showed really impressive business for niche anime streamed. Funimation has lowered their prices on DVDs/Blu-rays and promote them well for fans.
With Bandai, yeah, they were in a tight spot with their Japanese counterpart. They were very, very expensive and did not promote their series well at all.
matman125 1 month ago
I watch anime.. and I love it. I used to buy DVDs .. but at the time they were $20 a pop, it adds up. My problem with anime is: Once a show comes out it takes about a year and a half to see it in the US. Also the english dubbing is really bad. Sometimes unwatchable.
So.. I have to wait, get dubbing I don't want. at $20 +.. No thanks
I do display my DVDs on my bookshelf next to my Tokyo Sky Tree >_o
markshmily 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree :) The bottom line is that the manufacturers don't want you sharing you stuff around, they want you to buy your copy and other people to buy their own. Do online communities not allow you to say "look at all the DVDs I like" in the same way that having them sitting on your shelf at home does? I'm thinking Flixster, Goodreads, etc.
takadacol 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree!
In Glasgow I would say that stores here have just begun to increase the size of their Anime shelves. Recently I've seen many more anime titles than I would have seen maybe 2-3 years ago. But I would say that with stores like Forbidden Planet, Waterstones etc. There are many more titles in manga which are available here. I often watch an episode or 2 online before I decide to buy any DVDs, but then... they don't release them fast enough here so back online I go.
FFMarca 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree looks like a hell of a place :)
Great video as always with an interesting question, thanks!
lisbonera86 1 month ago
Stream as there are DVD's are not available at all here in Ireland but i sub some dramas or maybe an anime when i have time to feel like i contributed something and also improve my japanese considering i am going to japan in 6 months.
abdullahazaz 1 month ago
I have a drawer full of cds and i've decided that in the future I will buy my music in digital format. I dont need more stuff in my apartment.
AndroidAndr3w 1 month ago
Here in Finland you have to be really lucky to get a few Naruto or Bleach dvds and thats about it. The major stores don't have anything else, you have to go to special import stores to get your anime fix but there the prices are ridiculous and even there the selectin is pathetic. So I watch all my anime online
RandomJohnGuy 1 month ago
FUNimation is right about its supporters having a director mindset. I'm one of those that would much rather have a physical copy I can display, look at, etc. It has much more value to me than an equivalent computer file that is at the mercy of failed hard drives, viruses, and younger siblings. I was a big fan of Bandai, but I guess the business model that was pushed onto them failed in the US market. It's quite unfortunate.
How's the development around Tokyo Sky Tree coming along?
sonikku10 1 month ago 3
@sonikku10 not sure about the development around the tower - you'd have to ask one of the Tokyo J-vloggers, but excitement is building about the opening in May, and I hope to make it to Tokyo later this year, so I'll be sure you go and get footage.
myargonauts 1 month ago
I stream it like watching a normal tv
tearhere11 1 month ago
Ive downloaded all my anime, the ones you can buy here are old and EXTREMELY expensive....
Degenskonto 1 month ago
@Degenskonto Ive stopped with the RL stuff, comics, dvds etc. Everything is digital except for books, I like my paper books. Tokyo sky tree ftw
Degenskonto 1 month ago
I watch streaming anime but I also like buying the disks and sets because having the DVDs isn't like streaming. No loading time or freezing. Plus a lot of the boxes normally have creative extra items and such. I think those are tailored to the fans and people with consumer perspectives. I like disks because they're convenient. Would I pay for streaming? Probability not, its free if you can find places like crunchyroll and if you can read and speak Japanese NicoNico Douga is a great place. Tokyo
MasakiHikaru 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree! Hahaha I wa
MasakiHikaru 1 month ago
This, I would say, is my realm of knowledge. Most people are switching away from DVD/Blu Ray because the money is going into figures and figurines more so. Though CD sales are doing fine (for some reason, I still haven't figured out why). I have a good knowledge of where things are going in the near future. As a change of topic, I personally love to collect things. Going into a store and saying you have so and so really feels good as a collector.
mTANGproductions 1 month ago
Tokyo sky tree- erm yeah, here in London there is not many place to buy Anime on DVD's etc, so i mostly just watch all of mine online like you said. But i dont own some on DVD because yeah i do agreee and think it's better to actually own some! Same thing with manga i read online, but i have got some of my best of Amazon.
mjkj194 1 month ago
I am a 23 year old Canadian and occasionally watch anime. I got into Anime because I love Japan and have always wanted to live there. I watch a lot of anime on youtube or stream it from other sites. I can't wait to start buying Manga and building a collection of that though. I'm sure you can get digital manga but with anything you read, there is nothing better than a physical book. I will be taking Japanese courses at my University next year and will start buying manga once I can read better.
danpluso 1 month ago
I was a huge anime nerd, until the crap that just took over, (DBZ, Bleach, Deathnote, One piece for example) it is all emo, or predictable. I gave up on dvds torrents, that way I DL watch and realease (delete that is). I tried netflix, crappy selection here in Canada.
Graehaus 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree ;)
The collector in me loves having my favorite series on DVD, but with money being tight I have to be a lot more selective about what I buy these days than I used to be. So I watch anime online (or sometimes rent through Netflix) and then buy the stuff I love when I can.
TheWoodnut 1 month ago
Tokyo sky tree :) Great topic Jason, I like to have a physical copy of the anime I like but the problem is here in america it can be very expensive, sometimes they will release a anime in volumes and not the whole series and that can add up. so i will end up looking up online for the anime and watching it. I prefer to watch my anime with the Japanese dialog with English subtitles. Netflix streaming has a good anime selection so far, In the US there is a channel called anime network
tiggergirl06 1 month ago
I'm fairly young (just a few months away from 21) and I hate not being able to have a physical set of DVDs or CDs. I like to find an anime series and watch as much as I can and then go out and buy the set.I love that funimation posts on youtube so I can watch and then order or buy the set later ^_^ Also because of issues that computers have, etc. can have such as needing factory reset. Oh and Tokyo Sky Tree :D
happybunnyntx 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree B)
I like to download currently airing animu because I can't watch it any other way. I'd love to support the studios or the TV networks though.
euphoricrush 1 month ago
I love buying DVDs BUT they are way tooexpensive even in the US. Like most people my age (early 20s) I don't have $20+ to throw at a single 2 hours of entertainment... So I mostly watch whatever is free online. That really is how I find out about amazing anime anyways. That being said, sometimes there are shows so great that even the high prive of a DVD is tempting (Clannad and DBZ)
Tokyo Sky Tree
halofanyt 1 month ago
@halofanyt
My friend, you have good taste in anime, especially Clannad, that is, Clannad~After Story.
tengyang2001 1 month ago
@myargonauts May? Ew, just in time for golden week crowds. Think I'll wait...
nerdlass 1 month ago
Tokyo sky tree... Opens in August! I think?
nerdlass 1 month ago
@nerdlass Actually opens to limited groups in May - tickets are selling like hotcakes
myargonauts 1 month ago
Also, bookoff is your friend.
nerdlass 1 month ago
I used to watch fansubs in the 90s, and that was part of what got me interested in Japanese language and culture... Funny, by the time I got here, my interests shifted away from anime to shodo, ikebana, and the like. Also, sumo is awesome. :)
nerdlass 1 month ago
tokyo sky tree
Seraphical 1 month ago
Mostly buy the DVDs except for the stuff I can watch on TV. FUNimation has an HD TV channel and the Anime Network is still on demand.
Tokyo Sky Tree
FineSensibilities 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree?
Anyway, I can kind of relate your desire to have a physical copy of things you really love. Most of the media I consume today I view online or through a streaming service like Amazon or Netflix. When I do find a show I love, though, I'll often will go out and buy a physical copy of it. I may not watch the dvd all that often, but just owning it seems to provide something. The same goes for music. I have vinyl copies of some of my favorite albums simply as a kind of collectible.
marqmike2 1 month ago
Don't worry I'd say Dubstep is still current.
Freedom1776 1 month ago
How i collect/watch anime is almost purely digital now, if I can get the physical version cheap if not free i will get it but, most of my collection is digital. My collection is in this format because I dont have the money to buy the discs, the internet is 'free' -cough- SOPA -cough- and tokyo tree tower?
fortress61 1 month ago
I like to buy the ones I love for sure. The way I see it I want to share them with my kids in the future and the best way to do that is to have them in a physical format. Plus I like to get the best possible picture and sound quality. Tokyo sky tree.
Jmask5 1 month ago
I watch crunchyroll and I also torrent anime. But I definitely buy my favorite anime on DVD or blueray. Its more about associating with your faovites than anything. I like the figures and would not mind having them along side my collection.
jonathandsz 1 month ago
I only ever buy movies/series that I really enjoyed and feel like I could watch it 100x over and not be bored (Lord of the Rings etc). The most expensive movie that I ever bought was the second Evangelion Rebuild film. It cost me 7200円 for the Blu-ray version, yes, It was a collectors edition, but the standard edition was only about 1000 yen less. By the time that I bought it and came home, it had already been uploaded to the internet, which was rather gutting. Tokyo Sky Tree :P
AkitaTom 1 month ago
i watch most of the shows i like either online or download. dont think ive bought a cd in 4/5 years. ill occationally buy a dvd from the car boot sale if its cheap. games are the only thing i like having a physical copy of because you can play them and they hold a value for the majority of the time, so you can upcycle ones you dont like to other games. TOKYO SKY TOWER
monkeycrow84 1 month ago
tokyo sky tree i watch online but i would buy it if i could
socrdev8 1 month ago
Usually import anime, manga and music from japan :] Supporting them as much as i can :] online shopping is the best :D
SkyBlitzer1 1 month ago
Bottom line Here are the bad things if you don't buy your Anime.
1. The Server/website/Host where you download or watch Anime can go down or get shutdown.
2. Downloading from P2P programs or Torrents their is NO guarantee that its good audio/video glitches or get a nasty virus that can infect your computer.
3.Netflix depends alot on your internet speed and connect or wireless connection to your modem *( but if you cant pay for it then your screwed)
Buying means you can watch it anytime.
jmidesigns 1 month ago
@jmidesigns good points
myargonauts 1 month ago
I stream some anime that I had never seen to see if I like it or not. This is what I call a Free sample. This will determine if I buy it or not.
I don't believe what the article is saying of buying to baslically show off how much anime you own. Then again I cant speak for everyone else.
But I buy Anime because I love that Movie or Series and I care alot about quality. A Torrent or AVI or ripped Video will Never ever look as good as a BlueRay/DVD HD Anime on my 60" 1080p LED 240Hz
jmidesigns 1 month ago
netflix in canada had really bad selection, especially anime. They only have maybe 3 full series and then random seasons of other shows. It has Full Metal Alchemist, but that's pretty much it.
TheEndOfLiberty 1 month ago
@TheEndOfLiberty interesting - thanks for the info
myargonauts 1 month ago
Netflix has alot of Anime but only a few really good ones. (Bleach,Naruto,Airgear) Adult Swim on Cartoon Network is ok But after a while you get tired of seeing so many repeats. AZN TV was a good channel that played alot of Anime too but sadly they went off the air the big money makers didn't see a point in investing if only kids, and teens would be the only one watching.
jmidesigns 1 month ago
In answer to your title, I do both. Streaming is convenient but I like to have a physical copy when I don't have access to internet and such. It's also nice to just have them. Also, I usually don't watch the dubs so I like the Japanese language English subtitle feature on DVD/BD. Streaming is usually just subtitled or dubbed. If I find a title I like for streaming but it's only in dub, I would most likely not watch it. On DVD/BD, you would have the choice to choose between the two.
guibin 1 month ago
I do stream some anime but I mainly prefer to own (and I still buy) physical copies of my DVDs, Manga/Comics, CD's, etc. I'm pretty much against digital anything. Like you said, it just feels weird reading a book digitally. :/ I know there is a FUNimation channel on Verizon FioS TV in America but that's about all we get as far as anime channels go. TOKYO SKY TREE! :D
StarDr0ps 1 month ago
I am an anime Junkie so I stream/buy. That being said, in my opinion I think 3 factors are taken into account on this. 1. Where you live 2. How much money you have. 3. How interested are you in Anime.
I remember first seeing Evangelion the first time. I bought all the VHS like 4 episodes per tape at 35 bucks. Fast foward to today I picked up the whole Evanglion Remastered box set includeing End of evangelion for 50 bucks and picked up Evangelion 2. for 10 bucks (WOW)
jmidesigns 1 month ago
We do both, we buy almost all the anime that we are interested from our local retail.
Zero124142 1 month ago
I watch them online but in the end I eventually them to show support, that's only if they come with the option of original japanese audio and subs.
WakuKairu 1 month ago
lol, what is this dubstep? It's sorta new. It's just catching on to mainstrema now though with people like Skrillex and such.
TheEndOfLiberty 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree!
I watch most online and only buy those that I really like.
Really interesting article Jason!... I wanna know which english newspapers do you read in Japan and where/how much do you get them for? are there any free ones?
LSKLam 1 month ago
@LSKLam the two big English language papers are DY (Daily Yomiuri) and The Japan Times. I think Asahi also put out an English daily. I subscribe to the DY and it's delivered to my house every morning by 6am for 2450yen per month.
myargonauts 1 month ago
We do both but mostly we buy. Now, we do buy from Hong Kong and Japan in editions that are subbed, never dubbed and sometimes the subbing is pretty awful. I would say most of them are pirated.
nokomarie1963 1 month ago
@nokomarie1963 back in the early 90s when I was first getting into HK action like John Woo and Chinese films by Jackie Chan and Jet Li, I experienced some horrendous dubbing and subtitling. Sad thing in Modern Japan is that 95% of their DVDs are released with only Japanese subs, so hard for me to watch random movies as rentals. Studio Ghibli is one of the very few that make sure to include English subtitles on every release.
myargonauts 1 month ago
@myargonauts Horrendous subbing, yes but ofttimes hysterical. Nothing like having a character's name rendered as "Perfect Pill".
nokomarie1963 1 month ago
I have not been able to buy dvds because one they are expensive but mainly the anime I like and would like to purchase full episode sets of are not out here in NA. I just got my credit card so I'll probably buy my favourites but thats it. I never torrent anime but always stream because the new series come out and I can watch them before they are even released by big companies like funimation.
jacobNM1993 1 month ago
I liked Anime when I was younger but havent cared for it much in the last 6 years or so. I used to buy DVDs and Manga but with all that is online now I think I'd just watch online.
MochiMegan 1 month ago
crunchyroll is definitly the way to go. sadly, most of the content of crunchyroll is unavailable in my region, but i still think it is the proper way to get anime to the west. i buy as many box sets as i can, tho i wouldnt buy an anime i knew nothing about. and i find out about them by watching them online.
EvilOtakuEmpire 1 month ago
There is like maybe 2 anime channels in america, at least with DirectTv. I know there is the Funamation channel for sure. I really only watch anime online, I never torrent. I used to buy a lot of anime dvd's, but in america its common to see 4 episodes on a dvd and the dvd would cost $30 which is way too much for me. Pretty much the only reason I did ever buy them was for what that guy was talking about, just wanting a visual representation of my favorite anime.
TOKYO SKY TREE ;D
Misha0angel 1 month ago
Interesting video Jason, and while I'm not an anime fan (admittedly) Im glad you chose to talk about it. Anime (and most manga) is the soda pop of the East; there is so much that is soulless marketing bait its sometimes difficult to weed through all the fluff to get to the good stuff. I have to agree w those that say streaming helps a product and the resulting success opens up more nonshojo/shonen options for those of us looking for some intellectual stimulation. I rarely buy a DVD I can stream.
rss313 1 month ago
I may be one of only people interested in Japan who doesn't like anime. I even grew up around the stuff. Just couldn't ever get into any of it, no matter what genre of it I watched.
kasrkinmullet 1 month ago
I watch everything online, not just animes, but movies, documentaries, lectures from universities, television shows, etc. In regard to music, I just download them. The only "tangible" things that I like to own are books; I would much rather read an "actual" book than an "e-book". Lastly, there's only one anime series that I buy and its called: "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
Streaming and free-information on the internet is definitely the future.
Tokyo Sky Tree will be the tallest in the world!
tengyang2001 1 month ago
Also, Tokyo Sky Tree. Can't wait for that thing to open.
intheinaka 1 month ago
I don't really buy much in the way of anime (save for a few DBZ DVDs etc, for reasons of nostalgia), but I'm 21 and certainly not moving away from buying physical copies of any media. I have all 250+ DVDs that I own proudly on display in my room back in the UK, and I love being able to look back through my game collections as well.
It was something I was thinking about recently when I bought my PS Vita, with games shifting towards download, I still buy 90% of my software in its' physical form.
intheinaka 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree. Two points:
1.) U.S. has an anime channel, but you must pay for it, and availability in parts of the U.S. is weak. Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" lineup shows anime regularly, but it's not full-on anime devotion.
2.) I have never spent money on anime. I watch it all via streaming. However, perhaps sitting through mandatory online ads and commercials is an indirect way of supporting the company, financially. I do agree anime bought is primarily for its collectable value.
RelVleDy 1 month ago
5 percent of anime on netflix here in america is japanese dubs only. Henceforth, i can't depend on watching anime on netflix because i do not like english dubs so ill just download torrents. I especially download torrents of new anime that just came out in japan. I use to buy anime, then i got broke from it. So im gonna stick to torrents in the mean time.
Hikikomorisama 1 month ago
Very few people buy dvds anymore. Streaming anime with ads of course, is the future.
pf91rodman 1 month ago
I just simply torrent any anime I'm interested in watching. You can easily find new episodes of anything with English fansubs within 24 hours of airing. It can take usually more than a year for anything to get subbed or even really badly dubbed and then sold for English speaking markets by which time most people are disinterested. Not to mention Tokyo sky tree it's then sold costing nearly 3x what an average series of a TV show is on DVD.
FailMate 1 month ago
I watch online, but buy my favorites
Cleavemyer 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Tree =]
One more thing, most people buy music online through itunes, bandcamp, etc. I don't even think there are music stores anymore, even Wal-Mart in my town of 40k people quit selling cd's.
dmbjt 1 month ago
Tokyo Sky Train - As I have gotten older I actually enjoy going to the movie theater. The trend now in theaters is to have big, wide, luxurious seating with a special section for meals. If I do watch something at home it is a DVD and just a rental. I will say the last DVD I bought was Castaway with Tom Hanks.
Blueyedcin 1 month ago
Every Saturday night Cartoon Network / Adult Swim play all anime all night. that's the only time I ever see anime on television here.
dmbjt 1 month ago
well, with paid services like crunchy roll, the anime network, netflix, nico nico, hulu, and funimation video service has made buying anime for me almost obsolete. if there is a series that i really like, i buy the blu-ray of it. streaming shows online is the future.
slayerking88 1 month ago
I think anime is a dying pastime here in the US. Most anime fans here have grown up and gotten married and have kids now. All the greatest shows were around years ago are long gone now..
dmbjt 1 month ago