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Altered States
America's in trouble. Where are the artists?
Jan 30
•
Matt Alt
36
21
4
Sony Goes for Peanuts
Some thoughts on Japan's acquisition of an American icon
Dec 21, 2025
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Matt Alt
53
13
9
A History of the World in Japanese Toys
Can you decipher the 20th century by looking at Japanese toys? I can try!
Dec 13, 2025
•
Matt Alt
48
9
8
Most Popular
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Boys vs Girls, Japan vs America
May 2, 2025
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Matt Alt
81
40
10
Pop and Populism
Jul 21, 2025
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Matt Alt
57
27
6
America is burning. Why isn’t Japan?
Jun 13, 2025
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Matt Alt
55
12
9
No Labubus please, we're Japanese
Sep 1, 2025
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Matt Alt
50
2
7
Hell is Other People
Jun 20, 2025
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Matt Alt
46
30
12
Japan doesn’t give a **** about you
May 17, 2025
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Matt Alt
135
28
29
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Boys (and girls), be ambiguous!
When Japanese leaders wade into the culture wars, pop culture suffers.
Nov 22, 2025
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Matt Alt
34
7
5
Super Galapagos
In a world driven mad by tech disruption, Japan’s having fallen behind is a superpower
Oct 23, 2025
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Matt Alt
58
18
9
Why Hollywood stars are saying “F*** anime”
And why they’re right to be scared
Oct 10, 2025
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Matt Alt
59
13
13
Dollars and Demons
Demon Slayer's success shouldn't surprise. We're all otaku now.
Oct 2, 2025
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Matt Alt
29
21
3
Anime activism
Global protest movements are relying on imagery from Japan. Here's why.
Sep 22, 2025
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Matt Alt
33
13
6
Politics, Chaos, and Cup Noodles
The eerie parallels between Japan's Sixties and America today
Sep 16, 2025
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Matt Alt
32
13
5
No Labubus please, we're Japanese
Why a toy craze isn't finding traction in a toy-crazed country
Sep 1, 2025
•
Matt Alt
50
2
7
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Matt Alt's Pure Invention
Dispatches from the front lines of Japanese pop culture.
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