Anime - The Independent Spirit of Japan

Independence to me is the ability to be yourself.  My family is a bit ‘off the beaten path’. Well, we’re really more in the techno-nerd category. We love Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Anime. So it’s no surprise that when I found Tokio Hotel, I fell for the whole package! It’s not just their music that fits with my life, but their no-fear attitude against the nay-sayers. And Bill? Well, he’s a force of nature, isn’t he?

In 2005, 2006, and 2007, we all attended the Anime-Expo. Then it was moved to L.A., and since my youngest was only 3, we didn’t attend for 2008 and 2009. Well, this year we went again, with my youngest little guy dressed as Inuyasha, and his older brother as Sesshoumaru (who are actually half-brothers in the anime). While my oldest girl loves to wear a different kimono every day, my youngest daughter opted for just fox ears and a tail.

Here's the boys dressed in full gear!

Here's my youngest daughter with her balloon Dratini (from Pokemon)

My oldest daughter in her kimono with Darth Maul

My oldest has been wearing kimono for different occasions for 10 years now. I had to go online to learn how to tie an obi (the sash around the middle). When Tokio Hotel gets to Japan, they will have to know a few things about kimonos.

1. Long sleeved kimonos are only worn by young girls and single women (pay attention, Tom!).

2. When wearing a kimono, the left side wraps over the right. The right side is only wrapped over the left for burial, and is a cultural no-no for the living (not even sparkling vampires wear them that way!)

3. A simple cotton summer kimono is called a ‘Yukata’.

4. A casual half-kimono is called a ‘Hapi Coat’.

And just like Tokio Hotel, we hope to get to Japan some day, too!