Anime Explorations Podcast

This month we’re discussing the horror comedy(?) anime Mieruko-Chan.

Also discussed:

The Ghost in the Shell Arise Tabletop RPG Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manaprojectstudio/ghost-in-the-shell-roleplaying-game

Anime By The Numbers’ article on Crunchyroll’s subtitling woes: https://fast.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-10-09/crunchyroll-cites-internal-system-problems-regarding-subtitles-for-fall-2025-anime/.229669

Anime News Network’s article on Crunchyroll’s subtitling woes: https://fast.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-10-09/crunchyroll-cites-internal-system-problems-regarding-subtitles-for-fall-2025-anime/.229669

Next Month we are watching Garden of Sinners films 4 & 5, available on Crunchyroll.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month...

Duration: 01:12:26

This month we’re watching the anime adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo.

Matt Alt’s article on the connections between protest and anime: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174206122

Next month, we’re covering Miruko-Chan, which is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.c...

Duration: 01:06:01

This month, we’re covering the anime OVA that came out for the 10th anniversary of Macross, and was the first non-Robotech version of the Macross universe to reach the US, along with the Macross II tabletop RPG from Palladium Games. Before that, we get into the current situation ongoing with Visa & MasterCard blocking transactions for NSFW content due to pressure from a Far-Right-Wing Australian group.

Note: I’m trying a new recording platform with this episode, and I ran into some technical difficulties that carried over to my backup recording. Consequently, my audio is impacted, but not...

Duration: 01:42:21

This month, we take a look at Mamoru Oshii’s Cyberpunk masterpiece, Ghost in the Shell (from 1995), along with giving some thoughts on the live action adaptation from 2017, joined by Blaine Dowler.

Next month, we take a look at Macross II.

Blaine can be found on the Babylon 5 30 Years Later Podcast (https://shows.acast.com/babylon-5-30-years-later), and the 99 Years 100 Films Podcast (https://shows.acast.com/99-years-100-films)

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by...

Duration: 01:51:32

This month, the Buccharati Crew takes their shot at taking over Passione.

Next month, we watch the original Ghost in the Shell.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

Please support my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/countzeroor
Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/countzero
...

Duration: 01:36:50

This month we get our first meeting with the son of Dio Brando - Giorno Giovanna.

Next month, we finish Golden Wind.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

Please support my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/countzeroor
Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/countzero
...

Duration: 01:24:20

We discuss the nominees for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, before getting into The Helpful Fox Senko-San.

Next Month, we'll cover the first 19 episodes of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, which is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu/Disney+, and Netflix.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

Please support my...

Duration: 01:24:25

It's March, and it's time for White Day—and with it, time to cover a romantic comedy, or in this case, a romantic dramedy, with ToraDora.

We mmention the Toradora light novels on the podcast, which are available through (Affiliate Links):

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hBq7YZ Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/98607/9781626927957 Libro.fm (Not affilate): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798893735741

Next month, we're watching the Helpful Fox Senko-San, which is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gm...

Duration: 01:13:22

Fate-uary has come back around again, and it's time to take a look at Fate/Zero, the prequel to Fate/Stay Night.

Next month we're discussing the romantic dramedy Toradora, which is available for streaming on Crunchyroll (https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6P8PXJW6/toradora), Amazon Prime (Affiliate Link - https://amzn.to/4k7tkBT), and Tubi (https://tubitv.com/series/300007492/toradora-dubbed).

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp...

Duration: 01:28:14

This month, in honor of Lunar New Year, we're discussing the second Thunderbolt Fantasy film and the third season of the show. As of this recording season 4 was not available on Crunchyroll for streaming, but it ended up going up while I was editing this episode.

There are some audio issues on this episode due to some technical difficulties related to how we're recording the show.

Next month we're covering Fate/Zero, which is available for streaming on Hulu/Disney+ and on Crunchyroll, and has a physical media release available through the Crunchyroll store (Affiliate...

Duration: 01:13:33

This month we're watching a Toei anime film from 1971 with some tenuous connections to a work of classic literature.

Next month, we're covering Thunderbolt Fantasy Season 3 and the second film - Bewitching Melody of the West: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY75KE906/thunderbolt-fantasy

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

<...

Duration: 01:07:34

This time we discuss the first 3 films in the Garden of Sinners series of movies, which are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Next time we're watching Animal Treasure Island, which is available for streaming on the Internet Archive, and which also received a physical release from Discotek Media.

Affiliate Links: 
* Crunchyroll: https://crunchyrollstore.sjv.io/WyD3Je
* Amazon: https://amzn.to/48TmpXL

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: h...

Duration: 01:07:57

We have some horror anime this month with Dark Gathering, which is available for streaming on Hidive & Hulu/Disney+.

Next month, we'll cover the first three Garden of Sinners films, which are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Series Music:
Kakuriyo by luz
Used under fair use.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast...

Duration: 01:06:19

This month we're taking a look at both seasons of Moyashimon. Moyashimon is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Next month we are discussing Dark Gathering, which is available for streaming on Hidive & Hulu/Disney+.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

Please support my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/countzeroor<...

Duration: 01:14:24

Blaine joins us again for a discussion of Bubblegum Crisis, along with the tabletop RPG.
Bubblegum Crisis is available for Streaming on Plex, Retrocrush, Pluto.Tv, and Peacock
The series is also available on physical media through the Crunchyroll Store (Affiliate Link): https://crunchyrollstore.sjv.io/c/1395613/1941463/20100

Next month we are discussing Moyashimon
Moyashimon is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp...

Duration: 01:00:03

This month I'm joined by Blaine of the Babylon 5 30 Years Later and 99 Years 100 Films Podcasts (at Bureau42.com) to discuss My Neighbor Totoro & Akira.

Referenced Links:
Akira Production Report Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcY248hbwwU
Mythology Behind My Neighbor Totoro: https://www.followthemoonrabbit.com/totoro-mythology/

My Neighbor Totoro is available for streaming on Max in the US and on Netflix internationally.
Akira is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Both films are available through the Crunchyroll Store (Affiliate Link): https://crunchyrollstore.sjv.io/c/1395613/1941463/20100

Next month we...

Duration: 02:10:54

We wrap up Diamond is Unbreakable and our Summer of Jojo for 2024.

Next month we are watching a double feature of Akira & My Neighbor Totoro:

My Neighbor Totoro is available for streaming on Max in the US and on Netflix internationally. Akira is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Both films are available through the Crunchyroll Store (Affiliate Link): https://crunchyrollstore.sjv.io/c/1395613/1941463/20100

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.c...

Duration: 01:14:54

2024's Summer of Jojo begins with the first 19 episodes of Diamond Is Unbreakable.

Next month we are watching episodes 20 - 39 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, which is available:

On Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831 On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure On Hulu/Disney+: https://www.hulu.com/series/3f2ffb64-2424-44a5-b229-4371dccb1d6f or https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-3f2ffb64-2424-44a5-b229-4371dccb1d6f

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime...

Duration: 01:24:11

We discuss the start of the Spring Anime season, along with some of the failings of Gundam SEED, before moving into Ippon Again.

Ippon! Again is available:

Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/season/20273

Next month we are watching episodes 1 - 19 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, which is available:

On Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831 On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure On Hulu/Disney+: https://www.hulu.com/series/3f2ffb64-2424-44a5-b229-4371dccb1d6f or https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/e...

Duration: 00:40:56

We discuss the current anime we've watched, along with the recent passing of Akira Toriyama, before getting into our March Rom-Com, with My Love Story With Yamada-Kun at Lv.999

My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv. 999 is available:
Streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GNVHKNPQ7/my-love-story-with-yamada-kun-at-lv999

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Next Month we are watching Ippon! Again, which is available:
Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/season/20273

If you have comments...

Duration: 01:13:37

David & Tora are back, and we're getting caught up on this season's anime, before discussing Fate/Stay Night (2006)

Fate/Stay Night (2006) is available:

Physically from Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3SBbI5U Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/tv/fate-stay-night

Next month we're watching My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv. 999. It's available:
Streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GNVHKNPQ7/my-love-story-with-yamada-kun-at-lv999

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
...

Duration: 01:29:41

David and Tora are out sick, but I'm joined by Tom Merritt (https://www.tommerritt.com/), to discuss the second season of Thunderbolt Fantasy!

Thunderbolt Fantasy is streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY75KE906/thunderbolt-fantasy

Next month we will be discussing Fate/Stay Night (2006) which is available:
Physically from Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3SBbI5U 
Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/tv/fate-stay-night

If you have comments on the podcast or on next month's anime, please send them to animeexplorationspod@gmail.com

Opening: Duration: 01:00:15

This month we memorialize Leiji Matsumoto and the creator of the Anime Music Video (not necessarily in that order).

We also talked about the Macross II Kickstarter, which can be found here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/madoverlord/macross-ii-lovers-again-alus-edition

Arcadia of My Youth is available for streaming on:

Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6QW7EZ96/captain-harlock-arcadia-of-my-youth Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/458112/arcadia-of-my-youth?start=true&tracking=google-feed&utm_source=google-feed Vudu: https://www.vudu.com/content/browse/details/Arcadia-of-My-Youth/1022027 Amazon FreeVee (affliate link): https://amzn.to/49V2E22 Peacock: https://www.peacocktv.com...

Duration: 00:57:35

It's time for the inaugural installment of Nasuvember, as we take a look at the first anime adaptation of a work by creator Kinoko Nasu: the 2003 version of Tsukhime.

Tsukihime can be watched: 

Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/tv/lunar-legend-tsukihime Physically from eBay (affiliate link): https://ebay.us/zQRgab

Next month we are watching Arcadia of My Youth, which is available for streaming on:

Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6QW7EZ96/captain-harlock-arcadia-of-my-youth Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/458112/arcadia-of-my-youth Vudu: https://www.vudu.com/content/browse/details/Arcadia-of-My-Youth/1022027 Amazon FreeVee (affliate link...

Duration: 01:20:09

For the first episode of our 2nd year, and for the spooky season, we take a look at the 1985 adaptation of Hideyuki Kikuchi's first novel in the Vampire Hunter D series.

Also discussed this episode:

Discotek Media's Fall Announcements: https://www.youtube.com/live/2pkwwHVZB-k?si=4_g2oFNhy0VfRrap

Vampire Hunter D is available physically (Affiliate Links):

Amazon (Digital): https://amzn.to/459byFI

Next month we are watching Tsukihime, which can be watched:

Streaming on Hidive: https://www.hidive.com/tv/lunar-legend-tsukihime Physically from eBay (Affiliate Link): https://ebay.us/zQRgab

...

Duration: 01:19:26

It's time to get further into the weeds when it comes to how anime gets made.

Referenced Links:

Jamie Lee Curtis wants to be in Live Action One Piece (after the strike): https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2023/9/22/jamie-lee-curtis-ready-to-lobby-for-role-as-kureha-in-live-action-one-piece Anime Industry Figures referenced in Shirobako: https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2018/04/30/shirobakos-secrets-the-most-deliberate-anime-industry-references/ Gainax Alum talks about Production Committees: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2023-03-02/animator-supporters-project-posts-toshio-okada-criticisms-of-production-committee-system-with-/.195481

Shirobako is available Physically (Affiliate Links):

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EfUMts RightStuf: http://shrsl.com/47a6k

Next month we'll be covering Vampire Hunter D, which is available physically...

Duration: 01:18:27

This month we talk about the Record of Lodoss War OVA - with some tangents to the novels, the Actual Play, and the Chronicles of the Heroic Knight OVA (and also Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth).

Streaming:

On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6KE59GE6/record-of-lodoss-war

Physically (Affiliate Links):

eBay: https://ebay.us/LePMSu Amazon: https://amzn.to/44WPluR

Next month we'll be covering Shirobako. It is available Physically (Affiliate Links):

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EfUMts RightStuf: http://shrsl.com/47a6k

If you have comments on the show, please...

Duration: 01:38:28

It's time for the final showdown with Dio!

Streaming:

On Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831 On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure

Physically (Affiliate Links):

RightStuf: http://shrsl.com/42qez Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MrilDz

Next month we'll be covering the Record of Lodoss War OVA. It is available:

Streaming:

On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6KE59GE6/record-of-lodoss-war

Physically (Affiliate Links):

eBay: https://ebay.us/LePMSu Amazon: https://amzn.to/44WPluR

If you have comments on the show, please s...

Duration: 01:36:07

The Summer of JoJo continues with the first half of Stardust Crusaders - the Road to Egypt arc.

Streaming -

On Netflix On Crunchyroll

Physically (Affiliate Links):

* RightStuf
* Amazon

Next month we will be covering the second half of Stardust Crusaders, which is available: 

Streaming - 

On Netflix On Crunchyroll

Physically (Affiliate Links):

RightStuf Amazon

If you have comments on the show, please send them to the below E-mail address.

Opening:

Donut by Anozira
Available on Bandcamp
Used wi...

Duration: 01:26:39

This month we're beginning the Summer of Jojo with JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1: Phantom Blood/Battle Tendency. It is available:

Streaming - 

On Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831 On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure

Physically (Affiliate Links):

RightStuf: http://shrsl.com/410ol Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A5cA8y

Next month we will be covering the first half of Stardust Crusaders, which is available: 

Streaming - 

On Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831 On Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYP8DP1MY/jojos-bizarre-adventure

P...

Duration: 01:09:51

This month we're doing a quick rundown of some of the shows airing in the Spring 2023 season, before we discuss Bocchi! The Rock - a music comedy series about dealing with social anxiety.

Bocchi The Rock is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Next month we're watching JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1: Phantom Blood/Battle Tendency. It is available:

Streaming: 

On Netflix On Crunchyroll

Physically (Affiliate Links):

RightStuf Amazon

If you have comments on the show, please send them to the below E-mail address.

Opening:
Donut by A...

Duration: 00:56:34

This month we're discussing My Dress-Up Darling - a romantic comedy anime (with some fanservice) all about cosplay, followed up by a discussion about this year's Crunchyroll Anime Awards and the r/Anime Awards.

My Dress-Up Darling is available for streaming on Crunchyroll
The Manga is available through RightStuf (Affiliate Link)

Next month we'll be watching Bocchi The Rock, which is also available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

If you have comments on the show, please send them to the below E-mail address.

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link<...

Duration: 00:59:06

This month, Tora, David, and I kick off the inaugural installment of Fate-uary with a discussion of our background with the franchise, and a look at Today's Menu for the Emiya Family.

Today's Menu for the Emiya Family is available for streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRP8KG9VR/todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family
The manga is available through RightStuf (Affiliate Link): https://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=65886&userID=1469344&productID=1211531609

Next month we will be discussing My Dress-Up Darling, which is available for streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GQWH0M9N8...

Duration: 00:43:06

This month, David, Tora and I are taking a look at the first season & film of Thunderbolt Fantasy for Lunar New Year.

Thunderbolt Fantasy is available on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY75KE906/thunderbolt-fantasy

Next month we'll be covering Today's Menu for the Emiya Family - also available on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRP8KG9VR/todays-menu-for-the-emiya-family

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/444780/rss

Send...

Duration: 00:51:56

This month, for Christmas, David, Tora, & I are taking a look at the 1979 Sanrio stop-motion animated film "Nutcracker Fantasy".

Article on Björn Andrésen: https://www.pinkvilla.com/rooms/bj-rn-andr-sen-inspiration-bishounen-boys-anime

Nutcracker Fantasy is available:

Streaming on Crunchyroll Streaming on Retrocrush (Sub) Streaming on Retrocrush (Dub) On Blu-Ray from RightStuf (Affiliate Link)

Next Month we'll be covering Season 1 of Thunderbolt Fantasy & the first film - which can be found on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY75KE906/thunderbolt-fantasy

Opening:
Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/tr...

Duration: 00:40:52

This month, David, Tora, and I look at the 2019 adaptation of the successful adaptation of some of the Boogiepop light novels - Boogiepop & Others.

Boogiepop & Others is available:

For streaming on Crunchyroll On Blu-Ray from RightStuf (Affiliate Link)

In December we will be talking about Nutcracker Fantasy which can be found:

Streaming on Crunchyroll Streaming on Retrocrush (Sub) Streaming on Retrocrush (Dub) On Blu-Ray from RightStuf (Affiliate Link)

Opening:

Donut by Anozira
Bandcamp Link: https://anoziramusic.bandcamp.com/track/donut
Used with permission

Send feedback to: animeexplorations...

Duration: 00:54:35

We have the inaugural episode of the Anime Explorations Podcast! I, and my friends David and Tora take a look at Masami Yuasa's 2020 adaptation of the manga Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!

Keep Your Hands off Eizouken is available for streaming on Crunchyroll: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY0X54Q96/keep-your-hands-off-eizouken

Please support my Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/countzeroor
Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/countzero
Watch my Live-Streams on http://twitch.tv/countzeroor

Duration: 00:38:23