Would you say Strawberry Mashmallow is for girls?

[Mateo_home]

Yeah I know this sounds silly and a little bloggish but...

...my dad happened to "discover" one of my SM DVDs sitting on my desk and claims that since the DVD is pink that it's for girls. He didn't watch it but I'm afraid if I showed it to him, that might make things worse. Parents aren't into anime.

Even though this thread may serve no purpose, I just want to get this off my chest and ask for some opinions. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

EDIT: Forgot to say that after watching it myself, I wouldn't say it is. It's hilarious.

[Rhodes]

its for lollicons.

the manga is by a male for males.

the anime cleans some of it up... underage drinking smoking driving... but it's still aimed for males. least in japan.

for the states however... its aimed for both genders. but if your looking at it thru joe suncost's eyes. yeah its for girls.

its a cute show, it has no robots, explosions, car chases, guns, swords, blood, spaceships... its a good show to relax to and smile at.

[something]

[ QUOTE ]
Mateo said:
...my dad happened to "discover" one of my SM DVDs sitting on my desk and claims that since the DVD is pink that it's for girls. He didn't watch it but I'm afraid if I showed it to him, that might make things worse. Parents aren't into anime.

[/ QUOTE ]
Seeing as how he clearly knows nothing about anime (not an insult, just a factual observation), it's entirely rational that he'd think so. America has no pop movement that I'm aware of that approximates the 'moe' concept in Japan, so he has no frame of reference for which to make a judgement about the DVD other than the stereotypical designation of colors and gender affliations ingrained in our society. One of which being that pink is for females. Or gay guys, whatever =P

[Shiroi Hane]

I think this (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/view/65419) might be relevant here...

[golthin]

[ QUOTE ]
Shiroi Hane said:
I think this (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/view/65419) might be relevant here...

[/ QUOTE ]
LOL, Ichigo machimiroIS a Lolicon manga. Yeah, your friends will look funny at you if they find you reading it.

[Splitter]

[ QUOTE ]
golthin said:
[ QUOTE ]
Shiroi Hane said:
I think this (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/view/65419) might be relevant here...

[/ QUOTE ]
LOL, Ichigo machimiroIS a Lolicon manga. Yeah, your friends will look funny at you if they find you reading it.

[/ QUOTE ]

But it's so CUTE!!!!

Yeah, I've gotten strange looks. Screw them. They don't know what they're missing.

[Shikamaru824]

I've personally shown SM to girls (babysitting), and everything was peachy. They thought it was cute and funny. So yes, girls get a kick out of the show too.

Personally, the show or the manga doesn't come close to being called lolicon. I say the ones who throw around a label, and critizise a show behind that label are the ones with the capacity to sexualize children....along with all the regular pedophiles.

[musouka]

[ QUOTE ]
Senku said:
I say the ones who throw around a label, and critizise a show behind that label are the ones with the capacity to sexualize children....along with all the regular pedophiles.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I'm sure the fact that you can find pornographic images of little girls drawn by the author just by going to his site has NOTHING to do with it either. ::rolls eyes::

[Splitter]

[ QUOTE ]
musouka said:
[ QUOTE ]
Senku said:
I say the ones who throw around a label, and critizise a show behind that label are the ones with the capacity to sexualize children....along with all the regular pedophiles.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I'm sure the fact that you can find pornographic images of little girls drawn by the author just by going to his site has NOTHING to do with it either. ::rolls eyes::

[/ QUOTE ]

The intended demographic is not necessarily the actual demographic. This especially holds true when bringing anime over to the States.

Even if this series was made by a lolicon, that does not mean those are the only people who are going to watch it. Otherwise, why did they even bother licensing it?

[mk2000]

I invited two of my friend girls (one of them was the VA for Kanako Mita from Princess Nine) to come watch it during one of my past "anime nights" and they thought the show was cute (I was also showing Boys Over Flowers). My wife thinks the show is cute too.

Basically, the Japanese have this incredible ability to make shows in the "double-sense".

If you are into slice of life shows, it will be a slice of life show for you.
If you are into cute shows, it will be a cute show for you.
If you are into girl friendships, it will be a girl friendships show for you.
If you are into comedy, it will be a comedy show for you.

and yes, if you happen to "be into" young girls, it will probably be "that type" of show.

To SMs defense, if you were the latter, you could be watching any random Disney Channel show featuring a female teenage lead, and it would probably be "that type" of show too.

[musouka]

[ QUOTE ]
Splitter said:
The intended demographic is not necessarily the actual demographic. This especially holds true when bringing anime over to the States.

[/ QUOTE ]

True. However, just because lolicons aren't the only ones able to enjoy it doesn't mean they aren't the target demographic. What I am objecting to is the idea that those who recognize that the show is aimed at lolicon fans are somehow seeing something that isn't there.

[golthin]

[ QUOTE ]
Senku said:
I've personally shown SM to girls (babysitting), and everything was peachy. They thought it was cute and funny. So yes, girls get a kick out of the show too.

Personally, the show or the manga doesn't come close to being called lolicon. I say the ones who throw around a label, and critizise a show behind that label are the ones with the capacity to sexualize children....along with all the regular pedophiles.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hmmm, I don't think he called SP lolicon, just a show for girl. Well, the show is cute!

[something]

[ QUOTE ]
golthin said:
Hmmm, I don't think he called SP lolicon, just a show for girl.

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm fairly certain that was meant in response to people like Rhodes.

[Rhodes]

/ah shocked!

lollis are the target audience, doesnt mean other folks cant like it.

marimite is for girls, but doesnt mean guys cant like it.

strawberry panic is for guys, doesnt mean girls cant like it.

just cause its intended for lollis and you happen to like it doesnt make you one.

sugar, princess 9 & chance pop session are 3 imo very girl type shows, but the target audience isnt girls in japan.

btw folks like me would include nobue from SM, like it or not she IS a lollicon.

i guess a more acceptable term would be calling SM a very moe show.

and just so you know, at no point during this show did I ever get a /images/graemlins/noseblef.gif however I did want to kill and throttle Miu to death.

[something]

[ QUOTE ]
Rhodes said:
i guess a more acceptable term would be calling SM a very moe show.

[/ QUOTE ]
My problem is where people don't distinguish between 'moe' and 'loli'. One can have aspects of the other, just as they can be comedic, dramatic, etc and so forth, but too often people see cute young girls and just plaster "lolicon" all over it without thinking twice.

I'm not just talking about Strawberry Marshmallow, which I have not seen, but any of dozens of shows I've heard the "zomglolicon" label thrust upon.

[monika]

[ QUOTE ]
disarm said:
My problem is where people don't distinguish between 'moe' and 'loli'.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nagato Yuki is three. THREE.

[hikaru004]

I would say "Yes, if you are in the US." The target pop in the US for moe has been females imo. Just look at Moon Phase. In Japan, it's males. The majority of the male population in the US isn't into moe, so you have FUNiGirl championing it and the trailer emphasizing the action part of the title to draw in the male viewers.

If you are male and watching this, you have to worry about being called "pedo" by those who don't understand moe imo. Heck, I had problems defending this title with people who should know the difference. That was just lame imo.

But, if you like it, watch it and don't worry about what others think.

[Fencedude]

[ QUOTE ]
monika said:
[ QUOTE ]
disarm said:
My problem is where people don't distinguish between 'moe' and 'loli'.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nagato Yuki is three. THREE.

[/ QUOTE ]

So's Dizzy.

Whats your point?

[something]

[ QUOTE ]
monika said:
<span style='color:#dddddd;background:#dddddd'>Nagato Yuki</span> is three. THREE.

[/ QUOTE ]
That sorta came outta nowhere (and is potentially spoilery), but /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif Heh, besides, she continues my tradition of arguing that age in anime is utterly meaningless. It's all about how they look.

[monika]

Point? I was supporting his argument in my own special way. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[chicogrande]

[ QUOTE ]
musouka said:
[ QUOTE ]
Senku said:
I say the ones who throw around a label, and critizise a show behind that label are the ones with the capacity to sexualize children....along with all the regular pedophiles.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I'm sure the fact that you can find pornographic images of little girls drawn by the author just by going to his site has NOTHING to do with it either. ::rolls eyes::

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, why don't we go there and find out!

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/

I, for one, didn't find any objectionable drawings. There's even photos of what I think is the author's dog. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif
I did find an illustration of how any "funny business" will be dealt with.

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/killbillnobue.jpg

/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Gatts]

[ QUOTE ]
ChicoGrande said:
Well, why don't we go there and find out!

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just say buy one of his loli doujin. If they are still in stock that is. Burabara might be a bit hard to find. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Wasabi]

[ QUOTE ]
Gatts said:
[ QUOTE ]
ChicoGrande said:
Well, why don't we go there and find out!

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just say buy one of his loli doujin. If they are still in stock that is. Burabara might be a bit hard to find. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

No, no... he clearly said website. If you start bringing doujins into this, then this arguement would apply to many other authors as well. (Kamichu, Love Hina, etc.) /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[musouka]

[ QUOTE ]
Wasabi said:
No, no... he clearly said website. If you start bringing doujins into this, then this arguement would apply to many other authors as well. (Kamichu, Love Hina, etc.) /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm, all I can say is I can remember going to a site for the artist and finding porn. But you're right, there's certainly nothing there now, whatever the case may be. (But I don't think he suddenly gave up on loli porn either way)

[Mateo_home]

After reading most of the replies. Thank you mostly everyone for your well informed opinions. I feel much better now.

I feel my question has been answered because now it looks like this topic is going into lolicon/moe/fetish debate territory... /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[hikaru004]

[ QUOTE ]
musouka said:
[ QUOTE ]
Wasabi said:
No, no... he clearly said website. If you start bringing doujins into this, then this arguement would apply to many other authors as well. (Kamichu, Love Hina, etc.) /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm, all I can say is I can remember going to a site for the artist and finding porn. But you're right, there's certainly nothing there now, whatever the case may be. (But I don't think he suddenly gave up on loli porn either way)

[/ QUOTE ]


I think that some of those pics are loli.


There was that panty shot of Miu. <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/panasonihyousi.jpg



Then, there was that shot of Miu and Nobue with Miu's pinky up. Isn't that slang for "girlfriend"?

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/miu.nob.sp.jpg



Then, there was this suggestive one... <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/sityaku.jpg

[Gatts]

[ QUOTE ]
Wasabi said:
If you start bringing doujins into this, then this arguement would apply to many other authors as well. (Kamichu, Love Hina, etc.) /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I think everyone knows where Akamatsu's tastes lie. That would be like asking if Oh! Great does porn. Kurata would be a harder sell though.

[Lego]

Oh! Great's art is the best part about his mangas(H and Non H) heh. This is a subject that irks me when it's brought up. I remember making a post about this a long time ago, except it was in a more general sense. The whole "oh you're a teenages guy and watch _________(insert show here)?", "that show is only for pedos/girlrs/cheese" and so on. If I like a show, I'm going to watch a show.

For instance something like Honey &amp; Clover and Emma. Are these manly man shows, no they're not. Do I like their stories, characters, music, worlds? Of course I do. So if you're being self concious because you like a show that focuses around day to day life of girls, I say just watch it. Let people say what they want. Of course in this fandom(little more prevelant lately) people will watch a show just for young characters. But if you enjoy the show for the show, screw em.

It all goes back to preschool where you had that "ewwwww cooties" crap heh. The whole mind set that anything pink is girly and only certain people should play with or watch certain shows. My parents aren't into anime either, but they realize that it's my main hobby, and they support me when it comes to it.

[Shikamaru824]

[ QUOTE ]
disarm said:
[ QUOTE ]
Rhodes said:
i guess a more acceptable term would be calling SM a very moe show.

[/ QUOTE ]
My problem is where people don't distinguish between 'moe' and 'loli'. One can have aspects of the other, just as they can be comedic, dramatic, etc and so forth, but too often people see cute young girls and just plaster "lolicon" all over it without thinking twice.

[/ QUOTE ]

preface: rant is in general, not at any specific person

This is my major beef with most people too. No matter how genuinely funny, cute, light-hearted, etc. a show can be, someone comes along and blurts out "you know, that show is made for lolis'". Knowing that the term "loli" has a negative context, people sterotype the show just from looking at it without giving the show a chance. I really don't see a reason to tell someone "Hey you know that show you like? The creator makes kiddie porn too" unless you have an agenda against that creator, or cute shows in general. So what if the creator does? This show doesn't sexually gratify kids. It just boils me up everytime!

[Shiroi Hane]

There's a Barasui picture of Miu and Chika standaing outdoors, naked, holding translucent camisole-thingies on front of themselves.

[something]

[ QUOTE ]
hikaru004 said:
I think that some of those pics are loli.

[/ QUOTE ]
Holy shit your threshhold for loli is low.

[Jumbo]

[ QUOTE ]
Wasabi said:
[ QUOTE ]
Gatts said:
[ QUOTE ]
ChicoGrande said:
Well, why don't we go there and find out!

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just say buy one of his loli doujin. If they are still in stock that is. Burabara might be a bit hard to find. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

No, no... he clearly said website. If you start bringing doujins into this, then this arguement would apply to many other authors as well. (Kamichu, Love Hina, etc.) /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, just to back up the doujin aspect anyway...

flips through ...i care because cut one's Wisdom Teeth: Oh no, an upshirt shot where we see all of Anna's belly button! That and Nobue in shorts in a sexy pose. (This pic is actually linked at his site and was already posted by hikaru004.)

flips through Panasonication: The worst from this one is right on the cover, the panty shot of Miu. (Also previously posted) That is the most "fan service" you get there, aside from a nice Barasui sketch of Tifa from FF7 in her in game outfit.

flips through Strawberry Bubblebath 2: Again a glimpse of Anna's panties on the cover. Oh, I guess there is a two piece swim suit sketch in there too.

flips through Strawberry Bubblebath 4: This is the worst yet. Another Anna belly button shot while in her pajamas, a bath scene where while suggestive, doesn't actually "show" anything (hidden by bubbles or towels) and worst of all, Miu holding the dog (was it Satake?) upside-down so we get a shot of his privates. The horror.

Maybe I just missed out on the porn doujin he did but as far as I can tell Barasui himself isn't out doing anything hardcore with the characters from this series... The most suggestive I can recall him being is the bath scene in the first volume of the manga. (Though again, we don't really "see" anything.)

[Jumbo]

[ QUOTE ]
Shiroi Hane said:
There's a Barasui picture of Miu and Chika standaing outdoors, naked, holding translucent camisole-thingies on front of themselves.

[/ QUOTE ]

Guess I did miss the hardcore doujin then. ^^;

Care to mention a source on where this pic was taken from?

EDIT:(To clarify if it is a 2 chan/fan photoshopped picture or not)

[Gatts]

[ QUOTE ]
Jumbo said:
Maybe I just missed out on the porn doujin he did but as far as I can tell Barasui himself isn't out doing anything hardcore with the characters from this series... The most suggestive I can recall him being is the bath scene in the first volume of the manga. (Though again, we don't really "see" anything.)

[/ QUOTE ]

He did two collaboration doujin (that I know of) before he did Weekly Wata-oni and Ichigo. None of the doujin released after he started working with Media Works are H although more than a few people have said that he contributed to the Black List doujin buru bara (http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/article/04/0000/06/52/040000065252.html). I have no way of confirming that. (they say "just look at the artwork", but I say anyone can copy a style if they are good enough. /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif )

[chicogrande]

[ QUOTE ]
hikaru004 said:

I think that some of those pics are loli.


There was that panty shot of Miu. <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/panasonihyousi.jpg



Then, there was that shot of Miu and Nobue with Miu's pinky up. Isn't that slang for "girlfriend"?

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/miu.nob.sp.jpg



Then, there was this suggestive one... <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/sityaku.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Wha!? Youze trippin foo!

Man, come on! There's nothing wrong with those.

[J-Syxx]

[ QUOTE ]
Gatts said:
[ QUOTE ]
Jumbo said:
Maybe I just missed out on the porn doujin he did but as far as I can tell Barasui himself isn't out doing anything hardcore with the characters from this series... The most suggestive I can recall him being is the bath scene in the first volume of the manga. (Though again, we don't really "see" anything.)

[/ QUOTE ]

He did two collaboration doujin (that I know of) before he did Weekly Wata-oni and Ichigo. None of the doujin released after he started working with Media Works are H although more than a few people have said that he contributed to the Black List doujin buru bara (http://www.toranoana.jp/mailorder/article/04/0000/06/52/040000065252.html). I have no way of confirming that. (they say "just look at the artwork", but I say anyone can copy a style if they are good enough. /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif )

[/ QUOTE ]

Does anyone know which h-manga the manga-ka of Azumanga Daioh worked on?

[chicogrande]

It's funny how hung up we are about this subject matter. (That may mean I am too. Here comes my rant with a Western slant.) How this discussion turned from its original purpose (No, Strawberry Marshmallow isn't just for girls. A guy can watch it if he wants. Certainly, it is a "girly" title, but your "family jewels" should be safe. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif) to how a guy should feel secure and confident when watching similar programs.

I am sure some would recommend not making it a habit, but just because you are watching a program like that, doesn't mean that you are showing undue interest in young females. First of all, the show is not like that. Second, it's cute and funny and someday you may have daughters. So, it's good to become familiar with cute and funny. What's gonna happen if you have to give your baby daughter a bath? Are you gonna become a mountain of self-doubt? Is all this I'm talking about even relevant?

So, before I go further off topic. Get your thoughts out of the gutter. Grab a beer and watch Strawberry Marshmallow, Mao-Chan, (http://www.maochan.com/) and Bottle Fairy. (http://www.bottlefairydvd.com/) Be a man!

[Shiroi Hane]

[ QUOTE ]
Jumbo said:
[ QUOTE ]
Shiroi Hane said:
There's a Barasui picture of Miu and Chika standaing outdoors, naked, holding translucent camisole-thingies on front of themselves.

[/ QUOTE ]

Guess I did miss the hardcore doujin then. ^^;

Care to mention a source on where this pic was taken from?

EDIT:(To clarify if it is a 2 chan/fan photoshopped picture or not)

[/ QUOTE ]

It was in G's Magazine. It isn't hardcore, but it is 'sexy' in terms of naked body hidden only by a thin layer of fabric.

[pianocello]

[ QUOTE ]
hikaru004 said:


I think that some of those pics are loli.


There was that panty shot of Miu. <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/panasonihyousi.jpg



Then, there was that shot of Miu and Nobue with Miu's pinky up. Isn't that slang for "girlfriend"?

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/miu.nob.sp.jpg



Then, there was this suggestive one... <font color="red">Warning: May not be worksafe!</font>

http://bara.sakura.ne.jp/sityaku.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]
Personally I think these pics are tame. Compared to the tons of Strawberry Marshmallow fanart and doujinshi, these are nothing. I'm sure some of you have seen the one featuring a naked Nobue using a naked Miu as a bowling ball.... /images/graemlins/stunned0.gif