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For one of the richest women in Japan, life hasn't been one of sitting back and basking in her glory. It has been constant work, constant success, and constant joy. Rumiko Takahashi, who created the original manga of Inuyasha, grew to heights unheard of in popularity and demand from the start of her career. An incredible 100,000 of her works have been sold the world over, making her not only one of the richest women in Japan, but making her the best selling female comic artist in history.

She didn't even start out obsessed with cartooning. She did love manga all her life and even founded a manga appreciation society in her high school. It was in her next-to-last year of high school that she decided to make manga art a career, and embarked on it with intensity until two years later she found some success. Her story, Katte Na Yatsura (Overbearing People), appeared in the magazine, Shonen Sunday. Almost all of Takahashi's work was thereafter featured exclusively in this magazine.

In Shonen Sunday, along with her work, there are also featured comments from the author herself. She has a favorite baseball team which is the Hanshin Tigers, and her favorite music group is Shazna. Sometimes she talks of her childhood. It's a great way to get to know her.

Studying comic drawing at a Japanese college and working as an assistant to another well-known cartoonist, Kazuo Umezu, she became the original artist that she is in heart, drawing her stories from an unlimited imagination.

Late in 1978, Rumiko worked on her first full-length series entitled Urusei Yatsura. It became one of the most loved manga and anime comedies in Japan. And in 1980, when she began to publish regularly, she began her second major series, Maison Ikkoku This series is now considered to be one of the all-time best manga romances.

As her stories appeared and attracted many fans, she grew in popularity as an artist while improving her own writing and artistic abilities. In 1987, a huge year for her career success, three of her most well known stories ended and she began work on Ranma ½.

This story is about a teenage martial artist named Ranma Saotome. He ends up getting changed into a girl each time he gets splashed with cold water. This series ran the longest of all her series and finally came to a conclusion in 1996.

One of her early short stories called Fire Tripper was a model for Inuyasha. Both have a high school girl as the main character, both contain time travel. There are also many similarities in the personalities and the clothes of the main characters.

All of Rumiko Takahashi's work has become popular throughout the world, and with over 20 years of publishing her manga art, she earned the title of The Princess of Manga. She's won many awards, including the New Comic Artist Award in 1978 and in 1994 the Inkspot Award in America.

There is no sign of her stopping her artistic endeavors and her fans await not so patiently for what will come next.

By: Andrew Wills

Article Source: http://www.animemine.com

Whether you need a gift for Christmas, a birthday or other occasion, anime fans can be hard to buy for, especially if you know little about the world known as "anime". First, let me explain a little about anime. Anime is a type of animation that started in Japan. Basically, you can call it a Japanese version of cartoons. However, anime has some big differences. Where American animation tends to be geared primarily towards children, there are actually many types of anime, geared for many ages and interests. For instance, there are anime series targeted squarely at young boys, young girls, young women and so on. There are also adult anime series, with more adult themes and content. There are also many different thematic styles of anime, including those centered around robots (called mecha), romantic anime, fighting anime and so on.

In order for you to choose a fantastic gift for the anime fan in your life, you first need an idea of what anime series or at least what kind of anime series they enjoy. Find out by perusing their DVD collection or checking what they watch on TV. Once you know the series they like, here are some suggestions for surefire gifts for anime fans:

Manga

Manga is simply the Japanese version of comic books or graphic novels. Many anime series are based on a manga series. Any anime fan would love the original manga their favorite anime is based on. For original Japanese manga, you can usually find some on eBay and at Japanese importers like JustManga and Manga.com. For the most popular anime series, like Inuyasha, you can find English translated manga books at many major bookstores.

Live Action and Japanese Drama DVD's

Some anime and manga series have a live action version, like Sailor Moon, that a Sailor Moon fan would likely be interested in. If your anime fan seems interested in Japanese culture, then consider getting them some Japanese TV drama series. There are many Japanese drama series aimed at tweens and teens that usually take place in school or high school. Check out Nodame Cantabile, Hana Yori Dango and Gokusen, each was based on anime or manga series or both. Look for these series at places like YesAsia and on eBay. Make sure to get the English subtitled versions.

Toys

Some anime series, like Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion and others, have many toys available. If you really want to get a special gift, try to get some of the toys that are imported from Japan. Toys available include action figures, vehicles, stuffed toys, models and dolls. You can find toys for the most popular anime series at major toy stores, but for not so popular series, try eBay, YesAsia and other import websites.

Video Games

Many of the most popular anime series like Naruto, Inuyasha and Bleach also have video games based on them. This is a great gift idea since what anime fan wouldn't want to play a game as their favorite character? Make sure to find out what game system they have so you can get a game for their particular console or handheld.

Music

Many anime fans become interested in Japanese culture through anime, especially since popular Japanese artists and bands are used on the soundtracks to the majority of anime series. You can get them the soundtrack to the series or even a few JPOP or JROCK CD's. JPOP and JROCK is the abbreviation of Japanese pop and Japanese rock music. Find many artists at both YesAsia and eBay. Popular Japanese music artists include Ayumi Hamasaki (pop), Utada Hikaru (pop/R&B), Arashi (pop boy band), L'Arc-en-Ciel (rock band), Morning Musume (pop girl band) and many more.

Collectibles & Decorative Items

There are also many collectibles and decorative items available for some series. Consider animation cells, limited edition toys, photo albums, calendars, posters and more. Find these at YesAsia and eBay.

Clothing & Apparel

Some anime fans enjoy dressing up as their favorite character, this is called "cosplay". Try to find out who their favorite character is and get them a costume or accessories. For instance, an Inuyasha fan would love a necklace like the one Inuyasha wears or a play sword like he uses. Or go all out and get them a full costume just like their favorite character. One place to check out is CosplayMagic.com.

Language Books or Software

If your anime fan has a serious interest in Japanese culture, then consider getting them a book or audio learning set to help them learn, read and write Japanese. This is an excellent gift option if you're having a hard time finding gifts from their favorite anime series. This is also a gift you can feel good about, since learning a new language is a very valuable skill for their future.

Food

From sushi to Pocky, if your anime fan has an interest in Japanese culture, they might like to try some of the food they have seen consumed in animes and dramas. Some suggestions include a sushi making kit, Japanese candy and gum, Pocky (a pretzel covered with chocolate), strange flavored Japanese versions of candy bars like KitKat and more. You can find many types of Japanese candy at AsianFoodGrocer and other Japanese food import sites. 

By: Charles Lawrence 

Article:http://www.animeowl.com

Manga is a Japanese word which when translated to English becomes "comic book." When referring to manga, anyone not from Japan is talking of a Japanese comic book. These are cartoons drawn and published on paper. Like in the U.S. with Superman and Spiderman, manga in Japan has its stars.

Osamu Tezuka is referred to as the god of manga. He created Astro Boy, following from the inspiration of Walt Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Bambi. You can see the inspiration in his characters' large eyes that allows the artist to show much expressive emotions within the story line.

Tezuka created the genre known as Mecha, which is fictional machinery and robots in humanoid form. The animated forms of manga have become very popular in the anime arena, but they began as comic books.

Any manga-ka (manga writer) enjoys portraying the fantasy world, and the popular comics show regular people doing ordinary things but enter other attributes that make the character special. Ordinary teens will come home from school, do their homework, run errands, etc, but at the same time, you will discover they have some special power, friends that are unusual or who are not from this world or other fantasy traits that make the story come alive. Manga are like novels, which have characters that stay consistent for the most part, but change like any person who moves through life and has different experiences. They grow in knowledge and expand on their philosophy and change from episode to episode due to this growth and learning.

Manga started as early as 1914 in Japan with cartoon drawings becoming popular and increasing in popularity in 1918. In 1951 it really took off with the Astro Boy creation, and exploded into anime a few years later.

One popular manga is Dragon Head that consists of three books. In this series, three high-school students are the only survivors after the train they are on wrecks and kills hundreds of their classmates. They are buried in the train within a collapsed tunnel and have little hope of rescue. With true visual storytelling, the creator of the series, Minetaro Mochizuki, achieves excitement and dread as the reader progresses.

Perhaps a manga already a best seller is one entitled Phoenix Volume One: Dawn. Osamu Tezuka created Phoenix and this famous illustrator and storyteller stretches the story from the dawn of Japanese history through into the far future. In a wonderful blend of myth, fantasy and historical accuracies, he has made a story that is profound, and as it goes forward, the reader will find deep meanings within.

There is also Naruto, a manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. There is an anime adaptation as well. The main character is an unpredictable and hyperactive teenage ninja who is always searching for approval. He strives to become the leader of all the ninja in his village. This manga was published first in 1999, but is still at the top of the manga list, with about 46,000 people looking for the term monthly in the most popular search engines.

Is manga popular? The answer is a most definite YES. Around 131,000 manga lovers search for the term each month on the Internet, and this is growing in leaps and bounds. Of a certain polled group, it was found that a little over 33% had over 15 gigs of manga on the hard drive of their computer. Yes, it is certainly popular and no signs of it slowing down.

Author:http://www.animemine.com 

naruto 

When it comes to making a profit with anime collectable toys, one of the most commonly asked questions is “how?” Many beginners want to know exactly how they can collect and make money from anime toys. Before learning more about this fun, exciting, and profitable activity, which is also known as a great hobby for individuals of all ages, there are some important points that must first be touched on.

Even anime collectors who are looking to turn a profit just for extra money are encouraged to look at the buying and selling of anime collectable toys like a job. As with any job or career, happiness and satisfaction is important. To increase your chances of seeing profits with anime collectible toys, it is best if you actually enjoy anime films, television shows, and books. An interest in this great genre is likely to increase your productivity, your happiness, as well as produce better results.

Although it is advised that you have a liking of the anime genre, there are technically no requirements to do so. Many collectors just find themselves with an edge over their competitors when an anime interest is involved. In fact, that is one of the many reasons why anime collecting is increasing in popularity, as it is a hobby that anyone can enjoy.

Another important factor that needs to be examined, when looking to make a profit from the buying and selling of anime collectables is startup costs. Anime collectables, especially those that are rare or part of a limited edition collection, can be hard to find. What does this mean for you? It means that you may have to spend quite a bit of money to make your original purchase. For example, some anime collectable figurines sell for $50 to $100. Although this cost may be a major turn off for new collectors, it is important to keep value in mind. Over time, that collectable may increase in value.

Speaking of an increase in value, it is important to understand the importance of conditions and proper care. Unfortunately, there are many consumers who have to buy an item and open it, as it is a tempt that they just cannot resist. If this is an issue that you regularly deal with, collecting anime toys and other merchandise for profits may not be right for you. Generally speaking, most buyers and dealers will not pay full price for an anime collectable that has been taken out of the box or played with. While this important fact may not seem like a big issue at the time, it can be a problem when trying to resell that same item later on.

As it was previously stated, overtime collectables may turn valuable, especially those left in their original packages and conditions. Unfortunately, this is an important point that many new collectors do not take into consideration. Generally speaking, unless you find an amazing deal, most collectables need to sit in time or become part of a larger collection before they are able to significantly increase in value. Therefore, collectors who are looking to make a profit are encouraged to stay up-to-date on these value increases, as well as examine full collectable sets. Often times, collectors who assume that they can make profits right away are disappointed with the results.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to buy and sell anime collectible toys for a profit. As a reminder, it is more than possible to do so, but hard work, determination, money, and time are often required to see success.

Author:ESTEE ANDREW

Article:http://www.amazines.com 

There's something different about you. People sense it the moment you walk in the door. Is it in your smile, or the way wear your hair? Truly, there are countless manifestations of your canine obsession.

Here are the top ten:

#10: Stray hairs on your clothes.

White hairs make a mess of your black wool skirt, while black fur collects in tufts on your white fleece pullover. You've spent a small fortune on lint removers, but have finally given up. Shedding isn't just for the dogs anymore.

#9: Pockets full of old bread bags (or mutt mitts).

Dog owners live by the Boy Scouts' motto: Be prepared. After all accidents do happen, even on Mr. Smith's meticulously manicured lawn. You'll be ready when they do.

#8: You whistle to call your dog...and your kid.

In fact, you find it hard to distinguish between the two. Your wallet, desk, and the wallpaper on your Windows XP Desktop are packed with photos of Caesar.

#7: You've been caught on more than one occasion talking to your dog as if he were a person.

You pause patiently while the dog "answers" you. And you insist that he does answer!

#6: You like people your dog likes, and hate those she hates.

Instead of your parent's approval, your dates must win Muffy's favor. This has made dating almost impossible for you, since Muffy tends to be jealous of anyone who takes your attention away from her.

#5: You give out gifts that your dog "bought," and sign cards from you and your dog.

Having given up on teaching Buford how to hold a pencil, you now ink up his paw to leave his print. Unfortunately he got away before you could wash it off, and now there's a line of permanent black paw prints across the linoleum in the kitchen.

#4: You greet dogs by their names, but can't remember the names of their owners.

"Dude" and "Ma'am" seem to work well in a pinch.

#3: You sleep huddled in the far corner of your bed while your dog sprawls out in the middle. 

You don't even mind when she snores, drools on your pillow, and steals the blankets.

#2: Your phone is programmed to speed dial the vet, groomer, dog trainer, pet store, and kennel.

What's more, the clerks can identify you by your voice.

#1: On Christmas, instead of cookies, you bake doggie biscuits.

You have a recipe file of Princess's favorite kinds, and make plates to deliver to all her doggy friends. Incidentally, she gets more presents than you do, and the ones you do get seem conspicuously related to dogs.

Author:Emma Snow