Fandom Pain

(Source: Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!?)

Heart-shaped decorations alleviate amorous atmospheres here and there. All things red and pink dominate malls, minimarkets, and even mansions. Confectioneries and bakeries are offering chocolates or brownies designed in similar styles and shades. Timely tunes that retell enchanting encounters or intimate interchanges suddenly feel sweeter than ever. Events and gifts, such as candlelight dinners and bouquets of roses, are must-do and must-buy items. 💝💐

What on earth is happening? Well, it means the world has fully rotated into the one date that people either look forward to or loathe. Maybe even both at the same time! Hahaha. Yes, Valentine's Day is here again! Or as the innocent kids—and perhaps, adult naysayers—would react, "Womp Womp." 😂

It feels like only yesterday that I posted an exposition about this arguably commercialized festivity. Okay, no, who am I kidding? The 2025 tiredness begs to differ! That piece was indeed many moons ago. Time just passed us by so fast, it's still fresh in my mind alone. 🤦🏻‍♂️

The exact thought did occur to me, though. Why should I discuss Valentine's Day again when I can repost that post? But its core theme is love, after all. And love, whether we like it or not, is here, all around us, both in plain sight and through subtle gestures. From the angelic Agape to the evocative Eros, love always invites old stories and new discussions. Seriously, I literally fell asleep rewatching a 30-minute talk show compilation about the day of love last night. 😪😅

So, without further ado, let's do that, too! But this time, and this year specifically, let's talk about a unique kind of passionate love that can easily range from adorable to extreme. It's a shared feeling of appreciation and affection that may be as uplifting as it is intoxicating. 😳😨

To be a FAN!!! 🤟🏻🥰🤩

(Source: Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!?)

L is for the Way You Look

Everyone's a fan of something. As human beings, we have the agency to like someone or something. When that feeling of fascination grows stronger, it transforms into admiration. 👀❣

Over time, such intense fondness may accumulate into devotion, and eventually sheer adoration. Many even go so far as to defy logic and explanations. We've all seen how groups of people are willing to believe or do pretty much anything their worshipped leader/figure claims and orders them to. Isn't that how religions were born? Or how political parties gain traction? 🤷🏻‍♂️

I'm not going to explore that example further, as this (hopefully) will never be the space for that. But being a fan, and not just a casual fan, in many ways is similar to that, eh? It's a community that doesn't mind paying extra or invests more time and energy in a subject/object of interest. 🤔🤯

In older, more sensible, more understanding days, that is. I'll get to that in a few... ⏳

"The fans are like rings that orbit round and round around the stars. They're all just countless particles.

This is how far I should be from him. I can't make the mistake of becoming a meteor and crash into him."

—Utage Kinoshita, Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Episode 1)

The quote I included above came from a surprising new anime that's currently airing, titled Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Tamon-kun's B-Side). It's surprising to me because it was never on my radar. Idols and everything around them are, sorry to say, NOT my thing. I dabbled in it (or perhaps tried to get into it?  😅) when I was a much younger, naive nerd, influenced by peer pressure and all. Even so, looking back, my primary interest was always for their songs, not the whole concept of idols and the daunting devotion towards them. 🎶🤔

Okay, that's a pretty elaborate exposition to say, "I've never been much of a fan," huh? Hahaha. 😅

Anyway, Tamon-kun is a rom-com that leans more into the comedy aspect. That's the reason I ended up watching it. After all, I AM a fan of good comedies. Personally, a fair dose of laughter is always helpful, if not necessary, to lighten up the heavy, dreary, and needy nature of our daily demands. It's the cheesy or sweet embrace we need! 😁👍🏻

Much like my delightful introduction to a certain gourmet anime last year, Tamon-kun most definitely made the most timely entrance. I already wanted to focus on the topic of fans' love since late last year. The anime, however, has given me deeper insight and understanding into how devoted a fan can be. Its theme just clicked so soundly! I guess, like a fated pairing, if it's meant to be, it's JUST meant to be. Would you agree? 🙋🏻‍♂️💞

The manga-turned-anime series centers on Utage Kinoshita, a high school student who works part-time as a housekeeper. Her job has a divine purpose. Utage needs money to support something, or SOMEONE, to be precise. That someone is none other than her Oshikatsu, the titular Tamon Fukuhara, the alluring, sexy, seductive member of the idol unit (or as we in the 90s called it, boyband) F/ACE. More than that, the hardworking girl is a self-proclaimed missionary of the Church of Tamon, vowing to spread the good word of Tamon-kun and attract more followers. 💒🙏🏻

Hilariously, the same job crashed Utage into a mindblowing reality check. Tamon's pretty guy, people-pleasing, publicized persona is, well, merely a persona. A gigantic facade, to put it bluntly. His real personality is the complete opposite. Hence, the title's wording "Which Tamon Am I Seeing Now!?" comes into clearer perspective. As instantly implied by his true nature, Tamon is only the first example in the series. Utage eventually learns there are even more. 👀🤯

Utage's expressive but endearing reactions, actions, and interactions with Tamon's gloomy antics become the fuel for nonstop laughter. Despite the strange and wacky situations, she also portrays the spirit of a sincerely supportive fan. It's clear that Utage, so far, is a depiction of the more positive part of the fandom. 👏🏻👩🏻

(Source: Crunchyroll)

O is for the Only One

FANDOM is the community of fans sharing the same interest, as simple as that. It's an old term coined more than a century ago. The base word is, well, what else? FAN, which itself appeared two to three decades earlier. Upon deeper look, the term originated from two possible words: Fancy and Fanatic. Those words also have their own history, of course. 🤠⚾️

At the time, a "fan" refers to a sports enthusiast. Baseball fancy fanatics, in that era. Nevertheless, as we're now aware, the scope has expanded to encompass nearly any cultural phenomenon, including TV shows, movies, and public figures. The nature is, in a way, polyamory as well, considering someone can be an ultra fan of several fandoms at the same time. 🎥🎻

Oshikatsu, closely compared to the Western idea of Stan Culture, is a subculture of fandom. This particular subculture carries very different connotations depending on who's looking. To outsiders, their dedication may seem like an addiction that triggers unnecessary spending. Still, economists believe it has the potential to revitalize Japan's economy as well. 👨🏻‍💻🧚🏻‍♀️

That describes Utage's character and driving force. As a student, she doesn't really need to worry about food on the table or paying monthly electrical bills. She has parents who are alive and active to handle those responsibilities. Oshikatsu activities, on the other hand, are NOT a cheap choice. It requires significant financial demands on Utage's pocket to show support for her Oshi. There are concerts to attend, merchandise to buy, and all kinds of fans' banners to make! She works hard to make all of that possible. 💇🏻💵   

Admittedly, the negative sentiment that fawning over an oshi is a pointless, negative, unhealthy, and selfish behavior makes sense. But instead of judging others so easily, let's remember that people live differently, and that's fine. A lifestyle or life choice that works for us doesn't necessarily bode well for others. 🤫

Everyone's a fan of something, and if we stop and think about it, each one of us has probably invested some form of contribution to our fandom. Maybe it's literal money, like Utage? Or, it's simply the intangibles, such as time, effort, and attention. Also like Utage. Hahaha. Again, fandom is an overarching term that applies to various aspects or subjects in life. 💫🌐

Later in the story, it was revealed that Utage also had a fundamental reason for joining Tamon's fandom. Without spoiling anything, the idol's presence helped her find her place and purpose. Honestly, that's the part I can relate to so much. As a human being with free will and not an AI chatbot (and somehow baffled that I still need to point that out sometimes), obviously, I have my share of fandom, too. My essays on Super Sentai, Pokémon, and some others are evident enough already. 😅

The one that mirrored Utage's dedication the most, however, was my interest in the Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) franchise. Their music, to be even more specific (composed by the all-time greatness Kouhei Tanaka-sensei). I couldn't really claim to be a hardcore fan of the entire franchise. Frankly speaking, the only game I played from start to finish was Sakura Taisen V: Saraba Itoshiki Hito yo when NIS America localized it for the Nintendo Wii. That said, the musical numbers always gave me a purpose, whether big or small, to keep going forward. 😥🕺🏻

And yes, that entire paragraph was in the past tense for a reason. Before SEGA soft-rebooted the franchise in 2019—only to tank it again on June 30, 2021, with the underperforming Sakura Kakumei ~Hana Saku Otome-tachi~ mobile spin-off—, the game series had already entered hiatus in 2008. Even so, stage musicals and smaller-scale festivals and anniversary events continued taking place at irregular intervals until July last year, with Sakura Taisen Budoukan Live 2 ~Teito.Paris.New York~ being the most notable and memorable one, in October 2011. 💃🏻🎤

I specifically mentioned that show because that was the last time the main and key supporting cast members from the first five games held a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime concert to unsurprisingly much fanfare. Now, that glorious ensemble is no longer possible. Several of the voice actors are sadly no longer with us. Truthfully, my focus on the franchise has started to wind down from that point onward, too. Not even the 2019 game managed to fully revive my interest. 🤫💿

(Source: SEGA)

V is Very, Very Extraordinary

Such is the unfortunate, heartbreaking reality of fandom. As with all things human-related, every entertainment entity starts and finishes. It's always a temporal existence. There's an inevitable time limit to how long it can keep going. ⌛️⛔️

Many of us often wish for a show or a movie franchise to continue forever. Or for a favorite idol to keep singing and shining on stage. Alas, that is as rare as a snow leopard. The kids' show Doraemon has been on air since its 1973 premiere. Even after the creator passed away. Neighbours, the famous Australian soap opera, on the other hand? It wrapped again (yes, for the second time) last year, despite staying on screen for 41 seasons. While the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke remains as spry and enthusiastic about working, others like Dame Judy Dench have officially retired from the industry. 🤷🏻‍♂️

On the bright side, the attachment itself, especially supercharged with nostalgia, doesn't really go away. As heartbreaking as it may be not to see our beloved media or characters in the spotlight, technology has made it easy and convenient for us to revisit them. Many older series and movies that were once confined to outdated formats, such as VHS or CDs, have been digitally remastered and are accessible at the palm of our hands. 🤳🏻

Sure, there was a sense of sadness and pain when the object of interest left our lives. But now, that pain feels less aching. Even when they don't technically exist anymore, the all-time classics are still around. They will remain as long as the baton continues being passed on to the next generation. I may not be the avid fan that I was before. But the fact that I can listen to and sing Sakura Taisen songs on different digital music services, 30 years after its game debut, is an extraordinary example. 🤩👍🏻

"Fans are terrifying creatures.

They're ruthless beasts who engage in bloody quarrels with each other."

—Keito Tachibana, Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Episode 7)

The new, real pain, regrettably speaking, has instead come from a different side of the table: the fandom itself. 😨

No, I can only wish I'm kidding with that! Eras have changed, as they always do. The way fans interact with films, shows, anime, celebrities, and more has also morphed, for better or worse. Understanding and sensibility don't play out as they did before. 😔

Personally, I’m not even sure when this irritating irony started. Calling it ‘new’ already feels outdated. TOXIC FANDOM, a phrase that has gotten very common, disturbingly so, has been prevalent in recent years. Or maybe the better wording should be MUCH LOUDER AND BOLDER? As many have pointed out, social media blurred barriers and boundaries between interests and fandom. It paved the way for anyone in the fandom to express their views in real-time. Disappointingly, that includes bullying, harassing, and sending death threats, not just to other fans with a different point of view, but even to the creators directly. 🤬👹

Stranger Things concluded its story after five seasons on New Year's Day. Immediately after, many fans stormed the internet, crying that they had been betrayed by an ending "too HAPPY" that it didn't meet their expectations. Apparently, it would be more pleasing to them had one or more of the characters died in the final battle. Wait, what? 🙅🏻‍♂️😱

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently in an odd state of "dismissal" post the spectacular success of Avengers: Endgame. The amount of ridiculous hatred toward its movies and TV shows echoes across social media as of this writing. Here's an unpopular opinion: NONE of them are as awful or as bad as the discourse complaints, though. It's just a matter of which demographics the title is aimed at. 🙆🏼‍♂️🧏🏽‍♀️ 

Likewise, I can say the same about Nintendo. When the Japanese company announced Nintendo Switch 2, the community's cheers quickly turned into sneers upon the revelation of the much higher price. For years, the fandom rallied Nintendo to keep up with the rest of the gaming industry in terms of technical specs. Yet when they decided to do so, including the inevitable higher, non-family-friendly pricing? To this day, comments shouting, "Nintendo is greedy!" still appear across channels and social media posts. 💰👈🏻

"You are part of the problem" is a direct personal attack that I will never forget that day. To think I was only commenting neutrally that, due to the rising cost of everything, the "console price makes sense." For the first time in my life, I got called a "Bootlicker" too! Woohooo, achievement unlocked! Hahaha 🤣

Similarly, the Pokémon franchise continues to get the short end of the stick. Its newer games are ridiculed and review-bombed by people before they launch. The sentiment that "Game Freak is lazy" has gotten very exhausting and repetitive. It's as if the complainers are parroting the same copy-pasted excuse. Over and over again. 😒🐀

When a hacker stole and leaked terabytes of project data from the company—a massive privacy breach for Japanese companies—a portion of fans cheered and shouted that the punishment should have been worse. The demo of the upcoming Pokémon Pokopia, set for a March 5, 2026, release, has surprised many gaming journalists in a good way. But if one scrolls to the comment sections, the nagging rant over Game-Key Cards is still there. 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

(Source: Eurogamer)

Here's the thing: I'm a simple guy. A natural nitpicker. If I like something, I support it in the way that I can. Maybe I can save up to buy and enjoy it fully. But if it's too expensive, I cheer for it in silence. If I don't like something, I don't invest my emotions or money in it and shift my focus elsewhere. There's really no point in harassing others who seem to like it, even if we share differing tastes. 🤷🏻‍♂️

But that's not how it works anymore? Does that neutral stance mean I'm not a real fan? How about the so-called fans of modern fandoms who—under the bold excuse of pushing for good change and quality— don't hesitate to attack creators whenever things don't play out the way they have desired? Do they count as the real fans instead? 🤔

"Your duality seems even more intense than mine."

—Tamon Fukuhara, Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Episode 1)

By looking at it through the lens of love, the toxic development starts to feel less surprising. Fandom IS a form of love after all. There is an emotional investment poured slowly but surely into the dedication. Once it reaches a certain level, it may evolve into an obsession. Obsession can have a positive impact as a powerful force that pushes forward. An obsession that's not regulated and balanced carefully, though? Can trigger harmful outcomes or even compulsive behaviors! 😍👿

If a romantic relationship can turn sour and downright abusive, the same applies to fandom. Love can become a dangerous sense of entitlement. When fans develop a specific fan identity, anything that does not meet their idealistic mindset may be perceived as a threat. Their personal investments suddenly mean ownership over the object of interest. God complex much? Or an extraordinary pain in the neck? 🍋👺    

E is Even More Than Anyone

No doubt, being a fan is a different case now. It requires a lot of patience to be in a fandom that has gotten hostile, draining, or fractured. Experts say pain lingers when what we love is gone. But in modern fandom, the pain swells while it's still alive. The noise, the wars, and the endless negativity might make us question why we even bother to stay in it! 😩🤦🏻‍♂️

Fortunately, people are indeed aware of the rise of toxic fandom. It could very well sit among the reasons for the increasing push to limit social media access for kids in various countries. Many psychologists and writers have also emphasized the importance of walking away from social media. It serves as a form of activism in its own way. ❌📵

Truly, I agree that's a great gesture and action. Although it's not easy to pull off, the thought of not having to wade through a pool of toxic fandom already gives me peace of mind. And really, we should be in charge of our emotional safety. Let the toxic be toxic while we persevere in positivity, far away. Right? Hahaha! 🤟🏻😝

Moreover, the reality remains that a fandom began as a united community. A group that shared a similar love for someone or something. In many ways, that's still happening. There are many good apples despite some rotten bunches. 🍎😇

When a political move prompted The Walt Disney Company to dismiss director James Gunn, positive fan support allowed him to return and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Most recently, actress Maya Imamori was unceremoniously fired from No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger. The fandom voiced its disapproval about the unfair treatment. Yet, there was no boycotting the show or its producers. The show continued to air, despite being in an awkward state, and the fandom watched to the end. Both examples are proof that fandom can raise a healthy voice. 😮👏🏻

(Source: Still Watching Netflix)

Watching Tamon-kun provides a similar reassurance. Utage has indeed reprimanded Tamon a few times when his negativity gets a little too dark and almost gets the best of him. No matter how I see it, though, her reasoning is always to support and infuse positivity back into him. There's no hostility, and not once does she think she's above him! That's a display of genuine tough love that reminds Tamon how much he means more to her than he thinks. If anything, the show keeps reminding me that people who think like Utage are still plenty, and that not all hope is lost. 😌🧡

Therefore, before this Valentine's Day ends, let's ask ourselves a simple, honest question: 

Do I want to be in a toxic relationship?

If the answer is NO, then let's start by not being the toxic one in the relationship. Loving something doesn't need to be a bittersweet affair. Beyond the drama and disappointments, it can still be a world we once called home. All we need to do is focus on the good and not the bad. 😏🤍

It works as effectively in fandom. Not everything will work out the way we want to. Instead of reacting negatively, staying calm and composed is always an option. And, maybe, after a second, third, or fourth look, we might even notice more to say, "It's a fantastic time to be a fan!" 🤩🎉

"There are going to be some fans who drift away. 

And there'll be some fans who won't."

—Ouri Sakaguchi, Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Episode 6)

(Source: Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!?)

 

Food for Tropes

What makes anime such a delectable delight to consume? 🖥🤨

For long-time experts of the entertainment medium, answering that question may feel like a piece of cake. I mean, even if I don't consider myself on that level, I can still offer my two cents with ease. Then again, those who aren't fluent in the art form may not have an answer. 🤔

Access to anime has gotten easier thanks to streaming services, unlike the early 1990s, when there were only local TV broadcasts and physical copies. Crunchyroll and Funimation (now under one company) seemed to be the only major English-language global distributors by the early 2000s. Now, streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have diversified the market with exclusive titles. Lately, Disney+ has stated its aim to expand its library with original anime series. 🍥🐁

Such a positive development helped shed the outdated stigma that "anime is a Saturday morning cartoon." With millennials occupying the adult demographic, those who follow anime aren't sneered at as nerds anymore. They grew up watching anime and have continued to do so. Even when some ARE technically nerds, being an anime fan is no longer considered an embarrassing act. Nevertheless, that still doesn't mean everyone watches anime. 😅🤷🏻‍♂️

Of course, I'm not here to ramble about that. That topic is worth a separate think tank, to which I don't feel I have the minimum expertise to pull off. Instead, I'm focusing on my answer to the initial question. Although anyone might have guessed what that answer is, based on the title of this post alone. 😋🥪

(Source: Tonsuki 2 Episode 6)

Alluding Appetizer

Food has always been a part of my life. And, no, I'm not trying to sugarcoat the basic fact that it's one of the essentials for living beings. I'm talking about my upbringing. After all, it's not wrong to say that, growing up, my family's livelihood revolved around food. Or cooking, if I should be more precise. 🍽👩🏻‍🍳

Having immediate and extended family members who are/were great cooks further added to the recipe. Whenever we had annual celebrations or family gatherings, restaurant-purchased meals did not warrant many plates. In general, we tend to prepare everything at home. Oh, what tasty times those were! 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🍱

Therefore, if you sneak a peek at my phone, you may notice how I have plenty of food photos. I'm sure my friends would gladly attest to that insufferable habit, as I've often shared those "cruel" savory snapshots. If I'm ever active on Instagram, food will probably flood my feed. What else? Hahaha. 🤳🏻👀

Besides, my YouTube history already consists of culinary-related channels. Whether it's legendary cooking guides like Chef John's Foodwishes and Cooking with Dog, story-driven variants like Max Miller's Tasting History and Dianxi Xiaoge's Yunnan living, or restaurant(-I-may-never-visit) reviews like DancingBacons, TabiEats, and Japaneats, anything food-related is my daily consumption. 🤤     

Well, were I blessed with a bottomless barrel of resources (time, tools, ingredients, space, etc.), I probably would've started my own food-themed channel, too. Then again, I have no cooking knowledge. And the best role I could fill is nothing but a kitchen assistant. So, maybe, I might've ended up as yet another traveling foodie? 🙄🛫

At this point, observant readers may be wondering. What does that nostalgia nonsense have anything to do with anime? 😐💭

Soup for Senses

Due to my art-based project—which will officially conclude for this year tomorrow—new anime titles have once again occupied my schedule. I need them as a reference anyway. Since I haven't been in the anime cycle/circle for quite some time, the first thing that clouded my mind was, "But what new show should I watch?" 🤔👀

Hilariously, this was the choice recommended directly to my face by the ever-spying Google:

(Source: MAPPA Channel)

Does that look exciting? The premise of Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi (Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill) is a familiar theme delivered with an unusual twist. Often abbreviated by fans as Tonsuki, the series centers around Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman transported to another world. While others who came alongside him unearthed impressive Role-Playing Game skill sets, Mukouda was shockingly "stuck" with a low-level, "laughable" ability. Online Grocery! 😲🛍️

I admit, the Isekai (meaning Another World) genre isn't usually my thing. Medieval RPG ranks the same in my preference scorecard. So, there was immediate hesitation before I decided to give Tonsuki a go. Also, the one currently airing is Season 2. Thus, I must travel in time to check out the prequel first. Oh, Nooo! 😩😪

 

Much to my surprise, that's not a decision I would ever regret. True to the title, despite the unusual approach, Tonsuki is still a COOKING ANIME! So, I chomped down the entire Season 1 like someone who just ended a hunger strike! 🤯🤩

My speed was definitely not as fast as Fel, Sui, and Dora-chan finishing Mukouda's homemade meals or delivery takeouts, since I could only watch it during breaks. The fact that I wrapped it up very quickly proved how enjoyable this show is, though, at least to my taste buds. Now I have no choice but to wait each week for a new Season 2 episode. 😅📅

Sure, I won't argue that PETA would probably have a field day criticizing the continuous carnivorous feasts. Furthermore, this show is basically a gigantic but not shameless product placement. After all, the branded sauces ARE ingredients, and the ad revenue most likely helps boost the animated quality. Thanks to that, the animation very rarely feels subpar. 🤩🖥

On top of that, the meals on Tonsuki almost always look mouthwatering. That's because of the method MAPPA deployed to assemble the cooking scene. Here's another example that should visually support what I just said:

(Source: MAPPA Channel)

A Salad of Selection

Watching Tonsuki brought an enlightening epiphany. No, not the philosophical kind, of course. It made me realize a pattern: "Cooking anime is a frequent item on my watch list, eh?" 😱

On a broader scope, the list has even included food-fronted manga-to-anime titles that don't involve cooking. Maybe it's about baking/pastry or drinks, like a café, teashop, and surprisingly bars! Something completely detached from any kitchen kerfuffle but still revolves around food, such as the Ramen-focused series Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san (Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles), is another must-watch. That's pretty much a fictional documentary of iconic ramen styles! 😁🍜

(Source: Anime Supreme)

Basically, my anime preferences mirror my YouTube history! The difference is that this history preceded the online video service. A trip down memory lane reminded me of one title that, if memory serves, was my first appetizer to the culinary/gourmet genre. 🧒🏻👨🏻‍🍳

Mister Ajikko exposed me to the magic of cooking anime, including the notorious exaggerated expressions. I'm sure the judges of competition shows (MasterChef, Iron Chef, and others) would roll their eyes upon seeing anime characters react to food in these anime. Sometimes I join that bandwagon, too, whenever the scene feels too over-the-top embarrassing. 😅🤦🏻‍♂️

That's one of the reasons I'm still wary of watching Shokugeki no Souma (commonly known as Food Wars!). The spicy salacious innuendo is too much for me! Still, whether foodgasm is humanly possible or not, we like it or not, the colorful commentaries add charm to the shows. If anything, it makes for a satisfying sense-shocker. 🥵🤯

(Source: Nightmare Awakened)

Since I already namedropped several titles, I might as well share more of what I considered memorable. 😅

Tonsuki isn't the only gourmet anime of the season. Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi (Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits, often shortened to Kakuriyo) took me by surprise. It tells the story of a college student, Aoi Tsubaki, who was somehow spirited away into the youkai world by an imposing but cool ogre. It turns out her late grandfather, Shirou Tsubaki, promised the ogre that Aoi would be his bride, as payment for Shirou's debt. Inheriting Shirou's bravery, Aoi refused and decided to open an eatery, selling homemade human meals to pay the ogre. 👰👹

With the mention of Isekai and food, I would be remiss not to mention the two seasons of Isekai Shokudou (Restaurant in Another World). IseShoku for short. This on-the-nose title centers on a western restaurant, Nekoya, which has a unique, mysterious business shift. 👨🏻‍🍳🍱

During the workdays, Nekoya is an unassuming dining place located in Tokyo. However, on weekends, a rare doorway to another world appears inside the restaurant. So, even though the restaurant is closed, it's actually open for residents of that other space. IseShoku is popular. Rumor has it that a third season is in production, thanks to its positive response. The light novel source has more than enough material for more adaptation, anyway. 🔁🏞

Another show, Isekai Izakaya: Koto Aitheria no Izakaya Nobu (Isekai Izakaya: Nobu, the Japanese Pub in the Ancient City of Aitheria), or just Izakaya Nobu, functions similarly. This show is about Nobuyuki Yazawa, a Kyoto-based bar owner, and his waitress Shinobu Senke, who end up serving the residents of Aitheria, a singular city in another world. Not only does it have a fixed geographical setting, but an Izakaya is basically a Japanese bar. That combination puts this title's menu somewhat distinct from the previous example. Each food must complement beers here! 🧆🍻 

The final mention completely removes the Isekai concept. Nonetheless, I won't disagree if anyone states Rokuhou-dou Yotsuiro Biyori (Rokuhou-dou: A Pleasant Day in Four Colors) feels a bit Isekai. The architectural style of the traditional Japanese tea house/café, surrounded by those enchanting bamboo trees, gives a somewhat mystical vibe. It's as if it transports customers into ancient Japan. 🍣🎑

In this show, four dashing men (including one Italian barista) manage the business. The unofficial leader is Kyousui Tougoku, a cat fanatic. Kyousui quit his prestigious job to run the shop his late grandfather had left him. 🐈☕️

(Source: TV Anime Rokuhou-dou Yotsuiro Biyori)

Besides those, there are other shows with unique, even niche themes, that involve food as well. While I haven't seen some of them for various reasons, they have amassed a strong fanbase. 

Chuuka Ichiban (Cooking Master Boy) takes place in 19th-century China, centering on Mao, who travels around the country to become a Super Chef. That setting pretty much explains what kind of cuisine this series explores. Piace: Watashi no Italian (Piacevole! My Italian Cooking) is a series of shorts about a part-time waiter at Trattoria Festa, an obvious Italian restaurant. 🥡🍝

If the real world seems too basic, Toriko is undeniably a bolder, braver shounen-styled version of Tonsuki. The show explores its infamous titular character's journey to find ingredients in an outlandish era called the Gourmet Age. Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan (Today's Menu for the Emiya Family) is a slice-of-life spinoff of Fate/stay night. It focuses on Shirou Emiya, who buys groceries and prepares meals for the other characters. 🥩🥘

On that note, fancy more homemade dishes? Cooking Papa and Amaama to Inazuma (Sweetness and Lightning) are good options. The former is an old-school title showcasing Kazumi Araiwa's passionate effort to cook for his journalist wife and their son. Meanwhile, the latter tells a single father, Kouhei Inuzuka, who must raise his daughter Tsumugi. Nutritional troubles prompt Inuzuka to ask his student, Kotori Iida, to help them cook. There's also Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san (Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House). It's a story from the perspective of Kiyo Nozuki, an aspiring maiko who ends up as a live-in cook in a maiko house instead. 🥪⛩

Futari Solo Camp, currently airing, is predominantly an animated camping guide. Even so, one of the two leads, Shizuku Kusano, is a chef. Preparing food was how she somehow infiltrated a camping session of a solitary camper, Gen Kinokura. Eventually, they formed The Odd Couple combo. Yuru Camp (Laid-Back Camp) is similar, but as a group setting. Craving bread or pastry instead? Yakitate!! Japan, Yumeiro Pâtissière (Yumeiro Patissiere), and Bonjour♪Koiaji Pâtisserie (Bonjour♪Sweet Love Patisserie) may satiate that palate. 🏕🍞

Message in a Main Course

Indeed, there's more to those titles than just cooking or food. Anime, like any other storytelling-based entertainment, threads through tropes. Both definitions of the word, in fact! ✌🏻😉

(Source: Oregon State University School of Writing, Literature and Film)

Over-the-top Food Glorification, as described earlier, is a trope. Characters that are Bad Female Cook, Lethal Chef, or Chef of Iron? Those are also familiar tropes we can often see. 🤪👀

Focus on food flourishes across and beyond the genre itself. Even anime titles that aren't food-related give extra attention to the presentation of meals. Take a look at One Piece and see how drool-worthy Sanji's cooking can be. An episode of Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu (A Mangaka's Weirdly Wonderful Workplace) used a neatly presented Nasi Goreng to explain how a manga cover designer works. Not that it's weird, though. Food is an art form of its own, and anime is, well, art. They are two peas in a pod. 🥗🖼

If we analyse that angle even further, one may also argue that the general cooking or gourmet genre itself is a recurring pattern that people feel familiarity with. Hence, a trope! In this case, the genre is embracing the second definition: "a figure of speech, a metaphor." 🗣🌬

(Source: Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu. Episode 8)

The more fascinating part is that, in anime, food serves more than just for sustenance. Meals often function as a plot tool. Behind the scenes, the writers and artists of these titles have already demonstrated their ability to weave, mix, and match food/cooking with another genre. The result is a mash-up of minced magnificence. Thanks to that, the cuisines presented aren't simply a random accessory. But they feed into a storytelling factor in each episode. They symbolize and represent emotions, growth, and even strength. 🌼💪

Kakuriyo makes good use of this method. It may be a supernatural romance drama. However, home cooking simmers as a vital ingredient. That's how Aoi could find her place, power, and purpose in a realm so foreign and fearsome to her. Seeing her meals open hearts and reconnect broken bonds is addictively endearing. Even when the animation quality was arguably so-so, GONZO never failed to make the meals look fine. 🤓🤤

The currently airing Season 2, Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Ni, rolls into a more complicated political territory. But it maintains food as the heart, while expanding beyond the Japanese scope of Oden, Temari Sushi, and the ever-picturesque Washoku. As Aoi travels to other unseen regions in the realm, she fittingly introduces more Western tastes, such as hamburgers, unique delicacies like Borscht, and even sweets like Macarons. There's a new rival character specializing in Wagashi, too. Sure, incorporating food mission doesn't always blend seamlessly. Its assurance that a good meal can break the ice is as charming as ever, though. 😌🍙

(Source: Kakuriyo Ni Episode 1)

At face value, Tonsuki itself is an action-comedy RPG. Think a fusion of Pokémon and, perhaps, Octopath Traveler? But considering Mukouda, just like Aoi, is a human trapped in another world, anything he cooks grants an exclusive power boost to the natives of another world. 🌏🌚

Currently airing its second season as well, Tonsuki enters a glow-up stage where Mukouda raises his cooking level by using ovens and grills. The opening sequence hints that he may soon add seafood to the tray, too! As a character, he's growing and gaining new skills, much like his ever-gluttonous familiars. 🔥✨

Unlike Kakuriyo, the philosophical resonance of food may not be as profound in Tonsuki. Then again, his meticulous meals have helped broaden his network, attracting familiars and friends alike. More importantly, it proves his underestimated skill is an asset all along. I personally would NEVER mind having his convenient skill! 🤑💰

Speaking of skill, while fiery gourmet competition titles like Ajikko and Food Wars teach their audience about perseverance and confidence, series like IseShoku and Izakaya Nobu take food or drinks to a gentle, social angle. They've transformed into a melting pot of tropes where customers of various stereotypes meet and mingle over memorable meals. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🤝👭

(Source: Anime Supreme)

Dragons of all colors? A legendary samurai and hardworking reptilian village leader? Royalties from a desert kingdom and a group of pixies? IseShoku doesn't discriminate against anyone and welcomes all. 🐉👳🏽

Each guest comes in with a usually predictable backstory. In the episodes, the curious customers find cozy comfort once they enter the elusive door and let their guard down inside the restaurant. Sometimes they run into kindred spirits who share a love for specific meals. Regardless of their differences, they dine and interact heartily. We live in an era when petty, pointless reasons tend to divide humanity. So, seeing unity perseveres in IseShoku or Izakaya Nobu is inspiring. 😌💞

Rokuhou-dou, Bartender: Kami no Glass (Bartender: Glass of God, a second adaptation after Bartender), and, to a lesser extent, Shirokuma Café, take that influence more personally. These serve as the classic iyashikei presentation. The featured cuisine generally brings clarity, if not peace of mind, to the troubled customers. Dining there allows them to let go of their worries and leave the establishment as a stronger individual. That give-and-take equally affects the main characters. And the "healed" customer usually returns with more people who need a similar release. 🍷💙

Series like Rokuhou-dou aren't flashy or extravagant in any way. The calm and mature vibe may not be everyone's cup of tea. Quite literally, as the lead, Kyousui cannot even cook, and only knows how to brew tea! But that teahouse tenderness sure touches my old soul's, uhm, soul. It sends a mindful message that can be uplifting to those who can relate. 🍵🧡

Much like my past family experience, good food brings people together. These titles remarkably remind me of that warmth. Like a gentle "It'll be all right" hug. 🤗💛

(Source: Anime Supreme)

Delicate but Delightful like a Dessert

And that's one of the (but not the only) appetizing appeals that make anime a delight. Or, should I say, one of the many possible answers to my opening question? 📜😉

Anime offers a variety of unexpected flavors through the genres. Even the cooking/gourmet side, as already served above, is chock-full of menu items that please distinct demographics. Every season sees the release of continuations and new titles, often making it hard to keep up. 📋👀

The fairest comparison I could think of is: anime is a regular TV drama delivered in animated format. In the sense that not all will please one's preference. Generally, though, a title or two would work well enough to capture our attention. There's one for everyone. Before we know it, we're already watching the entire first season and are currently halfway through season 2! 😂🧏🏻‍♂️

Moreover, gourmet is simply one genre. Don't get me started on sports-themed anime! I mean, seriously, please don't, because it's not a personal favorite! I wouldn't know what to say! Hahaha. For every long-running mainstream action title like Naruto or Dragon Ball, there's a diverse representation of other fields. Swimming, diving, cycling, or marathon? Anime titles exploring those stories exist. Rom-coms or just slapstick comedies featuring a range of convoluted circumstances? The list for that one is abundant. Horror, fantasy, psychology, parody? A show about a dictionary even exists! 👻🏊🏻‍♀️👍🏻

But please don't feel that's too much on the plate. Culinary aficionados may find the titles I've mentioned here serving as a quick start. Perhaps they might surprise with their complex storytelling or pleasing visuals. Or, they can inspire ideas for the cooking lab. 🤭👌

And if I may, I suggest watching those cooking anime while eating something. Sometimes, the vivid visuals will make a simple jam sandwich feel more delectable than it should! 😝🥪

Well, I hope this post hasn't been a mouthful. Here's a cherry on top, just in case. 🍨🍒😉 

(Source: Crunchyroll)

Fluent as an Owl

Somehow, I think anyone can already guess what this post will be about. The keywords "fluent" and "owl" probably gave it away. It would've been even more on-the-nose had I typed "green owl." Hahaha! 🦉 😂🦉

I must admit one thing. The first draft of this post started as a Fool's Errand entry detailing a flashback of my foray into the language-learning app, Duolingo. However, the fact that I've reached more than 1,300 days in the app only means the foolish attempt no longer feels as foolish. Am I right? Thus, it no longer feels appropriate to be in the same category. 🤔

That initial draft was planned to go up more than five months ago. In mid-May, specifically. Sadly, my health went downhill, which led to a long period of recuperation. But why May, one might ask? Well, there were a couple of reasons. Besides being inspired by a video (which I will share below), some unpleasant news made me want to write about this famous linguistic app. As of the time of this writing, that development may not be as fresh. Still, I've decided to build on the draft and turn it into this opinion piece anyway. 😅

Of course, it would be remiss of me not to share my history with Duolingo first. How could I comment, analyze, or perhaps criticize it if I have zero experience with it in the first place? I'm aware that ODD BEHAVIOR seems to be the trend in recent years. People complaining and saying bad things about a topic or product at face value has become the new norm. No, that's not how I roll. My opinion would only feel valid, at the very least to myself, if it’s supported with actual research and experience. 😌🙆🏻‍♂️

So, let's rewind the clock for a bit. My memory may be a bit fuzzy with the details. But I'll do my best to keep it accurate and short.

(Source: Duolingo)

One Flew Over the Curious' Nest

As everyone knows, the world paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My primary job was already happening from home at the time. Therefore, the lockdown didn't quite affect my daily routine. 💻⏳

That said, there was a sudden absence of outdoor escapades I could previously do as I pleased. Strict stay-at-home mandates and all! It opened up my schedule to add an extra task. Learning that people used that window to pursue new academic degrees or other online activities/courses from home intrigued me. Even so, I was (and am) not in a place of privilege where a big financial decision like that could happen with a magical wink. My option was any service that didn't require excessive spending. 📚💸

Besides, my main goal was to challenge myself. “Can I stay loyal and diligent with something that doesn't cost a dime?” Oh, and also, something that's not a GAME! Hahahaha (despite the waning interest, 9 years in Pokémon GO speaks volumes, huh?). That's how Duolingo flew into my radar with its promise of FREE lessons. 📱👀💵

Funnily, it took me around another entire year to finally step into it. During the consideration stage, I kept going back and forth, pondering which language I should choose. English was never considered due to a rather conceited confidence that "I think I'm doing okay in it already." Not that it's the reality, if I'm being fair. Japanese? I had learned it already, albeit only on an entertainment level. German or Dutch? Both were great choices, especially the latter, thanks to my parents' Dutch-influenced upbringing. My Filipino pen pal then suggested Spanish, stating that the language is widely used in many countries, from Spain to Argentina. 🌍🌎

(Source: Thalia)

He made a really great point! Even if not as prominent as in the Philippines and its colonial history, Spanish is a familiar language in my country. Growing up, telenovelas were no strangers on my TV. And the stations never dub the theme songs, keeping them exactly as the original versions. ¿Creo que en todos los espectáculos, no? At the time, I was on a streak of viewing Spanish-language shows and movies as well. Moreover, much like Japanese, the pronunciation (phonetics, phonology, and phonemic orthography) doesn't require excessive adaptation from my mother tongue. 😃👂🏻

And so, in January 2022, I made my official debut in the app. When this post goes up, I should've reached my 1393-day streak. The actual number may be more, considering I've used Streak Freeze several times when my health prevented me from opening the app. But yeah, almost 4 years! Not bad, huh? 😉🤭

(Source: Duolingo App)

The Good to Hoot

Has the progress been worth the time and effort, though? That's likely the biggest question about Duolingo as a service. After all, Duolingo isn't the only language-learning platform in the virtual space. Besides other global and country-specific alternatives, non-digital methods of language studies are also available in various centers, offering experience with native coaches. 😲👱🏼‍♀️👨

I find it somewhat hard to answer that question because it inevitably cannot be objective. Frankly speaking, though? Duolingo certainly has its charms and addictive side, though it's nowhere near perfect for my taste. Let's focus on the technical for now. 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

(Source: Duolingo App)

Arguably, by design, Duolingo gamifies language learning by making the process feel less like a strict or rigid classroom. Early on, the app relies on common words and daily sentences that give a casual touch. It then repeats the same lines— sometimes exactly, sometimes with a change in delivery or a flipped scenario. Generally, we fill in the blanks with the missing words or verbally say them to the microphone. Later on, we translate those same sentences again, either within the same level or as part of a future review. By the time we reach that point, the app expects us to have memorized it already. 😅

Learners go through each Level, consisting of 1 to 6 Lessons. The Lessons cover the four core language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. A group of Levels completes a Unit. Every one or two Units, the app boosts the Language Score. The Score is a new feature debuting early this year, available once Learners clear a certain number of Units. 🏃🏻🎯

Accumulated XP (Experience Points) can eventually be used to purchase items in the Shop. Each day, Learners receive three Quests to clear. The points from those then build up to a Monthly Badge, which serves as a milestone and collectible bragging rights. Achievement Medals? Yep, those, too! It really does play out like a game. 🃏🖥

Social interactions add to the process. If that's not obvious enough, the nonstop ads promoting the paid Family Plan (which doesn't really require actual family members) will! Each week, Learners engage in a Friends Quest to tackle a shared task. Friends Streak, a newly added feature, allows learners to enlist up to five close friends to have mutual encouragement to learn together. I'm grateful to have found good, diligent friends to handle this. Alas, there's a caveat to this social aspect. More on that later. 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻👫🏻

As part of the larger community, the weekly Leaderboard randomly puts up to 30 learners to compete for ranks in a gem-named League. Diamond, the highest rank of all, then has a Tournament Mode that filters top-learners and pits them to win more prizes besides bragging rights. Again, Duolingo treats study progress like a fun game, either solo, with friends, or among other learners. 💎💯🥇

Have I mentioned the app has colorful and diverse characters that guide learners through their lessons? 😂

(Source: Fans of Duolingo)

Boo-hoo, Señor Buho!

Roughly one year after entering the Duolingo circle, the app greeted me with some surprising news. Two learners, Amanda Lopez and Rob Ciesielski, met on the app as fellow learners around 2021. Eventually, they interacted off-app, became a couple, and tied the knot in January 2023! I suppose I was too focused on my lessons and collecting Top-3 Finisher Streak that I didn't realize that was possible. People had photo profiles and could exchange messages on the app after all. Hahahaha. 💍💒

Yet, merely five months later, Duolingo introduced a new Avatar feature that somehow prevented, if not outright canceled, more potential romance stories. The Avatar turns learners into an animated character, eliminating their previous profile photos. Of course, it's still possible for friends to extend their interaction beyond the learning app and see how each other looks in real life. But love at first sight may be a bit harder to accomplish now. 😒🤡

Besides, posting comments has also been moderated. I've repeatedly experienced my comments on friends’ successes vanishing for no clear reason. Speaking of, the Friend Streak bit I mentioned above is great on paper. But guess what? The harmless reminder we can send them may sound rude and passive-aggressive! I've been in a situation where one friend apologized to me nonstop, saying sorry for making me angry. That incident left me puzzled until I realized the cause. All I did was push a Nudge button, yet it triggered Duolingo to send an angry reminder. 🔉😱

Simply put, the social aspect is nice. But the execution can be confusing. Whoever decided that's a good thing to do? 😟

THAT's my recurring issue with Duolingo, really. Its team behind it likes to make changes, but also questionable decisions. Updating software is nothing new, and as an app, Duolingo does that too. Some changes are good. Even Duo, the mascot, didn't look as cute as we know now. Then again, not every update sparks supportive reactions. Around November 2022, for example, the team altered the tree-like lesson structure into a path-sequence format. While it didn't bother me as much, the shift did alienate older learners who had already established a learning style in the tree approach. 🚷😤

Such an adverse reaction is understandable. The recent July 2025 update is a good example that hit me personally. The team decided to eliminate the Heart system and turn it into Energy. Megan Ellis of Android Authority explains how the new system works. In summary, though, it's all about monetization. 🤑

I'm not surprised that Ellis and a horde of others are feeling uneasy, if not strongly, about this. At first, it also seemed harmless to me. Yet, over time, the Energy system has slowly discouraged me from doing and completing any actual lessons. Going through the lessons becomes so unpleasant that I definitely won't achieve my monthly goal of increasing my Spanish Score by one. 😔

Before, I could clear 10 to 20 lessons per day simply by trying to land a perfect score. After all, the Heart system only requires a refill by watching ads once a Learner depletes it completely. That means, the Hearts can last numerous Lessons by being careful enough. With the Energy system? I tested this last night and noticed that 25 Energy per day only lasts for 3 Lessons, assuming the Learner doesn't make many mistakes. Afterward, we have to recharge by watching several ads, which, in my case, breaks the rhythm of learning for too long. 🥱🙄

I may be wrong, but the Energy system seems to encourage Free learners to watch more ads if they want to learn more in a day. Or, to cave in and upgrade to Super Duolingo, which rewards Unlimited Energy. Can you guess where I’m heading with this? Yeah, this change feels implicitly ANTI-Free users. I won't be surprised if Duolingo eventually turns into a fully paid app and is no longer available for Free. The updated official term used on its webpages has changed to "Free to install" anyway. 😐

There's a bigger issue at hand, of course. Content creator Evan Edinger shared in the video below five months ago. It served as the reason the draft of this post came to be. The video was a response to the startling news that Duolingo was turning into an AI-first company. 🤖😨

(Source: Evan Edinger)

Much like Edinger's stance on AI, I'm neither a proponent nor a detractor of the service. Similarly, despite my fewer years of experience in the app compared to him, I could sense the small changes that he mentioned. The overall goal of this "AI-First" move seems, once again, to be profit. Luis von Ahn, the CEO and co-founder, has even patted himself on the back through the company's news page, saying, 

"Developing our first 100 courses took about 12 years, and now, in about a year, we’re able to create and launch nearly 150 new courses. This is a great example of how generative AI can directly benefit our learners."

Yikes! Sorry to admit, but reading von Ahn’s words about that "150 new courses in a year" only raises my concern. I'm not averse to them using AI. But relying too much on AI means losing the human touch. And language, as far as I know, is a deeply human thing that thrives on voice and emotion. No matter how much AI can replicate it to "look like" one, there's always a missing human factor in it. Loads of em dashes instead! 😖🙅🏻‍♂️

(Source: Duolingo App)

Is Migration Truly Mandatory?

Okay, let's not go into the AI argument altogether. As a learning app, the most important goal for Duolingo to achieve is really just one. To motivate people to learn. Using that benchmark, has it soared high or ruffled a few (green) feathers? Hmmm... 🤔

From a personal standpoint, it's yet another case of “it depends.” On the one hand, I do sense benefits from taking the lessons. Even so, I'm still wondering if I have gotten better, or at least made any real progress. This sentiment applies not just to Spanish, my main Course, but the other three that I added after: Dutch, which has been the most inactive; Japanese, the third language, driven by my curiosity about how high my previous autodidact process would score; and the newest addition, Music. 🎼🎹

(Source: Duolingo)

Music is not really completely new in Duolingo. It has been around since October 2023. That said, international users like me could only start using it around March. In a way, I was a bit late getting into the groove. Heck, I even wanted to use that for a separate Fool's Errand post earlier this year. 😅🎶

Honestly, I enjoyed it during the early Units. Now? Not so much. 😟

Maybe it's my phone that cannot support the lesson smoothly? I've been experiencing weird tempo lags that easily fail me every time I start a new song. It makes me question whether my understanding of rhythm and how to keep up with a song's tempo is awkwardly awful. After all, the notes I play tend to receive the LATE, TOO SLOW, TOO FAST, and other discouraging remarks. But when I replay the level, the sound I hear on my earphones no longer comes too early or too late. My timing was good all along. 🎧😑

Sadly, such a dubious doubt lingers on, as I still can't tell if my music skills have improved or not. Does the course jump too quickly to sharp notes without clearly explaining what they represent? Are the modern pop songs (which exist mainly to promote Super Duolingo) even helping with the practice? 😩😵

(Source: Duolingo App)

The same applies to the language Courses, too. In an earlier video this year, Evan Edinger shared his experience after reaching a 2000-day streak on the Spanish Course. What he said, once again, struck a chord. And not the Duolingo's delayed one! 😲

I can relate to what Edinger stated early on about the state of his Spanish skills at that point. "Can I understand this sentence? 100%. Could I communicate this way?" He then summed up, "I can have practical conversations, but I'm still far from native fluency." 😳👍🏻

To Edinger, it's an honest impression. To me? It's more like a frustration that I've shared with my Spanish-speaking pen pals. I want to be able to use Spanish to actually communicate with them in their language. For now, I can read and understand the gist of Spanish texts quite well. The same applies, though less confidently, for hearing dialogues in Spanish. But writing, more so speaking? My mind just checks out. 😫🤯

The fact that I still need to rely on ChatGPT to translate my letters definitely negates that target. And don't get me started on the different vocabulary used by different countries. Perhaps after a 600-day streak from now, once I'm around Edinger's current progress, that nagging doubt might "feel" different? 🤦🏻‍♂️

My sentiment, which is in line with Edinger's, isn't even new. Other videos online echo similar reactions that the language skills they build with Duolingo "don't sound natural." Oh, goodness me! It's never a personal issue all along! 😅

This is even more apparent in non-mainstream languages, such as Japanese or Mandarin. As Edinger pointed out, Courses for English, Spanish, French, and German have always had better content. It makes sense, considering Duolingo is based in the US, geographically closer to those languages. That’s why Japanese-native content creators, like Let's Ask Shogo, are shaking, if not scratching their heads, seeing the Duolingo Course's content and choice of words. Even during my Japanese lesson, I've consulted with my brother, who has an academic background in Japanese, several times about lines that simply sound... off. 😶

Without trying to discourage fellow Learners, it's a bitter truth we must accept. If we are truly serious about mastering a foreign language, Duolingo alone is NOT enough. Duolingo's accessibility and availability aspects are convenient, yes, especially for those who don't mind the repeated ads popping up after each lesson. That's how we "pay" for the service, making it seem "free." Unfortunately, to reach a more advanced stage, to sound natural? Duolingo may not have what it takes. We may need to migrate to warmer grounds to further expand our horizons and escape the stagnant chills. 🕊🦢

(Source: Duolingo App)

Doesn't Take a Duo

Why not just ditch Duolingo completely, then? Well, yes, that option is on the table. 😁

Nevertheless, to be fair, the app does implement handy features that motivate the learning experience. In his video, Shogo praised the Daily Streak approach. He does have a valid point, as that gentle push may inspire Learners to take at least one lesson regularly. While not every change applied to Duolingo is pleasant, some may work brilliantly to suit one's needs. The app’s attempt to diversify content and keep it exciting is admirable. I mean, they just released a short anime adaptation, for crying out loud! 😱

(Source: Duolingo App)

The Japanese Course, for example, has underwhelming Listening Lessons so far. The separate kana and kanji practice tab, on the other hand? It is delightfully helpful for non-native speakers like me who have limited exposure to the language's writing system and even orthography. I found myself breezing through basic Hiragana reading tests, having done regular kana reading and stroke practices on Duolingo. 📝🖌

No doubt, the risk of burnout will continue to loom large anyway. That happens to anything in life, naturally. It's easy to stumble upon comments on social media expressing how tedious and repetitive the Duolingo experience can be. Contrary to the playful animation below, no passive-aggressive notification or enraged-looking Duo on the app Icon could fix that! 😅 

(Source: Duolingo)

Ultimately, it all comes back to personal learning style and goal. The challenge, as Edinger pointed out through his video, is making it a habit. "It's that hard part of starting," he emphasized. "Just start a little bit, you'll find yourself learning a bit more," he shared his approach. Consistency is the keyword.

Learners just need to discover what inspires them to keep going. Code-switching may not be advisable. However, to some people, including yours truly, it does help to stay active in the app. Moving from Spanish to Japanese, then to Music the next day, adds variety and dispels fatigue to my learning process. Although that may explain why my Spanish is still far from sub-par, at least I'm sensing a slight growth in my Japanese character reading now. 🤓

Maybe it's the Leaderboard Leagues feature that can act as a key driving force? I've seen people who have become hell-bent on winning by any means necessary. Even my diligent, high-scoring Japanese friend was surprised to see others skyrocketing with thousands of XP above her. Still, if that method works for them, then why not? 🤷🏻‍♂️

To me, the Leagues no longer become a priority. Trying to maintain a Top 3 streak dragged me to massive exhaustion instead. I soon realized it distracted me from the actual learning goal while speeding up my burnout. So, much to my Duolingo friend's robust ribbing, I've switched my mindset and am now content in progressing Super Slowly (like Snail-level slow) in the less-demanding Obsidian League. Black is more of my color anyway. 🐌🐌🐌🎱

(Source: Duolingo)

For AI believers? There's also the new Duolingo MAX version that comes with AI support. It's certainly catering to those demographics, yes. Yet again, upgrading to Super or Max depends on the Learner's situation. If they have more free time to learn and use the app, and have reaped actual benefits from its lesson style? Then upgrading will streamline the process. The same goes if machine interaction feels like a safer or more comfortable option than talking with a live tutor. 📱💻

Personally speaking, learning from a native speaker teacher, either in real life or an online course, may be a wiser choice for my money. Especially if the cost falls within a similar range. The interaction may help improve some key skills, such as speaking and communication, that Duolingo lacks. As I wrote earlier, that kind of human touch could never be replaced. 👨🏼‍🏫👫🏻

Another effective alternative? If the resource is available, learn it where the language is needed on a daily basis! Being in an environment that "forces" us to apply and practice the language usually helps a lot. My aunt had no prior knowledge of Hokkien Chinese growing up. Her marriage to my Malaysian Chinese uncle changed that. Now, it feels like Hokkien has always been her natural speech. My former Korean American colleague? He always interacted with his neighbors and local people, and now sounds flawless conversing in this city’s regional dialect. Using the language in real life is the surefire way to master it. 😏☺️

(Source: Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 10, Hulu, 20th Television)

***

Languages will always fascinate me. Even if many of them are not so simple to study (looking at you, French and Mandarin!), they continue to remind me that the world is vast, diverse, and rich in unique colors. It’s a firm nudge that there are many things I don't know! With that in mind, I will keep learning (as long as Duolingo remains "free" in some ways, or via other tools) and exploring them all. 😀

Achieving language fluency is a continuous process, and I may not get there as quickly as I hope. But at least I can take pride in knowing one fact. Unlike the real, bold-feathered Buho, this bilingual Bo-hoy has more to hoot beyond "Who...? Who...! Whoooooo?!" 🦉😝🦉

(Source: Duolingo)

Or, "WA-BING, WA-BING, WA-BING-BING-DIIIIING." 😂