Even the people in the afterlife agonize over what to give for traditional midsummer gifts. What is Buddha going to get...? And is the most popular manga in the Heavens, Enlighten Yourself! Ananda going to end?! Jesus is speechless at the reasoning behind it! Between the pitiable demon Mara, the trickster god Loki, and the old friends and disciples of Buddha's, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, we've got a wild and eccentric cast in this one!

Buddha the Enlightened One, Jesus the Son of God. After successfully bringing the previous century to a close, the two are currently sharing an apartment in Tachikawa as they enjoy a vacation down on Earth. Buddha pinches pennies like the typical neighborhood housewife, while Jesus makes lots of impulse buys. Read about the saintliest duo's days in Tachikawa. And at last, Jesus's bodyguards the Archangels are unveiled. And Brahma with his deep, dark eyebrows disrupts the calm in Buddha's heart!

The divine live among us...in a flat in western Tokyo! After centuries of hard work, Jesus and Buddha take a break from their heavenly duties to relax among the people of Japan, and their adventures in this lighthearted buddy comedy are sure to bring mirth and merriment to all! Buddha the Enlightened One and Jesus, Son of God have successfully brought the 20th century to a close, and after a few millennia of guiding humanity to salvation, these two sacred ones are in need of some rest and relaxation. They decide to share an apartment on Earth in Tokyo, but living among mortals in the 21st century is no cakewalk for the saintly duo... They may find it difficult to navigate modern Japanese living, but Jesus' carefree attitude along with Buddha's domestic qualities and maybe a few divine interventions will surely allow them to enjoy their new lives with peace and love.

Buddha, the Enlightened One, Jesus, the Son of God. Our favorite odd couple partake in more modern customs such as bowling, musical concerts, and get-ripped-quick exercise schemes. Most exciting of all, however, is their first vacation-within-a-vacation, to the subtropical paradise of Okinawa, where they'll snorkel, stay in a fancy hotel, and see some of the local wildlife—if they don't get stuck in the Okinawan afterlife first!

Manga and anime (illustrated serial novels and animated films) are highly influential Japanese entertainment media that boast tremendous domestic consumption as well as worldwide distribution and an international audience. Drawing on Tradition examines religious aspects of the culture of manga and anime production and consumption through a methodological synthesis of narrative and visual analysis, history, and ethnography. Rather than merely describing the incidence of religions such as Buddhism or Shinto in these media, Jolyon Baraka Thomas shows that authors and audiences create and re-create “religious frames of mind” through their imaginative and ritualized interactions with illustrated worlds. Manga and anime therefore not only contribute to familiarity with traditional religious doctrines and imagery, but also allow authors, directors, and audiences to modify and elaborate upon such traditional tropes, sometimes creating hitherto unforeseen religious ideas and practices. The book takes play seriously by highlighting these recursive relationships between recreation and religion, emphasizing throughout the double sense of play as entertainment and play as adulteration (i.e., the whimsical or parodic representation of religious figures, doctrines, and imagery). Building on recent developments in academic studies of manga and anime—as well as on recent advances in the study of religion as related to art and film—Thomas demonstrates that the specific aesthetic qualities and industrial dispositions of manga and anime invite practices of rendition and reception that can and do influence the ways that religious institutions and lay authors have attempted to captivate new audiences. Drawing on Tradition will appeal to both the dilettante and the specialist: Fans and self-professed otaku will find an engaging academic perspective on often overlooked facets of the media and culture of manga and anime, while scholars and students of religion will discover a fresh approach to the complicated relationships between religion and visual media, religion and quotidian practice, and the putative differences between “traditional” and “new” religions.

Unconsciously pinning against walls, trying out new looks at the salon, and buying fashionable new furniture at Ikea--and yet our saintly pair is as far from being happening as ever. Keep your eyes peeled for the first appearance of the trickster god Loki!

The ultimate combination of God and Buddha lead a divinely-inspired life that might just be a little too humble. Setsubun, Hinamatsuri, pollen allergies, upgrading phone models, even appearing on the radio... Jesus and Buddha's familiarity with the lower world is reaching extreme levels!! Including a special bonus story where the fisherman brothers, Peter and Andrew, are almost entirely useless.

Snack your way through the colorful world of anime with over sixty delicious dessert recipes inspired by your favorite Japanese animated shows and movies. The world of anime comes to life in your kitchen with this adorable cookbook featuring over sixty recipes for desserts and treats inspired by the unique culture and motifs of this iconic Japanese art form. Recipes include traditional Japanese favorites (such as taiyaki and melon pan), memorable dishes depicted in popular shows (such as Rare Cheesecake from Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card and Hishi Mochi from Shirokuma Cafe), and foods inspired by classic anime tropes and imagery (such as Valentine’s Day Chocolates and Christmas Cake). Fans will be delighted to create and savor sweets and pastries featured in their beloved shows, as well as learning about the origins of these iconic confections. Featuring gorgeous food photography, Oishisou!! The Ultimate Anime Dessert Cookbook is the perfect gift for foodies, lovers of Japanese culture, and anime fans everywhere. 60+ RECIPES: Dozens of recipes for delicious desserts and pastries featured in a wide variety of anime series, all drawn directly from the unique confectionary cultures of Japanese festivals, bakeries, candy shops, cafes, and more! AUTHENTIC ANIME INSPIRATION: Learn to make the same mouth watering treats enjoyed by fan-favorite characters in some of your favorite Japanese animated shows and films. FOR BEGINNERS AND BEYOND: Easy-to-follow instructions make it simple for chefs of every skill level to make anime-inspired sweets. FILLED WITH GORGEOUS PHOTOS: Oishisou!! (pronounced "OH-ee-she-so") means “That looks tasty!” The stunning photos throughout this cookbook celebrate the artistry of these recipes, highlighting unique treats and sweets that look absolutely delicious. PERFECT GIFT FOR ANIME AND MANGA FANS: Oishisou!! The Ultimate Anime Dessert Cookbook is a fantastic gift for anime and manga enthusiasts, as well as fans of Japanese-inspired pastries and sweets.