great post on the ch13 situation- i've been super disappointed in the way a lot of the discussion has shaken out. very "tumblr reading comprehension".

as a side note the requirement for trans people in Japan to be sterile in order to receive legal recognition was recently declared unconstitutional (since you mentioned that in there)

Oh absolutely! I've been seeing a ton of that discourse and it's very disappointing to see that not everyone wants to accept there is nuance in this discussion.

That sterilization part was something I found out right before I posted my statement but ended up not adding in. It is still very telling that this is a recent thing and what it might develop into is yet to come.

Hot take but I think what we saw in chapter 13 was necessary.

I don't think a lot of people realize how important it is for Araki to portray what he did, even if it extremely difficult to take in. Let me explain.

Araki has discussed about topics like racial and class disparity through both Steel Ball Run and Jojolion, but JOJOLands is different because the discussions are now very direct. We had Chapter 1 open up with police brutality and Chapter 13 open with intense bullying; both acts were committed by people of higher social standing/power and seemingly White (or white passing) and both are harming a dark-skinned queer individual. Not only that, remember that Hawai'i is an island stolen and colonized by the US and many indigenous individuals who were supposed to live and maintain kapu are being forced to endure housing problems, loss of culture, etc. due to gentrification and exploitation of its lands. 2020 was when we saw global protest towards the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor due to police brutality, which has spread as far as Japan in terms of demonstrations and rallies. Araki has made it clear that he tries to take real world experience into his writing, and this is no different. He is also no stranger to portraying law enforcement throughout his parts without glorifying or downplaying their behavior.

As a mutual of mine (who themselves identify as a black GNC individual based in US) has put it, those who identify or even appear as Black while identifying as trans-femme or women are subjected to some of the worse kinds of oppression possible in America. Queer women of Color are one of the most susceptible to sexual violence-- especially when they are young, and the darkness of their skin really plays into it. This is transmisogynoir; it is a hard pill to swallow and acknowledge, even if it feels excessive, and its a multilayer of oppression that connects a person's racial identity, gender, and sexuality as targets of discrimination. It's the fact that one is POC, a woman, AND queer that makes one a target--- not just one or the other. You can’t turn a blind eye to this because it happen constantly throughout America's history and American society even today, but you can't simply water it down or downplay it. In fact, many victims of transmisogynoir have no choice but to downplay their experiences because of their Black identities or because they appear too dark to be taken seriously; when they, especially if they are Black, try to hold people in power accountable, these individuals are suddenly labeled aggressive, indignant, etc. and they are further discriminated for attempting to speak up. Dragona downplaying the bullying isn't them just trying to avoid further conflict but a reflection of how many who were in similar situations like Dragona are forced to simply forgive and forget the trauma they have to endure. To downplay it ourselves is reinforcing the narrative that individuals like Dragona in real life should remain silent and endure their harassment rather than rightfully protect themselves and others from it.

Another thing to add is that the way Japan portrays and treats the LGBTQ community, particularly the trans community. In Japan, the process to legally change your gender is complicated and requires a lot of steps that include, but not limited to, being diagnosed with gender identity disorder, proving you have no kids/guardianships, and sterilization. This causes a lot of individuals to be forced to quickly transition as a means of getting their gender recognized, which takes away the time to let them explore at their own pace, and this is due to how the process can lead to hindering career and life opportunities that wouldn't be hindered had they already transitioned or stayed closeted. Many Japanese trans individuals unable to go through the process quickly either remain closeted or move away from Japan to transition at their own pace. So, as a result, the trans community and its struggles is not as noticed compared to outside of Japan. Another thing to add is that the trans community in Japanese media is often portrayed as comedic relief or a gag. Oftentimes, the trans character or character who diverts from gender conformity (i.e cross-dressing, acting more flamboyant) is the butt of the jokes. Some thing to note is that, when Dragona was first introduced, a lot of people thought that Araki put Dragona in simply for comedic purposes. I had people joke about how Dragona is just there because they believed Araki is trolling. Not only that, the racial issues that Japan has often results in jokes towards non-Japanese individuals in media, especially if they are of darker skin color.

So, Araki putting Dragona in these difficult situations is also meant to subvert expectations that his Japanese, and possibly Western, audience may be expecting. The expectation was to laugh and toss Dragona aside as a single-dimensional character, but Araki instead forced us to face the trauma through Dragona's experience head-on. We are made aware of Dragona's situation, how real and difficult the struggle is, and we end up emphasizing with it rather than laughing at it. Through this, we get a glimpse into real life experiences of trans POCs without it being downplayed and have it show how Dragona is a fleshed-out character with importance to the series. As some have put it, this chapter proved that Dragona isn't just a side character but arguably a complex individual on the same level of importance as Jodio. I don't think it would have been easy to have the same impact if another approach was taken.

While talking to others who identify as trans and/or GNC about their thoughts on the chapter, I was told by many of them that, while Dragona's experience hits close to home and was hard to digest, they appreciate seeing it being expressed and hope it will help other people understand their struggles. One noted how the introduction of Smooth Operators with the backstory as empowering, seeing the Stand as a symbol of surviving the trauma that comes with trans discrimination. I do find this a bit telling with how many people online who are against Araki's portrayal barely mention what trans/GNC people have said about it.

My main concern, as well as what I see people have rightfully critiqued, is the excessive trauma reinforcing the fetishization and violent voyeurism towards trans individuals; it also reinforces the problematic narrative that dysmorphia can only happen as a result of trauma and the trans experience can only be full of pain. There's also the issue that Dragona's experience also happened while they were under age and their harassment is similar to that of Lucy. It's a common trope in Western media to put marginalized people into these situations while upping the ante simply for clicks and pleasure, and even worse when the character portrayed is a minor. As I reiterate, it is a very uncomfortable chapter to read and I don't find it enjoyable at the slightest. Just because I understand why it is necessary doesn't mean I condone the approach done. I also understand Araki as a Japanese man can only relate and portray a queer American's experience to an extent. But, at the same time, the exposure was necessary because it gives us the awareness and a voice to trans people that is lacking within media even today. We need to be aware and acknowledge what our BIPOC trans community goes through as a means of being better humans--- and especially our younger community members. We need to make our society safer for them so they can thrive and have the respect they deserve. Oftentimes, that starts with how they are portrayed and how their experiences are portrayed. While it is still a journey and not every representation will be perfect, we can't simply toss it aside and bash those who try to show something realistic just because it is uncomfortable.

I only hope that Araki wrote Dragona and these scenes as a result of doing extensive research and reaching out to actual POC queer individuals, particularly transfemmes/women, to understand their experiences and have their blessings to use their words to shape Dragona. I feel like that would show that Araki was serious about discussing these issues through his characters rather than simply using Dragona's traumatic experience it for entertainment. I have higher expectations for Araki now, knowing that it may not be the last time he shows a character experience harassment and possibly have Dragona be harassed again, so I will keep my eyes open for this.

hi!! im the anon who asked to use your music in a playlist! i thought maybe you'd wanna know how the slowed versions of the songs you made turned out in the playlist :> https://youtu.be/KLJwagDhAVY?si=a5Eo4qz-s7ib2npS

(also i saw the recent premieres!! they were really good as usual!!!)

ooooh they're slowed, this ought to be interesting!

Brass Catfish is an all-jellyfish big band ensemble, hailing from the same music conservatory as Ink Theory but becoming nowhere near as notable. But, as one ensemble member has stated, not all music needs to be notable. This has not stopped people from splatting each other senseless while it plays in the background.

(Oxygen Tank and its members belong to and were created by @twipsai. Used with permission — thanks for letting me borrow them!)

Retraction: We at Hikara Walker would like to apologize to Oxygen Tank and its fans for insinuating, due to insufficient research, that their origins lay in pirate radio. Unlicensed radio broadcasts, if set on frequencies close enough to licensed ones, can cause interference which screws with radio reception. This is prevalent in the Splatlands and has been known to disrupt Big Run early warning systems — infamously resulting in the sacking of Inkblot Art Academy during March of last year. Rather, Oxygen Tank aired their first performances over the Ethernet radio channels of the Deep Sea Metro before spreading their reach topside. These transmissions were inadvertently picked up by underground Octarian domes via faulty electronic cables, resulting in repetitious illegal broadcasting therein. If the heavenly melody of the Inkantation sparked the downfall of a regime, then others, including Oxygen Tank's Ral-Hula-Loo (first rec. Museum d'Alfonsino), served to fan the fire by complete happenstance. (Reportedly it's rather embarrassing for them and they'd rather not talk about it. But that's journalism, baby — eat our shorts.)

Hikara Walker, Mar. 122024 issue

(Sample source list can be found on my YouTube.)

(Oxygen Tank and all associated artwork belongs to and was created by @twipsai. Used with permission — thanks for letting me borrow them!)

Band: Oxygen Tank Single: Eat Shorts Kanabo Description: In stark contrast to the absurdity of the title — or in part because of it — this fresh-cooked shibooyah-kei tour de force succeeded, improbably, in propelling Oxygen Tank away from its beginnings in pirate radio into subtle mainstream recognition. The artist behind this unorthodox title, hailing from the Deep Sea, is "usually pretty chill" according to fellow bandmates, and contributes the distinct musical vibe from over there into Oxygen Tank's melting pot oeuvre. Perhaps it was in experimentally straying from that wheelhouse (with the support of said bandmates) in order to "say what needed to" that has made this fresh bop the default BGM of back alleys everywhere.

Hikara Walker, Feb. 122024 issue

(Sample source list can be found on my YouTube.)

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask, but would it be alright to put some of your songs (as well as slowed versions) into a splatoon playlist video on youtube?

if you'd like to know, what im hoping to put into the video is the brinewater springs theme + inkblot art academy theme (and if you'd also like to see when the playlist is posted, i can probably send a link!)

You needn't ask! Use however many songs you'd like!

this is an image of power

I don't know why the hell I haven't reblogged this already. This guy put my music in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk and I love it.

Three days down, four to go.

IMG: candid photo of Red Flare District's (alleged) bassist, Deryn Doe. Wanted for illegal data brokering as of 09/10/122023.

Excerpt from interview with two three members of Red Flare District, Inkopolis News Network; 6 September 122023:

------

Q: So, i take it the band's second single was composed and arranged primarily by... Haddock, was it? Hiddock (he/him), guitarist: Hiddock. Deryn (presumed she/her), bassist: [incoherent] St. Tuna Piano (he/him), frontman & drummer: Yeah, no input from me at all, man. Real inspiring stuff. Shame Petr coul'n't sing vocals again. Q: ... What was the reason this time? St. Tuna Piano: Cuz 'e choked on a bell pepper, that's wot. Irrevokably out o' commission. Deryn: [incoherent] Hiddock: Truth be told, I was initially inspired after our day trip to Um'ami — er, before it flooded last week, that is — but it wasn't until Shipshape Cargo Co. broke into the whole Turf War shtick that this idea just... arose through spontaneous generation; Squid Athena being birthed, fully formed, from her own skull. I mean, like, this new battleground floats through the remains of the polar ice caps — in essence, the impetus of both humanity's extinction and the Great Turf War, now used for a mundane cargo route and commercialized inkspewing. Don't you think that's oddly messed up? Q: Couldn't say. Anyway: there seems to be some degree of curiousity regarding a sample used around the one-minute mark. Any remarks? Hiddock: From a demo tape we found. Lost media; fit the theme. You wouldn't believe if we told you how we got it. Deryn: [fervent babble; no less comprensible] Q: I... don't believe she was even invited to this interview. How, uh... why is your bassist present? Hiddock: Well, "present" isn't... the word I would use. She's here, certainly. St. Tuna Piano: She comes n' goes as she pleases. Sorry if she touches anythin', 'er hands get all sticky. Q: Yes, but where did she come from? St. Tuna Piano: Same place anyone does, I 'xpect. Hiddock: Under a bridge. St. Tuna Piano (abruptly): Don't worry about it. We, eh, take care of her. Or somethin'.

------.

(sample source list can be found on my Youtube)

Your big homie art has Homestuck vibes

Huh. So it does.

"The Big Homie"

footloose

/ˈfo͝otˌlo͞os/, adj.

1. able to travel freely and do as one pleases, not confined by responsibilities. 2. (colloq.) living large and dangerously. 3. what these things will do to you once they bite your legs.

The newest track recovered from Dedf1sh's catalogue, written chronologically somewhere between #35 caught and Hummusman's #39 caffeine. Perfect for listening to when running for your life.

(Extended version and sample source list can be found on my YouTube.)

Album cover art by @neozoid, now that I've finally tracked it down.

IMG: at approx. 10:11 AM, Bluefin security feed picked up strange percussive audio, as though someone was frantically beatboxing directly into a cam mic in order to record it. Investigation ongoing.

“Status update: So, like, Red Flare District isn't doing too hot these days. Turns out the homeless bassist we found under a bridge was wanted for wanted for illegal data brokering, stole all our CD-ROMs and weedkiller and #$@%* bailed.” ... “Yeah, who'da thunk? And our frontman St. Tuna Piano is also wanted 'cuz apparently he, er, knew? The whole time?” ... ”Well, he's the frontman now. Was, at least. You missed a lot, Petr.” ... ”Anyway, he's holed up at a shack in Bluefin Depot and can't get away on account of all the commercialized inkspewing in the area. That's him beatboxing in the clip. Send help.”

— Hiddock, guitarist for Red Flare District, in a correspondence with band vocalist Petr following the latter's recovery from choking on a really, really spicy bell pepper.

Unfortunately, Petr was then swept up in the shopping frenzy of the Barnacle & Dime Big Run and has not been seen since. We fear he has been purchased by salmonid for ₡850.

(Extension and sample source list can be found on my YouTube)

...Apparently, everyone's been waiting on this one!

It's an excellent question! And I spent a long time agonizing over it. I mentioned on stream that I was heartbroken someone came up with "Mime Marx" before me. How DO you worsen Marx when he's already crazy, scheming, and randomly violent? The answer?

...You make him LAZY too.

Skirby: "Maybe we could wish on Galactic Nova...?" Narx: "Have a blast. Lemme know if you manage to find it."

Oh, he's still dastardly intelligent and loves chaos. But ambitious? Pfft! Why waste his time setting the world on fire when everyone else is doing it for him? He's maintained a friendship with Shadow Kirby in this world, because betrayal is work, but he's no hero.

He's Nero playing the fiddle while Mirror Dream Land burns.

you really can just blaze anything

yo @bagea is this close to what you were looking for?

HIIII i completely forgot that you had a tumblr, long time fan of your splatoon music. i was thinking that a part of a song sample that you could use in one of your side order songs was the part in "Dial M17" by DOB (Date Of Birth) specifically around (1:52 - 2:14) where the vocals are just minced enough to not be deciphered has pure english/Japanese. as well as the music being pretty obscure and mixed with some splatoon-ifying stuff it could make a pretty convincing part in a splatoon song (and stated earlier i was thinking it could "hypothetically" be used in one of those enemy rush segments with the weird fish stuff) (and as well as the weird monster movie dramatic sounds used across the song sounds just like some mashed up in game splatoon song)(and the fact that the song is kinda fast-paced)

(link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Li3Pmv-Cs

That is an utterly fantastic suggestion. I now know what I'll next be toying around with. Holy shit, thank you.