Change always accompanies the New Year, whether it's that pesky task of writing the correct year on those overdue checks, or New Year's resolutions you may or might not keep. Well The Anime Beat is no different. That's right folks, I'm continuously expanding this little dog and pony show!

While anime reviews (the essential origin of this blog column with AWN) will continue to pervade the scene, I will now incorporate manga reviews and news, more gaming, live-action Japanese film in general, more interviews, and at least one feature per month on whatever topic tickles my fancy.

Yes, The Anime Beat is still centered on the anime world and its related tangents. But I would like this blog to embrace Japanese and Asian pop culture more broadly, and definitely more interactive with fans, cosplayers, J-rockers, writers, artists (including you unsung code writers), fashionistas, and the hardcore otaku that are inextricably linked to those two large categories.

Two topics coming soon: anime dating sims and the unique Japanese phenomenon known as hentai.

Hmm, talk about a tickle!