Otaku Host Club

*Audio updated 01/16/26Gather around, folks — we’re ringing in the New Year by diving headfirst into Gachiakuta, one of the freshest and filthiest takes on the battle shōnen formula in years. From trash-fueled powers to raw, angry energy, this series turns society’s throwaways into weapons. We break down what works, what surprises us, and whether Gachiakuta has what it takes to stand out in an already crowded shōnen landscape.

Continuing the conversation from our previous episodes, we’re discussing a little-known experimental short film by Koji Morimoto and Studio 4°C called Noiseman Sound Insect. It’s a dystopian, futuristic story about oppression and the power of the individual, packed into a 15-minute chaotic hovercraft ride. We’ve been exploring cult creators and directors, anthologies, and niche genre exercises, and this anime weaves a tight web right into our discussion.Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram @otakuhostclub#otakuhostclub #otakuhostclubpodcast #animepodcast #animereview #animediscussion #animememe

This week, we crack open Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1995 anthology masterpiece Memories as our exploration of anime’s most fascinating cult directors rolls on.

If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have completely missed the new adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 17–21 / 22–26, recently published by VIZ. In this episode, we dive into Fujimoto’s early, chaotic, and wildly imaginative storytelling—the raw creative groundwork laid long before Chainsaw Man made him a global sensation. Join us as we explore the adolescent mind of a creator on the cusp of redefining modern manga.

In this episode of The Otaku Hostclub Podcast, we dive into the world of cult anime directors—the rule-breakers, the visionaries, and the creators whose bold ideas earned them fiercely loyal followings. From surreal experiments to underappreciated gems, we explore what makes a director “cult” and why their work still shapes anime today.