As we head into December, expect every media outlet to bring closure to 2015 by presenting “the year in review” in some form or another. Far be it from this publication to buck that trend, I present to you the top cultural influences of the year as seen determined by the two younger Matsumotos. Just to clarify, not all of these influences are from the current year, but 2015 was the year they entered Ryan & Chase’s awareness.
Pokemon (Pocket Monsters/Trading Cards/TV Show, etc) – After a very Pokemon Christmas 2014, Ryan and Chase are all about “catching ‘em all.” We collected cards, read reference books, compared stats, and watched the animated series from the late 90s.
Just like in 1996, one kid brings cards to school and all of a sudden everyone needs the Pokemon three-ring binder with plastic sheets to protect Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Caterpie, et. al.
Kendama (wooden toy) – If you’re not familiar with this Japanese export, it is the enhanced version of the “ball and cup” toy. Through manipulating a wooden ball and handle attached by a nylon string, one can perform tricks such as small cup, lighthouse, and frying pan. After watching the older boys manipulate their kendamas at Little League, this toy became a must have. As a side note, by ordering these online via Amazon, Ryan is now aware of two-day shipping and how to track packages. It’s the little teachable moments you look for in life.
Roald Dahl (Children’s author) – Bedtime reading included Danny Champion of the World and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Moral of both stories; good things happen to poor English boys.
Newsies (film) – Newsies is a lesser known 1992 Disney movie about the New York City Newsboys Strike of 1899. It stars a young Christian Bale (I’m Batman) singing and dancing through this period piece musical. The infectious music and lyrics catch on in our house and Jenni and I are treated to musical performances. For extra comedy, Ryan’s really works on his working class, lower New York accent—“When did you become me mud-dath?”
Next Food Network Star (TV Show) – one of the few shows all four Matsumotos can stomach. During the last commercial break we debate who is going to be eliminated. While probably not in the mission statement of Food Network, the channel is an incredibly safe haven for family friendly programming. There’s very little adult language and the only victims of onscreen nudity and violence are chickens, lobsters and other things that wind up on the dinner plate. The boys also enjoy Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Worst Cooks in America.
Splatoon (video game) – Jenni has to travel for work for a week and diligent father that I am I take this opportunity to purchase a new Wii U game. Splatoon is a third person paintball shooter, in which the object is to cover the playing field with more paint of your color than the opponent’s color. Characters are squid-based humanoids that can swim in paint, but not water. What?
American Ninja Warrior (TV Show) – Physical acrobatic ability combined with competition makes for the perfect show for Chase. He knows the all players and which obstacles they were eliminated on. There’s primary colors, water, fire, smoke, and a loud buzzer—the embodiment of the children’s ideal recess playground. American Ninja Warrior (ANW) is based on a similar program in Japan called SASUKE. Between ANW, the Kendamas, and Pokemon, the boys are certainly getting back their Japanese heritage.
Dude Perfect (YouTube Channel) – Ryan’s two career ambitions are to appear on American Ninja Warrior and make trick shot videos.
Mario & Sonic (video game characters) – In 1981, the arcade game Donkey Kong introduced to Mario; Sonic the Hedgehog emerged ten years later. These characters have evolved way past corporate mascots. We’ve got toys, lunch boxes, backpacks, clothes, DVDs, and bed sheets. Ryan and Chase can speak knowledgeably about their respective universes. This cannon of video game knowledge is only reinforced by the movie Pixels. Personally, I think Nintendo’s long game would be to open an amusement park based on Mario and company. We’d be there.
That’s a wrap for 2015; on to 2016!
