59 years ago today, the Japanese swooped down on Pearl Harbor and kicked the stuffing out of our snoozing troops; we retaliated by introducing them to the H-Bomb. It was then that our resourceful neighbors to the west decided to kick our ass again and again in every possible commercial endeavor, including animation. In honor of Pearl Harbor's anniversary, here are some Japanese cartoons that knock us silly. (NOTE: Whenever possible, watch these on DVD or subtitled tapes for best results.)

Serial Experiments Lain 1-4 (1998)-- A vision of post-cold-war computer paranoia, as poor little Lain is sucked into a cyberworld where she rules hackers and slackers with an iron fist. An arty-farty, weird, and wired fantasy.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (various volumes, 1999)--Another technological future gone awry. #1 son Shinji is forced by his over-bearing father to pilot the giant, robotic Evangelion against monster machines bent on crushing all flesh.

My Neighbor Totoro (1993)--A cute one to cleanse your palate. Master director Hayao Miyazaki's expertly translated film follows two children into the forest, where they meet the mysterious, giant furball Totoro and make fast, adorable friends.

Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Rose Collection (1997)--No one bends gender like Asian men. Pink-haired femme Utena wears boy clothes and desires to be a prince someday. When she stumbles into a secret society, she wins the Rose Bride all for herself. Then things start to get kooky!

Fushigi Yêgi, The Mysterious Play: Suzaku Box (1995)--More escapism, and a little bit more transvestitism. Miaka puts off exams with a good fantasy book, but it sucks her into the story--literally! And of course, it's up to Miaka to save the day as all the guys vie for her eternal love.