Name
Jeff Lawson (ジュフローソン)

Location
Denver, Colorado, USA

Born
July, 1978

Favorite Anime
Maison Ikkoku, Cardcaptor Sakura, Patlabor, Aria

Other favorites
Ai Yori Aoshi, Angelic Layer, Battle Athletes, Comic Party, Figure 17, Full Moon wo Sagashite, Fruits Basket, GTO, Honey & Clover, Ichigo Mashimaro, Kaleido Star, Kanon, Kodomo no Omocha, Magic User’s Club, Maria-sama ga Miteru, Planetes, Stellvia, To Heart, You’re Under Arrest

My Story

Like a lot of American fans, I got my first taste of anime as a child in the ’80s, watching classics like Space Battleship Yamato and Robotech every day after school. It wasn’t until college, however, that I “discovered” anime for good, thanks to the show that “launched a thousand otaku”, Neon Genesis Evangelion. From there on, my story is like most every other fan’s: no turning back.

Oddly enough, I developed an interest in modern Japanese culture before discovering anime. No doubt, that interest has helped to fuel my obsession with anime - both then and now. It’s also perhaps the reason why I enjoy slice-of-life anime so much; the more “Japanese” a show, the better. I’m still an American through and through, but I can’t deny my fascination with the Japanese “way of life” - both in stereotype and reality.

There’s more to anime than slice-of-life, however. I have a soft spot for old shoujo series - light on the roses, heavy on the melodrama - and delight in simple romantic comedies. Seinen shows, however, comprise the bulk of my anime diet. I’m a guy, after all.

I can never really decide if anime is mere simple entertainment or something deserving of more serious mental investment. I suppose it’s just a hobby like any other. When I’m not watching anime, I like to devote my time to photography and the great outdoors. There’s more to life than Japanese cartoons.

But, hey… my life is richer for them nonetheless.

My Background

I was born in Iowa, but grew up near Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations, I split my time between the corn fields of Nebraska and the crowded streets of Tokyo, eventually landing in bright and beautiful Northern Colorado. Currently, I work in the space industry.

Who knows where I’ll end up next?

About the Site

Hop Step Jump! was launched in early 2006, following the closure of Nowhere Anime Blog.

Whereas Nowhere focused on episode-by-episode commentary and reviews, the mission of Hop Step Jump! is… well, I’m still trying to figure that out! This is very much my personal playground - a place where I can geek out about anime all I want, speak my mind, and, for all basic purposes, be a fan. My only goal, really, is to have fun doing whatever it is I end up doing. Hopefully, you can share in that fun as well.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me via e-mail. Please note that I don’t participate in link exchanges. Also, please do not contact me with with requests to market your anime related products.