Psst: Reki-jo might be headed our way

With all the trend-trading that goes on between Japan and the United States, reki-jo may be heading our way. Reki-jo, aka "history girls," are young women who are history buffs, often forming groups around their favorite eras, becoming battle-reenactment fans and sometimes dressing the part. Instead of pop idols' faces, they put the crest of their favorite military commander on their cell-phone screens. An outgrowth of comics and video game culture, the reki-jo are basically equal-opportunity nerds, embracing the same sorts of fantasies that their male classmates have about manga girls. But in this variation on the old schoolgirl crush, the girls are crushing on historical heroes and learning something in the process. Come on, American girls -- be the first to rock that Gettysburg Address ringtone.