Culture Apr 14, 2023
Disney super fans keep the magic alive in Japan
As Tokyo Disneyland marks its 40th anniversary, influencers such as Christopher Nilghe and Yoshika Yoshida celebrate on social media.
Music / New releases Apr 11, 2023
Babymetal loses its edge on ‘The Other One’
In striving for lyrical maturity and leaving behind its quirky energy, Babymetal’s fourth full-length is well crafted but lacks anything that makes the heavy metal J-pop group stand out.
Music Apr 4, 2023
Artists worldwide join J-pop luminaries in mourning Ryuichi Sakamoto
Artists such as Towa Tei, "Suga" from BTS and Flying Lotus take to social media to express sadness and recount fond memories of the late musician.
Music Apr 3, 2023
Ryuichi Sakamoto, trailblazing musician and film composer, dies at 71
Ryuichi Sakamoto, an award-winning composer and member of pioneering electronic act Yellow Magic Orchestra, has died. He was 71 years old.
Food & Drink Apr 2, 2023
Lucky Pierrot’s anti-McDonald's approach makes it a Hakodate treasure
With an eclectic menu, eccentric decor and 35 years under its belt, Lucky Pierrot is a fixture of southern Hokkaido comfort food.
Music Apr 1, 2023
Planck Stars take their shenanigans on the road
The joke's on the naysayers: The idol-pop band of pranksters goes global with a world tour.
Music Mar 24, 2023
Le Makeup gives himself a sonic glow up on 'Odorata'
The Kansai-based artist digs deep on his latest album, using sensory details as the backdrop for his self-reflection and exploring new sounds through rap collaborations.
Digital | Japan Pulse Mar 23, 2023
Tokyo gets on board the virtual YouTuber hype train
The local government's move to recruit Gawr Gura, Mori Calliope and Miko Sakura to help promote tourism speaks to just how big the VTuber industry has become in Japan.
DEEP DIVE Mar 15, 2023
Haruki Murakami’s new novel. Plus, allegations resurface in J-pop.
Celebrated author Haruki Murakami reveals the title to a new novel, “The City and its Uncertain Walls.” Also, the BBC puts out a documentary on J-pop titan Johnny Kitagawa.
TV Mar 4, 2023
'Aggretsuko' swansong urges youth to rage
The Netflix show's fifth and final season turns its attention from workday dilemmas to death-metal outbursts aimed at the political state of modern Japan.