Music Jan 6, 2023
J-pop vocalist Chara is ready to bloom again
Taking her cue from an ancient blossom, the singer returns with her new single, “A·O·U.”
Digital | 2022 in Review Dec 29, 2022
Kizuna AI's departure marked a new era for virtual stars in 2022
Fans were shocked when the pioneering digital character stepped down in February, but virtual YouTubers are still proving to be one of Japan's strongest pop culture exports.
TV | 2022 in Review Dec 24, 2022
Everything old became new again on streaming platforms in 2022
This year, programming typically associated with traditional broadcasting — variety shows, dramas and anime — flourished on streaming platforms.
Music | 2022 in Review Dec 23, 2022
The big J-pop hits of 2022? They came from TikTok and anime.
Acts such as Kaze Fujii and Sekai No Owari found success via viral trends, while artists like Ado and Aimer topped the charts thanks to anime collaborations.
Music Dec 15, 2022
Phung Khanh Linh and artists abroad get creative with city pop palette
In 2022, the world tuned in to the glitzy sounds of Japan's bubble era more than ever before. For musicians outside of Japan, their appreciation of the genre goes beyond nostalgia.
Digital Dec 10, 2022
YouTubers eye online success with renewed Japan travels
As incoming influencers revisit tried and true topics now that the government has eased border restrictions, some are taking this inclination to cater to viewers to extremes.
Books Dec 5, 2022
Forget 'Cool Japan,' just make it your Japan
'Cool Japan' ambassador and critic Benjamin Boas reimagines efforts to promote the nation's brand abroad in his new book, “From ‘Cool Japan’ to ‘Your Japan.’”
Digital Nov 28, 2022
Chuhai Labs takes a democratic approach to running its game studio
A former Nintendo employee takes what he learned from the gaming behemoth and aims to improve upon it at his own game studio.
Digital Nov 18, 2022
Celebrities give a needed boost to Japan’s podcast industry
Companies are putting in greater efforts to make the podcast medium mainstream by teaming up with high-profile names such as Hideo Kojima to drive a shift in listener interest.
Entertainment News Nov 16, 2022
The return of K-pop and a cartoon cameo dot this year's 'Kohaku' lineup
The 73rd edition of NHK's annual musical extravaganza will see domestic acts such as Ryokuoushoku Shakai, Aimer, Be:First and JO1, as well as South Korean groups, take the stage.