Shawn Despres - The Japan Times

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Shawn Despres

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Shawn Despres

Shawn Despres has been contributing to the Japan Times’ music page since 2005, and he has a passion for writing about the independent music scene in East Asia. He spent several years living in Yokohama and currently resides in Seoul.

For Shawn Despres's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

CULTURE / Music

Jan 20, 2006

Don Matsuo "O-re-ha-si-na-i-yo?"

Over a trippy, electronic beat on the title song, Don Matsuo sings "nobody knows my mind inside." The line speaks volumes about a musician who's spent the last decade, both in the Zoobombs and now as a solo artist, continually revamping his acclaimed music and songwriting process.

CULTURE / Music

Jan 6, 2006

Mono/World's End Girlfriend: "Palmless Prayer/ Mass Murder Refrain"

Since their inceptions, Japan's Mono and World's End Girlfriend have created moving, cinematic songs. Although their approaches differ -- Mono tends to fall into the realms of crashing post-rock while WED's music has a slightly more electronic and symphonic feel -- both craft mesmerizing, epic soundscapes that have floored listeners internationally with their power and beauty.

CULTURE / Music

Dec 9, 2005

Talib Kweli: "Right About Now"

Despite heaps of praise for his groups Black Star and Reflection Eternal, and for his solo work, mainstream fame has eluded Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli. Considered one of the best albums in American underground hip-hop, 2004's "The Beautiful Struggle" saw him making a run at the big time; sounding forced and out of place, though, the results were mediocre at best.

CULTURE / Music

Dec 2, 2005

The Roots: "Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide to Understanding The Roots, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2"

Over the last 13 years, The Roots have accomplished something few urban acts have -- making loyal fans of people who don't listen to hip hop. Using live instrumentation to craft their organic groove-based anthems, the Philadelphia crew has won over lovers of rock, blues, jazz and pop without losing the rap community's respect. Such crossover appeal has allowed the act to flourish.

CULTURE / Music

Nov 18, 2005

Lightning Bolt: "Hypermagic Mountain"

"2morrow Morrow Land," the brilliant lead-off cut on Lightning Bolt's new album "Hypermagic Mountain," starts as the calm before a mighty storm -- a calm obliterated 15 seconds in when a bolt of musical lightning is hurled through your speakers with a chaotic fury.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Nov 4, 2005

(International) Noise Conspiracy: "Armed Love"

After two acclaimed full-lengths, (International) Noise Conspiracy decided their politically driven anthems would have a better chance to "Smash It Up" by signing with Warner Bros. imprint American Recordings. Compromising their beliefs by working for a multinational conglomerate hasn't benefited the Swedish communists yet, as their new bosses shelved their third album for over a year. "Armed Love" plays out exactly like you'd expect a major-label debut to -- the production is slick and although the music is solid, it doesn't stray too far from the band's previous energetic, '60s garage rock and punk sounds.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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