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 Oscar Boyd

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Oscar Boyd
For Oscar Boyd's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 28, 2019
Episode 21: The death of Johnny Kitagawa, J-pop's puppet master
On this week's episode we discuss the life and recent death of Johnny Kitagawa, the secretive mega mogul behind some of Japan's biggest music acts.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Aug 21, 2019
It's time for Summer Sonic to think beyond the music
Summer Sonic 2019 featured the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sakanaction and Babymetal. With the music under its belt, what's next for the festival?
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Aug 15, 2019
Foals: Summer Sonic's storm before the calm
"My knees are fine, my knees are fine. Yeah, no problem there. I'm actually jumping off even higher things these days," says Yannis Philippakis, lead singer of the British band Foals.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 24, 2019
Episode 20: Fear and loathing on Mount Fuji
On this week's episode, Oscar Boyd takes Shaun McKenna to the top of Japan to see what it's like to climb the fabled Mount Fuji.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jul 19, 2019
Cinematically big in Japan: Where film crews lead, fans soon follow
A visit to a film location can add some movie magic to your Japan travels.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / A Weekend In
Jul 12, 2019
A weekend in Kamaishi and Iwate: Educate yourself in natural disaster
Of all the host venues of the Rugby World Cup, there are none with as tragic a recent past as the city of Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 10, 2019
Episode 19: Why is Japan whaling again?
Whalers are delighted by the policy shift, but many around the world have been left outraged and confused as to why Japan is so keen to continue its hunts. Staff writer Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 1, 2019
As Mount Fuji opens for business, brush up on your Japanese hiking terms
Make sure you know your 'chu014dju014d' from your 'fumoto,' and which trail is right for you on Japan's most famous landmark.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 29, 2019
Bio-S: The terroir of organic satoyama gastronomy
Bio-S is an architectural statement absolutely in tune with the natural landscape. Looking at it, you can't help but wonder how this exquisite restaurant came to exist in such a stunning, yet remote, location.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jun 26, 2019
Episode 18: Is the Japanese wolf really extinct?
The last confirmed sighting of the Japanese wolf was in 1905, but is it really extinct? The Japan Times' Alex Martin talks to Oscar Boyd about chasing down the story.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 21, 2019
Smoothie lovers rejoice, for Innocent smoothies will be launching in Japan this July
If there’s one thing I’ve missed since moving from the U.K. to Japan, it’s the taste of a good smoothie. So it was with an ecstatic yelp that I saw the news that Innocent will be launching a range of smoothies in Japan on Jul. 9, 2019.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jun 19, 2019
Episode 17: Hikikomori — Japan's missing million
Over 1 million people are thought to be hikikomori in Japan. Andrew McKirdy, who interviewed several recovering hikikomori, joins Oscar Boyd to discuss the issue.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jun 14, 2019
Starry-eyed and lost to the forests of Yakushima
The forests are what draw people to Yakushima, famous for inspiring the scenery of Studio Ghibli's 1997 film, 'Princess Mononoke.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / A Weekend In
Jun 7, 2019
A weekend in Kumamoto: In the land of the smoking volcano
Since 2016, Kumamoto has been associated more with the earthquake and aftershocks that damaged much of the city and prefecture than as a travel destination. Though reconstruction is complete in most areas, there is still evidence of damage, most notably to Kumamoto Castle, a prefectural icon whose walls...
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jun 5, 2019
Episode 16: Hiro Iwamoto — the blind man who sailed the Pacific
In April, Hiro Iwamoto became the first blind man to sail the Pacific nonstop. In this episode, Hiro and his crew mate, Doug Smith, join Oscar Boyd to talk about their voyage.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 1, 2019
68 restaurants awarded stars in inaugural Michelin Guide to Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures
On May 17, Michelin published the Michelin Guide Aichi-Gifu-Mie 2019, the company's inaugural guide to Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures in Japan's central Tokai region.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
May 31, 2019
How to climb Mount Fuji: A comprehensive guide
Not sure how to climb Mount Fuji, which route to take or what food or gear you need? Read our guide to the mountain to find out what you need to make a successful summer summit.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
May 22, 2019
Episode 15: Japan — climate change leader or lagger?
This week we discuss Japan and climate change, and whether Tokyo leads or lags on the issue ahead of the Group of 20 summit next month in Osaka, where it is likely to be at the top of the agenda.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
May 13, 2019
Episode 14: What's the deal with Terrace House?
Ahead of the new season of Terrace House — 'Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020' — Tom Hanaway and Patrick St. Michel join Oscar Boyd to discuss why the show has proved such a hit both here in Japan and internationally and what we might be able to expect from the upcoming season.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 25, 2019
Snarky Puppy lets Japanese fans sink their teeth into its new album 'Immigrance'
Snarky Puppy is back with a new album, 'Immigrance,' and is currently on a world tour. Bassist and band-leader Michael League talks to The Japan Times about Grammy success, why 'Immigrance' is likely to be the band's last studio album and what to expect next from the Pups.

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