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Matt Schley
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Oct 9, 2019
'Her Blue Sky': Testing the limits of a successful formula
The latest film from Tatsuyuki Nagai, Mari Okada and Masayoshi Tanaka sees a return to the city of Chichibu, but can the success of the trio's previous productions be repeated?
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Sep 18, 2019
'Hello World': Kyoto as you've never seen it before
Tomohiko Ito's anime feature 'Hello World' sees the breaking down of the borders between present and future, and the perils and pitfalls of comupter-generated worlds
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle
Sep 5, 2019
Giving anime strength overseas
The Crunchyroll Expo in California sees Japanese animation enthusiasts gather to meet their heroes and embrace all aspects of anime fandom.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Aug 28, 2019
'Ni no Kuni': Two worlds but little life to be found
Two things about "Ni no Kuni." 1) It features a protagonist who uses a wheelchair, an admirable display of diversity and inclusion in a medium that rarely features characters with disabilities. 2) There isn't much else to like about the film.
CULTURE
Aug 13, 2019
Remembering the staff of Kyoto Animation
Almost a month after the main studio of Kyoto Animation was set on fire, killing 35 and injuring many more, details of the victims are still emerging after police released the names of 10 workers on Aug. 2.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Aug 8, 2019
Shoji Kawamori: 40 years spent designing an anime future
If you've watched any robot anime in the past 40 years, there's a decent chance Shoji Kawamori had a hand in it.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jul 27, 2019
Makoto Shinkai isn't afraid of a bit of rain in the pursuit of his art
It has been raining for weeks, but director Makoto Shinkai doesn't seem to mind a bit.
CULTURE
Jul 20, 2019
Kyoto Animation: A unique force in Japan's anime industry
It took Kyoto Animation Co. almost 40 years to establish itself as one of the leading animation production studios in the country.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jul 10, 2019
'Five Million Dollar Life': Assessing the value of a single life
The weight of expectations — from family, friends, community — can be tough on any young person. Now imagine those people once paid $5 million to save your life.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jun 19, 2019
'Ride Your Wave': Love, loss, the sea and a surfboard
Since his theatrical debut "Mind Game" (2004), director Masaaki Yuasa has been known for warped, psychedelic films and TV series that stretch the limits of the imagination. Over the past few years, though, Yuasa has signaled an interest in making more accessible films. The culmination of those efforts,...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle
Jun 13, 2019
'Akira' is all set for its Hollywood remake
Like it or not, Hollywood's "Akira" is finally happening.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jun 11, 2019
Breaking down the barriers of animation with Hiroyuki Imaishi
One does not tune into an anime directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi for subtlety.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle
Jun 5, 2019
'Children of the Sea': Diving deep into animated beauty
"Children of the Sea" has achieved the impossible.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 29, 2019
'Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine's Lie': A classic anime franchise goes back to basics
Last month, Japan lost a cultural giant. April 11 saw the passing of Kazuhiko Kato — better known by the pen name Monkey Punch — the creator of "Lupin the Third." The manga, about a playboy thief descended from fictional French gentleman thief Arsene Lupin, debuted in 1967 and has been a pop-culture...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 15, 2019
'Promare': A burning need for rage control
Ever been so angry you felt like you were going to explode? In "Promare," the new anime film from studios Trigger and Xflag, that's no metaphor. The story goes that when the members of a certain segment of the population get mad enough, flames burst from their bodies, leading to fiery death and destruction....
Japan Times
CULTURE
May 8, 2019
Younger animators still struggling amid anime boom
By all outward appearances, Japan's animation industry is thriving. A recent report by The Association for Japanese Animations indicates the industry's worth as a whole topped over ¥2 trillion in 2017 — a new record. International streaming services like Netflix and Crunchyroll have begun producing...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Apr 24, 2019
'The Wonderland': Surface-level charm, but no true wonder
"The Wonderland," the new film from director Keiichi Hara ("Miss Hokusai"), certainly has the building blocks of something wondrous: a skilled director, top production values, and a story by beloved children's author Sachiko Kashiwaba.
CULTURE / Film / Heisei Icons,Heisei Icons
Apr 19, 2019
Hayao Miyazaki: Universally acclaimed weaver of unforgettable anime worlds
Animators and live-action filmmakers around the world acknowledge his influence. His talents have even been described by fans as “godlike.”
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Mar 20, 2019
'Shinjuku Tiger': A story of one man and his mask
Spend enough time on the streets of Shinjuku, and you'll eventually spot a flamboyantly dressed figure in a tiger mask carrying fake flowers, stuffed animals and a boombox. This is Shinjuku Tiger, the subject of a documentary of the same name out this week.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle
Feb 21, 2019
Fans: Don't worry about a live-action 'Your Name.' remake; 'Alita' shows it can be done
It was the groan heard 'round the internet. Back in September 2017, J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions announced it had picked up the live-action rights to 2016 anime megahit "Your Name." Reaction from anime fans online was not exactly positive.

Longform

People in cities across Japan will pop into their local convenience store for any number of products they believe will help them with a night of drinking.
Hangover cures are everywhere in Japan — but do they work?