Alyssa I. Smith - The Japan Times

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Alyssa I. Smith

For Alyssa I. Smith's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

CULTURE / CULTURE NOTES

Oct 17, 2019

Japan's 'Beyonce' makes her mark, as the nation's influencers are revealed

With a list of the top social media influencers in Japan having been released, it appears Cool Japan is making its mark on pop culture in the country

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Oct 11, 2019

Ep: 18 'Bros Before Hoes'

"Terrace House" served up two shockers this week: the sudden disappearance of Shohei and an unexpected crash course in the mantra of immature idiots, "Bros before hoes."

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Oct 4, 2019

Ep. 17 'This is Not a Place to Slack'

The latest episode of "Terrace House" was like a cup of hot cocoa: sweet, heartwarming and the perfect thing to lull me into a peaceful frame of mind.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle

Oct 3, 2019

Tokyo International Film Festival to celebrate homegrown talent

The 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival kicks off on Oct. 28, and promises a celebration of local talent alongside its program of interntional films

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Sep 27, 2019

Let's talk about the best dates on 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' so far

While we not-so-patiently wait for the next episode of "Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020" to become available, we decided to pass the time by listing some of the best date locations the housemates have ventured to so far. From gardens to fireworks shows to golf, here are our top spots from the first 16 episodes.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES

Sep 22, 2019

'I stuck out more in Japan than in America'

Illustrator Christine Mari Inzer used her talent for drawing as a way to process identity in her homeland.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Sep 13, 2019

Ep. 15 'A Man's Worth is Determined by His Job'

Now that we have said arrivederci to Kenny and Risako, it's time to say buongiorno to two new members of "Terrace House," an Italian manga artist and a young romantic with a leather cap.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Aug 30, 2019

Ep. 13 'All or Nothing'

Welcome to Part 2 of "Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020"!! Taking Sho-chan's place in the commentators' lounge for this episode is Rui Hachimura of the NBA Washington Wizards, which left everyone visibly shook. It turns out Hachimura is a super fan of "Terrace House." He's rejected every offer for TV appearances that have come his way, but he leapt at the chance to dish some snark with our favorite panel.

Japan Times

LIFE / Travel / A Weekend In

Aug 9, 2019

A Weekend in Yokohama: The instant attraction of Tokyo's neighbor

Get your fill in Yokohama, home to Chinatown and Cup Noodles.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Aug 9, 2019

Ep. 11 'Broccoli Pasta, Carbonara Style'

There wasn't all that much love triangle drama this week and I am so okay with that. Instead, we got an eyeful of Shohei, Kaori dealing with a mini existential crisis and the appearance of an advice-dispensing silver fox.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Jul 31, 2019

Fuji Rock '19: Janelle Monae, Vince Staples and Khruangbin lift soggy spirits

As the Green Stage went dark for Sia's Saturday night performance at this year's Fuji Rock, the downpour that had started around noon had already stolen the night.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jul 26, 2019

Ep. 9 'Girlfight'

If Episode 8 was like a long-lost episode of "Friends," then Episode 9 was straight out of "Gossip Girl." Did anyone else get stressed out watching Risako and Haruka go for each other's throats? I felt like I needed a stiff drink to recover and I have to wonder if we'll be getting our first departure from the house before long.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Stage

Jul 11, 2019

What's in a name? Ask Ichikawa Ebizo, a kabuki scion

When it comes to kabuki, there are few names as recognizable as Ichikawa Ebizo. A member of the illustrious Ichikawa kabuki family, Ebizo has been a mainstay of Japanese traditional theater since his stage debut in "The Tale of Genji" in 1983 at the age of 5. Since then, he has performed at home and abroad, and has starred in TV programs and films.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jul 5, 2019

Ep. 6 'The Grass is Greener on the Other Side'

Just as the viewership began preparing for a love triangle between Haruka, Risako and Ruka, the gang started playing romantic musical chairs. When all was said and done, Haruka and Risako found themselves in competition once more, just over a different boy.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Jun 20, 2019

Embracing life and death at Reborn-Art Festival

The date March 11, 2011, carries a lot of weight in Japan. When the magnitude 9 Great East Japan Earthquake rocked the Tohoku region in the northeast of the country, it devastated the landscape and altered the lives of residents. And now, eight years since the disaster, Takeshi Kobayashi is dedicated to bringing life, in many senses of the word, back to the affected area.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jun 7, 2019

Ep. 4 'I Want to Be a Hero'

Drama has come to "Terrace House" and we have Risako and Ruka to thank.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jun 4, 2019

Ep. 2 'Tempura Incident'

Based on the title alone, my expectations going into episode two of "Terrace House" — titled "Tempura Incident" — were high. Viewers of the “Boys & Girls in the City” season are sure to remember the infamous “meat incident” of 2016 where the housemates ate a roommate’s special beef without saving him a piece. Would we be so lucky this early in the season to see the housemates embroiled in a similarly dramatic affair?

Japan Times

LIFE / Travel / A Weekend In

May 11, 2019

A weekend in Kobe: Beyond the beef, beyond the quake

Kobe — the cosmopolitan capital of Hyogo Prefecture with a population of 1.5 million — has a rich history as one of Japan's most important ports for foreign trade, and international influences are evident in everything from its architecture and design to its food and fashion.

Japan Times

LIFE / Travel / A Weekend In

Mar 8, 2019

A weekend in Osaka: A sensory feast in the nation's kitchen

Osaka will host four games for the Rugby World Cup at its Hanazono Rugby Stadium. Check out our guide to the city to find out what to do when you're in Osaka for the weekend.

Japan Times

CULTURE

Dec 6, 2018

Counting down to the Year of the Boar: Festivals, foxes and fireworks welcome 2019 in Tokyo

With the end of the year drawing closer, the pressure is on to figure out how to greet the Year of the Boar. If the dwindling number of viewers staying in to watch NHK's annual music showcase "Kohaku Uta Gassen" is any indication, more and more people in the Kanto region are choosing to head out for less traditional celebrations. There are plenty of things going on to kiss 2018 goodbye and start 2019 off right, but be sure to make plans now because many of these events tend to sell out quickly.

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

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

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