Music Jan 14, 2022

What can we expect from J-pop in 2022?

Ditch the downer sounds of 2021 for brighter bops, Shibuya-kei and breakout hits via TikTok.

TV Jan 8, 2022

‘Aggretsuko’ digs into toxic work culture and self-worth

The newly released fourth season of "Aggretsuko" digs into some truly bleak storylines about the realities of work, but still finds a way to humanize even its most unlikeable characters.

TV Dec 30, 2021

New Year's TV sees us spoiled for choice

Japanese broadcast television’s slate of new year programming features star-studded blowouts that offer the perfect dose of moderately entertaining content as we head into 2022.

TV Dec 25, 2021

Fairy tale fantasies meet reality on ‘The Future Diary’ and ‘The Bachelor Japan’

Whether you're in the mood for a love story with a melodramatic touch or some messier romantic competition, streaming services have you covered.

TV Dec 25, 2021

Johnny's pop stars get pumped for 'Sasuke'

Members from Snow Man, A.B.C-Z, 7 Men Samurai and Shonen Ninja take on the ultimate physical challenge.

Music | Music Dec 24, 2021

Escapist bops and deep pop: Music was a mood in 2021

After a year in which Japan's music industry had to make its peace with streaming, this year saw more of the holdouts get on board with the times.

National / Media | Japan Pulse Dec 19, 2021

YouTuber gets hit with copyright claims, but is it Toei who’s out of line?

While companies have a right to protect their intellectual property, they should still realize the media landscape is changing.

Music Dec 3, 2021

JO1 to the world: A new stage for J-pop

The 11-member act signals the rise of reality TV talent competitions geared toward the social media age.

TV | Wide Angle Nov 27, 2021

Live-action 'Cowboy Bebop' shows the limitations of Netflix's originality

Netflix's adaptation of a beloved anime series has been met with groans, but the recent South Korean hit “Squid Game” demonstrates how anime can in fact be brought to life successfully.

TV Nov 19, 2021

Yoasobi, NiziU, BiSH and Kat-Tun to sing in the new year on 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'

According to NHK’s official site, this year’s theme is “Colorful” to represent the program’s mission to bring “color” to the lives of people during COVID-19 and highlight Japan’s diversity.