Commentary / World Jan 24, 2021
Asia’s movie rebound is good news for everyone
by Adam Minter
In the absence of Hollywood fare, "The Eight Hundred,” a Chinese war epic, became the world’s top-grossing movie with a $460 million take.
Commentary / World Jan 23, 2021
Netflix gets to say 'I told you so,' for now
by Tara Lachapelle
The firm's strategy of spending heaps of borrowed money to produce future programming left it remarkably and uniquely prepared for the COVID-19 crisis.
People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Jul 27, 2019
Yumi Nagashima: Keeping the funny side up
by Kaori Shoji
Vancouver comedian subverts the demure Japanese woman stereotype.
National Nov 14, 2018
Talent agency managing K-pop group BTS apologizes over A-bomb T-shirt
The talent agency that represents K-pop group BTS on Tuesday apologized over one of its members wearing an offensive T-shirt that depicted an atomic bomb exploding over Japan, and other members having earlier worn hats that carried the Nazi guard insignia. In a statement, agency ...
People | 20 QUESTIONS Sep 22, 2018
Patrick Behuhuma: Looking to the future of Africa and Japan
by Claire Williamson
A love of samurai movies brought business analyst Behumuma to Japan, but a love of Africa and promoting its culture has kept him here.
Asia Pacific | FOCUS Apr 1, 2018
K-pop stars turn diplomatic envoys with concert dates in North Korea
by Sohee Kim and Kanga Kong
They won over buttoned-up investors at a banking conference with their jingles about teenage love, but the K-pop girl band Red Velvet is about to face what may be its toughest audience yet: North Korea. The chart-topping starlets will perform Sunday with 10 other South ...
Entertainment News Mar 4, 2018
Satire 'Get Out' earns top honor at Independent Spirit Awards
"Get Out," a horror thriller that examines U.S. race relations, won the top honor at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, independent film's biggest prize and the final awards ceremony ahead of the Oscars. Jordan Peele, a comedian who wrote and directed the film, also ...
National Jan 11, 2018
Time-honored Showa Era club in Ginza closes after a nine-decade run
by Alex K.T. Martin
A time-honored night club considered one of the symbols of Tokyo's upscale Ginza shopping district closed its doors Wednesday after a nearly nine-decade run. The Shiroibara (White Rose) cabaret, which opened in 1931, had been known for its vintage charm, attracting both longtime regulars and ...
National Dec 28, 2017
Antitrust watchdog panel report may pave way for smoother transfers of celebrities and athletes
A draft report by Japan’s antitrust watchdog panel says excessive restrictions on artists in exclusive arrangements with entertainment agencies, and athletes, violate the antitrust law.
Our Lives | BLACK EYE Nov 29, 2017
The consummation of cool is a funny business for comedian Ike Nwala
by Baye McNeil
Turn on the TV in Japan and you're likely to see a black face from time to time. Rarely will it be in a drama, but on game shows, variety and comedy shows, even some commercials. I wouldn't say we're commonplace, but we're out ...
National | CHUBU CONNECTION Sep 4, 2017
Seto man and his snow monkey entertain audiences for 23 years and counting
Jubei, a Japanese macaque, works hard to entertain the public together with his trainer, Yasutaka Kawabe, 44, from Kamamachi in Seto, Aichi Prefecture. The duo attracts audiences with well-coordinated moves. Jubei is 26 years old, equivalent to about 80 in human years, making him the ...