Organizers pull plug on China International Film Festival as censorship intensifies
One of China's longest-running independent film festivals has decided to shut down against the backdrop of mounting government censorship, saying it is no longer possible to run a "purely independent" festival in the country. The China International Film Festival (CIFF) made the announcement in a ...
Yumi Nagashima: Keeping the funny side up
Vancouver comedian subverts the demure Japanese woman stereotype.
Hong Kong actor Simon Yam stabbed at promotional event in southern China
Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach while appearing on stage for a promotional event in southern China on Saturday. A man ran onto the stage and stabbed and slashed the veteran actor, video broadcast on local media showed. "We are extremely shocked ...
Tokyo DisneySea's new flight simulator attraction to open next week
Tokyo DisneySea will launch a new flight simulator attraction Tuesday that promises to make visitors feel as if they are soaring over famous landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Egyptian pyramids. The indoor attraction takes guests, seated in an airplane-like vehicle, ...
'Bionic' showgirl Viktoria Modesta to star at Paris' famed Crazy Horse cabaret
"Bionic showgirl" Viktoria Modesta, who is set to take the stage at the risque Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris next week, says she has had to reinvent herself after being treated as an outcast over her artificial leg. Born in Latvia under Soviet rule with ...
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 ...
Patrick Behuhuma: Looking to the future of Africa and Japan
A love of samurai movies brought business analyst Behumuma to Japan, but a love of Africa and promoting its culture has kept him here.
K-pop stars turn diplomatic envoys with concert dates in North Korea
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 ...
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 ...
Time-honored Showa Era club in Ginza closes after a nine-decade run
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 ...
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.
