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.
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.
The consummation of cool is a funny business for comedian Ike Nwala
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 ...
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 ...
Disney to build 'Star Wars' hotel at Florida resort; themed lands to open in 2019
As part of a flurry of investments announced Saturday by the company's theme-park division, Walt Disney Co. said it will build an immersive "Star Wars" hotel at its resort in Orlando, Florida. Disney revealed the two "Star Wars" themed lands it is building will ...
