National / Media | MEDIA MIX Jan 23, 2021
Former SMAP stars test broadcast television’s relevance
by Philip Brasor
Rival talent agencies move into the void left by Japan's former J-pop kings.
Film / Reviews Nov 25, 2020
‘Tezuka’s Barbara’: A dazzlingly dull descent into madness
by James Hadfield
Macoto Tezka’s adaptation of his father’s racy 1970s manga is visually intoxicating, but liable to leave viewers with a hangover.
Entertainment News | Heisei Icons Apr 7, 2019
SMAP: The pop idol media monopoly that dominated the Heisei Era
by Patrick St. Michel
Many can’t let go of the most successful male idol group the Heisei Era and continue to share favorite songs and clips of the outfit on sites such as Twitter.
Film / Reviews Feb 20, 2019
'Another World': An uneasy reunion for old friends
by James Hadfield
While the jury at last year's Tokyo International Film Festival made some unimpeachable selections, it was left to viewers to supply the biggest surprise of the event. "Another World" was an unexpected choice for the Audience Award, which typically goes to more comedic fare ...
Film / Reviews Apr 11, 2018
'The Bastard and the Beautiful World': Former SMAP stars let loose in a quartet of twisted tales
by Mark Schilling
The members of SMAP, the five-man mega-group that disbanded in December 2016, had their share of hit films, though their central field of operation was always television. Now three of them — Goro Inagaki, Shingo Katori and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi — star in a four-part ...
Entertainment News Sep 22, 2017
Ex-SMAP trio launch fan site hinting at October debut under new management
Three ex-members of the disbanded all-male pop group SMAP have launched an official fan site with a video alluding to freedom from the group's past troubles and a fresh start under new management. Earlier this month, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori left their ...
Music Dec 25, 2016
Love 'em or hate 'em, the end of SMAP marks the end of an era
by Daisuke Kikuchi
The Olympics have always been popular in Japan, and this year's games in Rio de Janeiro were no exception. While NHK was broadcasting the games in the early hours of Aug. 14, a breaking news message flashed across the screen: "SMAP to disband Dec. ...
TV | CHANNEL SURF Apr 22, 2016
NNN Document 16; Fukigen-na Kajitsu; WOWOW
by Philip Brasor
Tokai Television has become an expert on the subject of adoption in Japan, and this Sunday it will air the latest installment in its series "NNN Document 16" (Nippon TV, 12:55 a.m.) The program follows Emiko, a 56-year-old woman who only last year discovered she ...