Music Feb 12, 2021
Anime composer Hiroyuki Sawano’s soundtracks stream worldwide for the first time
by Matt Schley
The composer's extensive discography includes soundtracks for anime such as “Blue Exorcist,” “Kill la Kill” and “Promare.”
Business / Corporate Feb 5, 2021
Netflix climbs after company raises prices by 13% in Japan
by Nick Turner and Lucas Shaw
Netflix’s basic plan will climb to ¥990 a month from ¥880, while the standard tier rises to ¥1,490 from ¥1,320.
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.
Culture Dec 24, 2020
Collapse, isolate, adjust and rebuild: How Japanese pop culture fared in the pandemic of 2020
by Patrick St. Michel
Japan began 2020 with Olympic glory in its sights, with artists and musicians ready to take the spotlight. Then, the pandemic hit and pushed things in a much-needed direction.
Business / Tech Dec 10, 2020
Sony to buy anime streaming service Crunchyroll for ¥120 billion
The deal will give Sony access to Crunchyroll's 3 million paying subscribers across more than 200 countries and regions.
TV Nov 19, 2020
Disney+ passes 73 million subscribers as streaming takes center stage
by Brooks Barnes
Disney on Thursday reported an 82% decline in quarterly operating income, the result of steep losses at its coronavirus-devastated theme park division and the postponement of major movie releases. But Wall Street had already decided that Disney’s overall results for the quarter, the fourth in ...
Music Nov 11, 2020
Change of tune: Japan's music fans move from CDs to streaming services
by Ritsuko Ando
The decline in CD sales signals the streaming market’s growth potential.
Music Sep 24, 2020
Promoters push online concerts in an effort to save Japan's live house culture
by David Cortez
Kaala, a group of independent music promoters, has launched a concert series called Korona Nights to keep outlets for underground musical expression alive.
Music Sep 4, 2020
‘Aggretsuko’ brings her rage to the world of idol pop
by Patrick St. Michel
The third season of Netflix’s “Aggretsuko” shifts its focus from everyday drudgery to the music industry and offers a nuanced take on idol fandoms.
Music Aug 27, 2020
How much is an album worth in 2020? Not all vinyl is created equal
by Jon Caramanica
It depends on the business model, but artists are doubling down on the value of their music and what it means to fans
TV | Television Aug 25, 2020
Actress Son Ye-jin is overwhelmed by Japanese interest in 'Crash Landing on You'
Actress Son Ye-jin has scored a hit with her portrayal of a South Korean heiress who accidentally winds up in North Korea in "Crash Landing on You."