Tag - yu-watanabe

 
 

YU WATANABE

Japan Times
Film / Reviews
Jul 13, 2023
'Techno Brothers': Off-kilter road trip comedy pays homage to techno pioneers
Hirobumi Watanabe finds inspiration in Kraftwerk and 'The Blues Brothers' while maintaining his personal style, which blends minimalist arthouse influences with offbeat humor.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / CULTURE SMASH
Apr 20, 2023
New Niigata film festival brings out the big names in anime
Mamoru Oshii, Katsuhiro Otomo and Shinichiro Watanabe all attended last month’s Niigata International Animation Film Festival, which showcased 50 films from 16 countries.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Mar 22, 2023
Kaori Sakamoto in driver's seat at world championships
The 22-year-old Olympic medalist finished the women's short program in the lead, while Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara positioned themselves well for pairs gold.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Nov 25, 2022
Kah Wai Lim's ode to Japanese mini-theaters gets meta
The director's new film, 'Your Lovely Smile,' is a love letter to indie cinema that doubles as a plea for help to keep struggling theaters open.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Nov 3, 2022
‘Your Lovely Smile’: A sincere tribute to indie cinemas
In Kah Wai Lim's drama about a struggling director who wanders around Japan pitching his films to independent theaters, Hirobumi Watanabe plays a version of himself with heart and humor.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / THE LIVING PAST
Aug 21, 2022
The 'mother' of the modern otaku charted her own bug-obsessed path
One of Japan's original eccentrics, the 'lady who loved insects' ignored the trends of her day and was content to be herself — a valuable lesson to the generations that followed.
LIFE / Lifestyle / Longform
Jul 4, 2022
Climb every mountain: Japan’s female mountaineers scale new heights
As hikers prepare to ascend on Mount Fuji for the 2022 season, it's worth celebrating the achievements of the nation's female climbers both above and below the clouds
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jun 17, 2022
Shin-hanga and one man's vision to rejuvenate ukiyo-e traditions
A sweeping show containing works by 25 artists who formed the core of the last significant woodblock print movement, championed by one savvy businessman, is currently touring Europe.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jun 9, 2022
‘Yes, I Can't Swim': Tearful comedy avoids the shallows
Though Kensaku Watanabe's film follows a predictable story arc, it maintains a humorous vibe while exploring serious subjects such as facing fears and overcoming tragedy.

Longform

Sumadori Bar on Shibuya Ward's main Center Gai street targets young customers who prefer low-alcohol drinks or abstain altogether.
Rethinking that second drink: Japan’s Gen Z gets ‘sober curious’