A Scene at the Sea stands out as a serene entry in Takeshi Kitano's filmography. This nearly silent story follows a deaf trash collector who finds purpose in surfing. It uses the quiet bond with his girlfriend to explore deep human connection.
Monday means new music selections! Must listen new tracks in this week's update from LAUSBUB, Mall Boyz w/ Tohji & gummyboy, MONAKI, Otoboke Beaver, purini, and TORIENA!
Tatsuro Yamashita traveled to New York and Los Angeles to record Circus Town because he wanted to test his musical vision against his American influences. This 1976 solo debut helped him bridge the gap between US pop and his own sound.
Nobuyuki Fukumoto’s Nikaido Hell Golf subverts the sports genre by focusing on the agony of persistent failure. The series follows a middle-aged golfer trapped in a cycle of self-doubt as he struggles to go professional after twenty years.
Seven-Eleven Japan’s chocolate sprinkle and whipped cream sandwich brings a Technicolor twist to the convenience store shelf. This vibrant dessert emphasizes visual impact over taste, prioritizing social media appeal and aesthetics.
This is I brings the life of trans icon Ai Haruna to Netflix as a musical biopic. While it avoids heavier systemic hardships, the film offers a rare and optimistic celebration of trans joy through 1980s idol pop.
Gekidan Shinkansen is a unique Japanese theater troupe that blends heavy metal with historical fantasy and comedy. Their GEKI×CINE project brings these epic stage shows to movie theaters and streaming so fans everywhere can take in the spectacle.
Entertainment has entered a global oshikatsu economy where super fans drive the market. This intense devotion has long existed with Japanese idols and now similar business models and consumer habits can be seen globally through digital streaming and physical sales.
JR East has opened Oimachi Tracks on the site of the historic Yamanote Line depot. This new development features a mall and a park alongside a Toho Cinema. Visitors can also enjoy a great view of the Yamanote Line trains from the open air plaza.
Kick the week off with some brand new, hand picked music! New tracks added to our 2026 selections this week from 7th Jet Balloon, adieu, Blurred City Lights, Яu-a, Sugar House, and Vaundy!
With manga collecting heating up and more people getting into zasshi collecting, it can be hard to chase down key issues for your favorite series. With nearly 2000 chapters under its belt One Piece is no exception, so we've made a handy list of what issues to look out for!
Digimon Tamers stands out for its focus on what it means to actually raise a digital monster. Rather than focus on simple adventures the series also explores the weight of being responsible for another life and the bond of a true partnership.
Hodonaku, Owakare Desu is a moving film that explores grief through a woman who can see spirits at a funeral home. It offers a sensitive look at how we say goodbye and find the dignity to move forward after losing someone we love.
The Intermediatheque in Tokyo is a surreal mix of biology and art located in the old Japan Post building. You can see whale skeletons alongside ancient Egyptian statues in a space that feels like a massive cabinet of curiosities.
Music and baseball go hand in hand in Japan, from the chants from the fans to a wide selection of original theme songs written specifically for each of the 12 teams in the NPB league. It's even led to surprising international collaborations.
Every week we hand pick stand out new music releases that should be on your radar, this week is no exception. Highlights for this week include new tracks from Aooo, gl1tch.bby, HIYADAM, Kianna, okudakun, and SWEET STEADY!
Each month Patrick from Make Believes Melodies rounds up a selection of the month's best new albums & EPs for us to share with our readers. This month we have new drops from killwiz, Kaede Hirata, N-Feni, MANON, and STUTS with Julia Wu!
Japanese baseball stadiums offer a unique musical experience where players and teams are celebrated with their own custom chants. Fans create a massive open air concert atmosphere with trumpets and drums that feels as energetic and exciting as any music festival.
Director Takahiro Miki returns with a powerful new drama, The Last Song You Left Behind, starring Shunsuke Michieda and Meru Nukumi. This decade-long story follows two students who bond over songwriting to overcome personal barriers and find a deep connection.
The Railway Museum in Omiya is a dream for rail fans. It features everything from Japan’s very first steam engine to modern Shinkansen. You can drive mini trains, explore vintage carriages, enjoy an "authentic" train lunch, and much much more.
Samurai Ballerina: L’etoile de Paris en fleur is a beautiful original anime about two girls chasing their dreams in 1910s Paris. The story handles the real challenges of being an outsider while celebrating the power of art to connect people across different cultures.
Hololive SUPER EXPO 2026 changed things up from past years, opening on a Friday for a huge three day event. Fans got a deep dive into the new hololive Dreams mobile game and packed the arenas for incredible live concerts across the weekend amongst other activities.
Our weekly playlist update is here, featuring a selection of must listen new tracks from freespace, Kayoko Yoshizawa, Killwiz, LANA & Elle Teresa, Summer Eye, and TinyYawn!
Samurai Vengeance (Kobikicho no Adauchi) starts as a brutal revenge story but quickly turns into a detective mystery set in a kabuki theater. While the plot has some clever twists, the awkward comedy often ruins the tension and makes the film feel a bit dull.
While Japan is seeing fewer births, many of its empty schools are getting a second life. Creative projects are turning these old buildings into cool spots like museums and craft workshops. The developments are a meaningful way to keep local history alive.
Music Awards Japan Week kicks off this June with live music events including a Japanese Hip Hop tribute and special city pop show featuring Masayoshi Takanaka and ANRI. This celebration leads up to the main ceremony at Toyota Arena Tokyo on June 13.
Celebrating the Minato area of Tokyo's place as the setting of Sailor Moon, a new manhole cover is being installed in Minato City in late March 2026. This latest design features all 10 Sailor Guardians surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Two years after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, art and local traditions are driving a creative recovery. Projects like the Oku Noto Triennale help preserve cultural memory while connecting rural areas with urban audiences.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game is shifting its strategy to compete in a market obsessed with collectibles. By introducing rare serialized cards and new artwork, the franchise aims to attract investors while keeping the game playable for fans.
