Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 8 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 8 Review by David Cirone After forcing Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) to beg for a delay, Tokyo Chuo bank’s executive directoContinue reading…
Category: Reviews
Critical analysis of the sounds and stories shaping modern Japan. From the visceral energy of live rock, pop, and idol performances to the subtle mastery of award-winning manga and deeply personal films, our reviews offer an expert lens on the craftsmanship, production, and cultural legacy of Japanese media.
Terrace House – Season 1 (Review)
Terrace House – Boys and Girls in the City Season 1 – Part 1 Review by David Cirone Terrace House, now streaming in the U.S. on Netflix, is thContinue reading…
Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 7 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 7 Review by David Cirone The pressure is on as Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) deals with the FSA investigation into Iseshima HoContinue reading…
Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 6 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 6 Review by David Cirone Jumping forward a year after the last episode, Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) has established himself Continue reading…
Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 5 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 5 Review by David Cirone Tensions rise at home as Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) faces an impending transfer overseas that willContinue reading…
VAMPS Live at El Rey 2016 (Photo Gallery)
VAMPS El Rey Theatre, November 7, 2016 Photos by Emi Nguyen Continue reading…
exist†trace – Royal Straight Magic (Review)
exist†trace ROYAL STRAIGHT MAGIC Review by David Cirone exist†trace’s Royal Straight Magic is a dose of pure energy — from start to finiContinue reading…
VAMPS shine bright like a diamond in L.A. (Live Report)
VAMPS El Rey Theatre, November 7, 2016 Concert review by Nhu Nguyen Photos by Emi Nguyen VAMPS is a band full of surprises. When photos of HContinue reading…
Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 4 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 4 Review by David Cirone After his temporary victory at the surprise on-site inspection, Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) finds hContinue reading…
We Are X (Film Review)
We Are X Film Review by Nhu Nguyen We Are X brings one of the biggest untold rock stories to the masses. Capturing the level of fanaticism usuContinue reading…