Hibana (Spark) (Series Review)
Hibana (Spark) Series Review by David Cirone Netflix’s latest Japanese series Hibana (Spark) is a deeply-felt, intelligent character drama aboContinue 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.
Naoki Hanzawa – Episode 1 (Review)
Naoki Hanzawa Episode 1 Review by David Cirone Hanzawa Naoki’s opening shot, a slowly-zooming close-up of the title character’s confession ofContinue reading…
KAMIJO – LA VIE EN ROSE 20th Anniversary Best – Grand Finale Zepp DiverCity Tokyo (DVD Review)
KAMIJO LA VIE EN ROSE 20th Anniversary Best – Grand Finale Zepp DiverCity Tokyo Review by Nhu Nguyen KAMIJO’s undeniable penchant for FrenContinue reading…
BABYMETAL – The Wiltern 2016 (Live Report)
BABYMETAL The Wiltern, July 15, 2016 Live report by Nhu Nguyen “I want to see a big circle pit — show me a big circle. Bigger and bigger! Continue reading…
Dreams Come True – The URA BEST! (Review)
Dreams Come True The URA Best! Review by David Cirone Last year’s Dreams Come True – THE BEST! Watashi no Dorikamu collection boasted a massiContinue reading…
Yoko Hamasaki – Blue Forest (Review)
Yoko Hamasaki Blue Forest Review by David Cirone URBANGARDE’s musical style and subject matter are so diverse to begin with, it was hard to pContinue reading…
HER NAME IN BLOOD – Evolution From Apes (Review)
HER NAME IN BLOOD Evolution From Apes Review by David Cirone Evolution From Apes, the latest 5-song EP from Japanese metal band HER NAME IN BContinue reading…
Da-iCE at Fanime 2016: Photos and Set List
Da-iCE at Fanime 2016 05.28.2016 City National Civic San Jose, CA Photo credit: ©AMG/ALC Set List: HELLO BOMB I got your back SpContinue reading…
the GazettE – The Wiltern 2016 (Live Report)
the GazettE The Wiltern 2016 (Live Report) by Christina Aoun Tuesday, May 3rd – it was the beginning of a great week because at 8 PM that nigContinue reading…
BAND-MAID – Brand New MAID (Review)
BAND-MAID Brand New MAID Review by David Cirone BAND MAID has made a point in recent interviews of celebrating the contrast (sometimes they cContinue reading…