akai SKY – AnimeFest 2015 (Live Report)
akai SKY AnimeFest, September 5, 2015 Live report by Jen Wang What does American J-Rock sound like? That was the question lingering on the mContinue 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.
Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage (Film Review)
Outrage Review by David Cirone In Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage, violence comes suddenly and at full force, often preceded by brief, polite conversContinue reading…
FEMM – GAMeBoi 2015 (Live Report)
FEMM Live at GAMeBoi, August 7, 2015 Live report by Nhu Nguyen West Hollywood is L.A.’s epicenter for night life. Smack dab in the middleContinue reading…
Rookies – Episode 11 (Review)
ROOKIES Episode 11 Review by David Cirone SUMMARY The Nikogaku team has reached the semi-finals, and the dugout is filled with a feeling of Continue reading…
umbrella – Kinematograph (Review)
umbrella Kinematograph Review by Jen Wang The latest mini-album from visual kei quartet umbrella opens with the cranking sounds of an old-fasContinue reading…
Momoiro Clover Z – Microsoft Theater 2015 (Live Report)
Momoiro Clover Z Live at Microsoft Theater, July 2, 2015 Live report by Nhu Nguyen “U.S. is the best! Japan is the best! KISS is the best! Continue reading…
Last Cinderella (Series Review)
LAST CINDERELLA Series Review by David Cirone Last Cinderella piles on the cute. As much a fantasy story as its namesake, the series trips oveContinue reading…
Rookies – Episode 10 (Review)
ROOKIES Episode 10 Review by David Cirone SUMMARY As the Nikogaku team rises in the qualifying rounds for Koshien, rumors begin to spread abContinue reading…
IS -Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei- (Series Review)
IS ~Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei~ Review by Jen Wang Although IS -Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei- gets off on the wrong foot with an incorrect sContinue reading…
Rookies – Episode 9 (Review)
ROOKIES Episode 9 Review by David Cirone SUMMARY Fresh from their victory over their old nemesis, the boys seem to be on a solid run as theyContinue reading…