Yoko Yazawa – Lady No. 5 (Review)
Yoko Yazawa Lady No. 5 Review by David Cirone Lady No. 5 is another great vocal showcase for Yoko Yazawa, who continues to come into her own Continue 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.
Black Butler (Film Review)
Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) (film) Review by Jen Wang A return to monarchy, big pharma trying to control the 1%, and sexism galore—the futurContinue reading…
Mio Soul – Subliminal Melody (Review)
Subliminal Melody Mio Soul Review by Jen Wang The challenge was simple: for 52 weeks, Mio Soul sat in a Starbucks with half an hour to creatContinue reading…
101A – Traveler in Room Zero (Review)
101A Traveler in Room Zero Review by David Cirone 101A starts Traveler in Room Zero with the relaxed, drifting “Swallowtail,” a dreamy and reContinue reading…
Yoko Yazawa – Bad Cat (Review)
Bad Cat Yoko Yazawa Review by David Cirone Powerhouse pop-punk vocalist Yoko Yazawa always brings her A-game, but the heavy production on titContinue reading…
Pinky Doodle Poodle – Pinky Doodle Poodle (Review)
Pinky Doodle Poodle Pinky Doodle Poodle Review by David Cirone Pinky Doodle Poodle has always been about bait-and-switch: a wolf of a band hiContinue reading…
Budo Grape – Amsterdam (Review)
Budo Grape Amsterdam Review by David Cirone Budo Grape’s latest release Amsterdam delivers the journey promised by its album art, sending tContinue reading…
exist†trace – Spiral Daisakusen (Review)
exist†trace Spiral Daisakusen Review by David Cirone exist†trace’s new single “Spiral Daisakusen” is bound to divide fans. The all-femaleContinue reading…
Space Battleship Yamato (Film Review)
Space Battleship Yamato Review by Jen Wang The live-action adaption of the classic anime, Space Battleship Yamato, has all the potential to beContinue reading…
Gacharic Spin performs new songs “Winner” and “Beauty and the Beast” at Tekko 2014
Photos by David Cirone All-female J-Rock band Gacharic Spin treated fans to an early performance of their new song “Winner” at Pittsburgh’s TekContinue reading…