xxxHOLiC (Series Review)
xxxHOLiC Review by Jen Wang The live-action adaptation of CLAMP’s hit manga, xxxHOLiC (pronounced “holic”), is part gothic thriller and part fContinue 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.
moumoon – Love before we Die (Review)
moumoon Love before we Die Review by David Cirone moumoon’s Love before we Die is a dreamy, well-crafted follow-up to last year’s Pain KillerContinue reading…
The Blue Hearts – Super Best (Review)
RETRO REVIEW The Blue Hearts Super Best Review by David Cirone You’d think the Clash had a Japanese brother, so brace yourself. When you cContinue reading…
Death Note (Film Review)
DEATH NOTE (2006) Review by David Cirone SUMMARY Overachieving high-school student and future prosecutor Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) discContinue reading…
Kra – Life – Today is a good day to Die (review)
RETRO REVIEW Kra Life ~Today is a good day to Die~ Review by Jen Wang The unusual title of Kra’s 2009 album, Life ~Today is a good day tContinue reading…
WHITE ASH – Ciao, Fake Kings (Review)
WHITE ASH Ciao, Fake Kings Review by David Cirone Hot off the success of their Gatchaman Crowds theme, young J-Rock band WHITE ASH proves itsContinue reading…
Hanamizuki (Film Review)
Hanamizuki Review by Jen Wang Hanamizuki is not a typical young adult romance. Sure it begins with the shy straight-A student meeting the boContinue reading…
MoNoLith – Reversible Days (review)
MoNoLith Reversible Days Review by Jen Wang MoNoLith is a band of extremes, which fits for its dual vocals. On one hand, they have a pop sidContinue reading…
Dir en grey – The Unraveling (Review)
Dir en grey The Unraveling Review by Nhu Nguyen Maintaining a band is like maintaining a relationship, it takes work. It’s hard enough for twContinue reading…
Kalafina – Red Moon (Review)
Kalafina Red Moon Retro Review by Jen Wang Listening to Kalafina’s 2010 album Red Moon is like riding a magic carpet. With international infContinue reading…