DOG x POLICE: The K-9 Force (Review)
DOG x POLICE: The K-9 Force Review by David Cirone DOG x POLICE delivers heroic dogs and warm-fuzzy dog-human relationships — that’s no surprContinue 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.
From Me to You (Review)
From Me to You (Kimi ni Todoke) Review by Jen Wang In a way From Me to You, known in Japan as Kimi ni Todoke, is a typical popular guy-meets-sContinue reading…
Yoko Yazawa and The Plasmars – ROUTE 405 (Review)
Yoko Yazawa and The Plasmars ROUTE 405 Review by David Cirone Yoko Yazawa isn’t pretending — she’s 100% rock and her authenticity in this 5-Continue reading…
Shonen Knife – Osaka Ramones (Review)
Shonen Knife Osaka Ramones Review by Jen Wang Shonen Knife occasionally plays Ramones tribute shows, and their original music has drawn many Continue reading…
Mika Nakashima – Hatsukoi (Review)
Mika Nakashima Hatsukoi Review by David Cirone “Hatsukoi,” the opening theme from the new Japanese film Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu, is a great sContinue reading…
Bloody Monday – Episode 2 (Review)
BLOODY MONDAY Episode 2 Review by David Cirone The shopping mall gas bomb is revealed to be a fake, used to measure Third-i’s response tacticContinue reading…
Mio Soul – Review + Interview (2012)
Mio Soul Interview by Jen Wang November 17th, 2011 (originally published on purpleSKY.com) Tokyo-born songwriter Mio Soul makes her debut wiContinue reading…
Hemenway – URAHEME Welcome to the Other Side (Review)
Hemenway URAHEME Welcome to the Other Side Review by David Cirone Hemenway’s members collectively speak three languages, but you can add 1 moContinue reading…
Aki Akane – DRAGONFLY (Review)
Aki Akane DRAGONFLY Review by Nhu Nguyen Not even a year has gone by and Aki Akane is already out with her second album, titled Dragonfly. TContinue reading…
Bloody Monday – Episode 1 (Review)
BLOODY MONDAY Episode 1 Review by David Cirone Bloody Monday wants to be 24 really, really badly. Fans of the Kiefer Sutherland’s thriller seContinue reading…