Tokyo Idols (Film Review)
Tokyo Idols Film Review by David Cirone Tokyo Idols has an agenda, and that’s no spoiler. Starting with its slanted description on Netflix, fiContinue 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.
HOTEI – Paradox (Review)
HOTEI Paradox Review by David Cirone HOTEI’s 2015 release STRANGERS was a masterclass in showmanship — full of electrifying guitar hero momeContinue reading…
DECAYS Interview and Live Report (2017)
DECAYS Interview by Michelle Minikhiem December 2017 The band is called DECAYS. What’s the reason you chose this name? DIE: Its a reallyContinue reading…
35-sai no Koukousei (Series Review)
35-sai no Koukousei Series Review by David Cirone No Dropping Out -Back to School at 35- (35-sai no Koukousei) aims for shock value and socialContinue reading…
MIYAVI Samurai Sessions vol. 2 in Osaka (Live Report)
MIYAVI SAMURAI SESSIONS VOL. 2 Osaka Namba Hatch, December 2nd, 2017 Live report by Michelle Minikhiem Photo credit: Daisuke Hirano With tContinue reading…
BiSH – THE GUERRiLLA BiSH (Review)
BiSH THE GUERRiLLA BiSH Review by David Cirone Whatever you thought you wanted from BiSH’s new album THE GUERRiLLA BiSH, you got it and you dContinue reading…
SILENT SIREN rocks L.A. with idol style (Live Report)
SILENT SIREN Musicians Institute Concert Hall, December 1, 2017 Live Report by Nhu Nguyen Photos by Emi Nguyen SILENT SIREN may call themselContinue reading…
MUCC Tribute Album “TRIBUTE OF MUCC -en-” (Review)
MUCC Tribute Album “TRIBUTE OF MUCC -en-” Various Artists Review by Michelle Minikhiem If you’re looking for a good way to join in with theContinue reading…
DOLL$BOXX – high $pec (Review)
DOLL$BOXX high $pec Review by Todd Nelson One of the most anticipated J-Rock releases of the year is finally here. Teased at their reunion shContinue reading…
VAMPS Halloween Party 2017 Day 3 – Yokai, Sci-fi, and Flying High (Live Report)
Halloween Party 2017: Day 3 Makuhari Messe, October 29, 2017 Live Report by Michelle Minikhiem Photo credit: Hideaki Imamoto, Toshikazu Oguruma, KaContinue reading…