‘Kohaku’ still matters for J-pop bragging rights
For nearly its entire existence, national broadcaster NHK’s New Year’s Eve spectacle “Kohaku Uta Gassen” has served as an overview of the preceding 12 months in Japanese pop. Since its …
J-pop
Chief priest of Tokyo shrine allegedly took ¥250 million from amulet sales
The chief priest of a Tokyo shrine allegedly misappropriated ¥250 million from amulet sales, sources revealed Thursday. The priest of Akabane Hachiman Shrine, located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, allegedly diverted …
‘Trapezium’: Being an idol isn’t always a dream come true
Japan’s “idols” — musical entertainers (usually performing in groups) with specific cultural mores — have long been fodder for anime, from psychological thriller “Perfect Blue” to mega-franchise “Love Live!” The …
Serani Poji’s retro Shibuya-kei sounds find viral fame
Sometime in late 2023, users of short-form video platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts sought out a mood booster. They found just the serotonin shot they needed courtesy turn-of-the-millennium …
Asahi to end use of Johnny’s personalities in ads
Asahi Group Holdings plans to halt the use of Johnny & Associates personalities in its advertising from now on, in response to a sexual abuse scandal involving the major talent …
The summer of Gacha Pop
What’s the song of the summer? Tough to say. That fun little news hook might not be so useful in an era of fragmented, digital media. Besides, not all of …