No47 [Anime] Anatomy of a success
This November, British audiences were able to discover “Your Name”, the film phenomenon by Shinkai Makoto. For weeks, no-one has spoken of anything else. Shinkai […]
Articles by aConceptLondon
No47 [Destiny] Hosoda’s little obsessions
To make good films, one needs a strong team to rely on. So says a master director. In the last few years Hosoda Mamoru has […]
No47 [Exclusive] First visit to the Hokusai museum
Open to the public since November the 22nd, the new Hokusai museum welcomed Zoom Japan for an exclusive visit. The Sumida Hokusai Museum opened its […]
No47 [Taking a Walk] In the gardens of Shikoku
Although most famous for its pilgrimage of 88 temples, this island has many other hidden treasures. According to the inhabitants of Takamatsu, a city in […]
No47 [Cooking] Mouli and carrot salad
Mouli and carrot salad For a traditional Japanese housewife there is no such thing as the post-Christmas blues, as she will be busy shopping, preparing […]
No47 [Encounter] Hara: directing is in his blood
The director of Miss Hokusai and Colorful takes a critical look at the changes in the animation industry. On a cold and cloudy October afternoon […]
No47 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascinating world of the Japanese language. From this issue forward we would like to present a series of useful phrases […]
No47 [Series] The ending of a temporary set-up
The closure of a shopping centre built in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster signals the start of a new chapter for Ishinomaki. In late […]
No47 [Production] Creators under threat
In order to realize new projects, producers now need to be financially creative as well. There are times when the best ideas remain unrealized due […]
No47 [Business] It’s all an adventure
Anime production is not easy. Yamamoto Koji talks about some of the difficulties faced in the making Genocidal Organ. It’s tough being an animator. Although […]
No47 [Event] Sushi and smalltalk
This unique event held on Friday the 11th of November brought together 30 English and Japanese speakers. The most important thing about learning a language […]
No47 [Pottery] Mashiko-yaki
The pottery village of Mashiko was the most important site of the mingei folk art movement of the early 20th century. although they do not […]
No46 [Focus] Tattooing in all its forms
Though it is more accepted abroad, the practice of tattooing is still challenged by the Japanese authorities. They’re all around us. They live in our […]
No46 [Encounter] A lifetime to achieve excellence
The last grand master of traditional tattooing, Horiyoshi III recalls his long life in the profession. It is 9 a.m., and Hanasakicho is still asleep. […]
No46 [Encounter] The amazing Kakuta Mitsuyo
Kakuta has written a wide variety of novels and depicted the lives of many different types of women through her characters. Having received a number […]
No46 [Discovery] Mount fuji in full colour
There are many treasures in the lakeland region surrounding the famous volcano, including the Itchiko Kubota Art Museum. At the foot of Mount Fuji is […]
No46 [Cooking] Braised pork in soy sauce
Braised pork in soy sauce This juicy and succulent pork recipe makes you want more and more. If you can get a nice cut of […]
No46 [Series] The final curtain for Hana House
After more than five years of loyal good service, this community café has closed. It is time to pay it a fitting tribute. The end […]
No46 [History] An art endangered by secrecy
After almost falling into oblivion tattooing has regained recognition across Japan, but tastes have changed. Perception of tattoos in Japan is paradoxical. The archipelago has […]
No46 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascinating world of the Japanese language. All languages have regional dialects from the different parts of the countries they are […]
No46 [Tea] Less is more
There is more to the deep-rooted popularity of ryokucha drinks than just their health benefits. It was around 30 years ago, in 1985, when the […]
No46 [Tableware] Chopsticks
It is unknown when exactly chopsticks arrived in japan, but it is clear that by the 8th century, they had become the irreplaceable tool for […]
No46 [Evolution] With a touch of kawaii
Aki Bonten is certain that otaku culture will help irezumi emerge from the shadows. The future of Japanese tattooing is hidden behind an unmarked apartment […]
No46 [Book] All about the art of tattoos
Always at the top, Tuttle publishing has recently brought out an excellent book about irezumi. Since Donald Richie’s 1980 book first piqued western readers’ interest […]
No45 [Cars] Tomorrow’s already here!
Once everyone dreamed about cars, then they lost some of their appeal. Now they’re back in style. In the first manga magazines in the 1950s […]
No45 [Advance] A question of intelligence
In a few years time, roads will be filled with cars that are intelligent, interconnected, and safer. In the last couple of years Automated Driving […]
No45 [Bewitched] A gem named Tomo
Hiroshima Prefecture is full of wonderful places. One of them is the charming port of Tomo-no-ura. The priest from Fukuzenji Temple, sitting cross-legged on a […]
No45 [Craft] Tokyo Teshigoto
Tokyo Teshigoto is a project showcasing sophisticated handworks – “teshigoto” – of top craftsmen in Tokyo. We would like to introduce their range of tableware, […]
No45 [Cooking] Temari sushi
Temari sushi Sushi’s popularity exponentially increased over the last few years. It is now impossible to walk for a mile in central London without bumping […]
No45 [Experience] Suzu dreams of a driverless car
With its ageing population and its lack of public transport, this small city has plans for the future. At the closing ceremony of the 2016 […]
No45 [Interview] For those with nowhere to go
The author Yu miri, as someone who had nowhere to go herself, has continued writing for people in the same situation. In 2018, two translations […]
No45 [Tea] Macha from Uji, Kyoto
The matcha powdered tea of the Uji region has been closely tied to the tea ceremony from long ago. The Uji region is known throughout […]
No45 [Research] Nissan on the front line
The company has made innovation its number one priority in anticipation of its future clients’ expectations. one of Japan’s foremost car manufacturers, Nissan is working […]
No45 [Series] The hospital’s wounds healed
Five years after its destruction, a hospital has reopened its doors in the heart of a port city. The Ishinomaki Municipal Hospital located in the […]
No44 [Focus] In the shade of the tea leaves
The Japanese really know how to enjoy tea, and cultivation knowledge gained gradually over time has become a true art form. How do you make […]
No44 [Taste] New approach to an old tradition
Sakurai Shinya, a lover of green tea, encourages his clients to rediscover the traditions surrounding this beverage. I t’s hard to be a traditional cultural […]
No44 [Trip] A Japanese week-end in Stockholm
Zoom Japan will be taking you on a tour of Japan right here in Europe. Our first stop is in Scandinavia. If there is one […]
No44 [Interview] Lupine rockers head abroad!
We asked Man With A Mission, a Japanese rock band, about the appeal of playing abroad, especially in Europe. There is a band whose five […]
No44 [Cooking] Hojicha muffin with chestnuts and walnuts
I have always loved hojicha, the rich, toasted brother to green tea. While most green teas are steamed, hojicha is slowly roasted until the tea […]
No44 [Book] The Bible for train travel in japan
Nothing beats traveling around Japan by train, and there’s nothing better than a good guidebook to avoid getting lost. For many of the tourists who […]
No44 [Ceramic] Artisans of Hagi, wagumi
Among the many styles of japanese ceramics, Hagi-yaki is known for its association with tea. Influenced by the decorum of the tea ceremony emerging in […]
No44 [Tea] “Buddha” Sweet Herb Tea
How can something this sweet have zero calories? What is this mysterious healthy tea that is 200 times sweeter than sugar? Sweet herb teas are […]
No44 [Retail] A matter of taste
Eleven years ago, Stéphane Danton went into business selling tea. It turned out to be a great adventure. Long-time readers of Zoom Japan already know […]
No44 [Farming] Mr. Harima’s winning gamble
Choosing to go into organic farming was a game-changer for this farmer from Ujitawara. Under the blazing August sun, the deep green of the tea […]
No44 [Atmosphere] A taste of sweetness
There’s nothing like Japanese confectionary to accompany a cup of tea. Don’t miss out on a visit to Higashiya. Talk about Japanese green tea and […]
No44 [Series] Bad days for the fishermen
Despite concerted attempts to revive production, the fishing industry still faces setbacks. Rich in minerals, sea squirts, or ‘sea pineapples’ as they are called in […]
No44 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascinating world of the Japanese language. All languages have regional dialects from the different parts of the countries they are […]
No 43 [Pop culture] A recipe for success
Dance music and tonkatsu: an original combination which many manga and anime fans are going mad about. Young Katsumata Agetaro is the thirdgeneration heir-apparent of […]
No43 [Focus] For the love of Tonkatsu
Nowadays considered to be one of the country’s favourite dishes, a look at the history of tonkatsu reveals that it wasn’t always so. About 130 […]
No43 [Tokyo] Our top ten tonkatsu treats
The next time you travel to the Japanese capital, think about visiting one of these top tonkatsu restaurants. Ask any ten people what their favourite […]
No43 [Tradition] Fertility pure and simple
Every spring Kawasaki welcomes thousands of visitors who come to celebrate sexuality. At the Kanayama shrine, a group of around twenty people are gathered in […]
No43 [Travel] Hachijo, Pearl of the Pacific
Located to the south of Tokyo, this volcanic island excites the curiosity of visitors with its many cultural and maritime treasures. All of a sudden, […]
No43 [Cooking] Minced chicken and potato in crispy tofu
Minced chicken and potato in crispy tofu I acquired the original version of this recipe from my Japanese friend who is a fabulous cook […]
No43 [Series] New trains lead to revival
A year after service resumed on the Senseki line between Sendai and Ishinomaki, the revival of the area is now in full swing. The 2011 […]
No43 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascination world of the Japanese language. All languages have regional dialects from the different parts of the countries they are […]
No43 [Accompaniment] Western roots, japanese taste
One would never think of enjoying tonkatasu on its own. To enjoy the dish at its best, you need a good sauce. Fans of tonkatsu […]
No43 [Restaurants] Restaurants in London that serve Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is not yet popular enough in London for it to be advertised as the main draw for a restaurant. However, it plays a great […]
No43 [Tea] Karigane, high quality stem tea
Teas made using the stems left over after the leaves have been taken from a tea plant to make sencha are known as “kukicha” (lit: […]
No43 [A good idea] Tonki sets the ton(e)katsu
This restaurant, situated in the heart of Meguro, is considered to be one of the best. You have to hand it to the Japanese: When […]
No43 [Music] Very Japanese…?!
These two unique Japanese artists made a great success of their recent performances at London comic con. MCM Comic Con was recently held in London […]
No42 [Series] Ishinomaki is fishing for youth
The municipality is trying to encourage more young people to take up careers in fishing. In Japan there is a serious lack of people wanting […]
No42 [Taste] Nara and Kyoto, food and drink (2/2)
The two ancient imperial cities are full of history and have a long tradition of fine cuisine. Among the many trains circulating on the busy […]
No42 [Cooking] Lotus Root Chips with soy sauce and mayonnaise dip
Lotus Root Chips with soy sauce and mayonnaise dip I used to order this dish every time I saw it on a Japanese restaurant […]
No42 [Restaurant] Sushi at a ramen bar? Whatever next!?
Ramen culture now has firm roots in London, but what is the next step when ramen alone won’t cut it? The culture of eating out […]
No42 [Discovery] Bicycles and beer forever
Though public transport in the capital city is very efficient, nothing beats riding around it by bicycle. Tokyo’s Roppongi district on a Saturday morning is […]
No42 [Adventure] Three men on a bike
43 days travelling from the north to the south of Japan. An amazing journey undertaken by a group of friends. over the years accounts of […]
No42 [Tea] Shincha o-hashiri, the first of the year’s tea crop
We are now in the season when the year’s first tea crops come in! With Japan being a narrow island running from north to south, […]
No42 [Trend] Secondhand goods are so good
Secondhand shops are part of life in Japanese cities, and people love to visit them. It’s 4pm in the bohemian district of Shimokitazawa. Here, to […]
No42 [Focus] To cycle or not to cycle…
Contrary to appearances bicycles are ubiquitous in Japan. But there is more to be done. The word “Japan” conjures up many different images: from kimono-clad […]
No41 [Cooking] Pickled cherry blossom rice with garden peas and takana
Pickled cherry blossom rice with garden peas and takana Every spring when cherry tree starts blossoming my heart is filled with excitement with anticipation for […]
No41 [Interview] In the shadow of the superheroes
after playing the key character in Ultraman’s first series, kurobe Susumu still remains very popular 50 years later. Since the beginning of the Ultraman saga […]
No41 [Travel] Nara and Kyoto, food and drink (1/2)
Japan’s two ancient imperial cities are full of history, and have a long tradition of fine cuisine. Kyoto and Nara are two cities that are […]
No41 [Tea] Powdered green tea
Ikeda’s quality ryokucha proves that not all powdered green tea is the same. In recent years, powdered ryokucha green tea has been highly valued for […]
No41 [Cinema] Iwai Shunji, multi-talented genius
On the release his new picture; The Murder Case of Hana & Alice, the filmmaker reveals what motivates his work. Ten years after Hana & […]
No41 [Memory] Q-chan, or the testimony of a fan
Since the character was first shown in 1966, the various Ultraman series have enjoyed a unprecedented level of popularity in Japan. The good folk who […]
No41 [Encounter] A unique skill
President of Tsuburaya Productions, Ooka Shinichi looks back on his career and the incredible longevity of his superhero. Though most movie fans are interested […]
No41 [Focus] Happy birthday Ultraman!
Ultraman, a hero created by Tsuburaya Productions, inspires nostalgic memories in Japan. At a time when Hollywood superheroes are increasingly invading our screens, to the […]
No41[Series] In favour of multiculturalism
No less than 32 nationalities live in Ishinomaki. This presents a great opportunity if the city knows how to take advantage of it. After the […]
No41 [Restaurant] 20 Years of Revolving Sushi in the UK
YO! Sushi first appeared in 1997, in London’s Soho, and went on to become the pioneer of conveyor sushi in the west. The dining […]
No40 [Sweet] The season for sweets
Japanese sweets add colour to the Japanese lifestyle, in harmony with the rhythm of the changing seasons. Let’s take a look at what Minamoto Kicchoan […]
No40 [Tea] The King of Japanese Teas
The “gyokuro” blend, first created by tea master Yamamoto Kahei from the town of uji in the Kyoto area, is recognized as the highest value […]
No40 [Series] Ishinomaki’s recipe for success
After attempting to start a new life elsewhere, many are returning to their hometowns to take part in their renewal. In the region around Ishinomaki, […]
No40 [Travel] On Iwakuni’s bridge
Every year, 40,000 people attend a celebration unlike any other, in an amazing setting. Under the Kintai bridge, flat-bottomed wooden boats carry passengers through the […]
No40 [Art] It’s Setouchi’s Triennial again
Over a million visitors are expected to come to the Inland Sea islands this year to celebrate contemporary art. A giant bamboo dome is one […]
No40 [Trend] A simple return to basics
The incredible success of Muji, both in Japan and abroad, expresses a desire to return to basics. Since the end of the Second World War, […]
No40 [Encounter] The man who sees only white
The celebrated potter Kuroda Taizo has travelled far in his search for simplicity. Todai moto kurashi (lit. it’s dark at the base of the lighthouse, […]
No40 [Focus]The design of everyday objects
Japanese products are well-known for their quality and beauty. We found out how it all began. The “Zakka – Goods and Things” exhibition currently taking […]
No40 [Cooking] Minced soy chicken with ginger, egg and garden peas on rice
Minced soy chicken with ginger, egg and garden peas on rice This is my all time favourite recipe for bento lunch boxes, particularly if […]
No40 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascination world of the Japanese language. All languages have regional dialects from the different parts of the countries they are […]
No39 [Cooking] Roasted salmon with miso
Roasted salmon with miso This is probably the easiest and most delicious Japanese salmon recipe you will ever come across. It is versatile […]
No39 [Taste] The magic of plums
The secret to Japanese cuisine is often found in its traditional ingredients. Ume (plums) are a case in point. If there was a food that […]
No39 [Tea] Sumire”, green, organic, eco-farmed and deep-steamed
The regular people of Japan started drinking sencha in the edo era (1603 -1868), when the more refined powdered matcha was reserved for the lordly […]
No39 [Interview] The cowards who looked to the sky
Zoom Japan met with director Tanada Yuki at the U.K. screening of her new film “The Cowards who Looked to the sky”. We went […]
No39 [Culture] Hara, muse of democracy
Ozu Yasujiro’s favourite actress, who died in 2015, left her mark both on the history of cinema and on Japanese society. Tourists on their way […]
No39 [Travel] Okinawa – A relaxing time in Taketomi
Situated in the extreme south of Japan, this little island has found a way to control the growth of its tourism successfully. A glimpse of […]
No39 [Focus] Decline? No thanks!
Though there are numerous indications that the situation in the Japan’s provincial regions is worsening, there are still signs of resistance. When travelling through the […]
No39 [Yamanashi] Misawa Ayana has a keen nose
In a region deep in crisis, winemaking has proved to be the best way to escape the current rural decline. I wanted to prove that […]
No39 [Tourism] An el Dorado called minpaku
In the face of an expected shortage of tourist accommodation in the regions, there’s a growing interest in renting out rooms in private homes. The […]
No39 [Imabari] Organic farming to the rescue
This town’s farmers have found a winning recipe in their search to promote local growth and supply good quality food. These days everybody seems […]
No39 [Hiroshima] Onomichi revisits its past
A victim of population decline, this port city has been rejuvenated through innovative ideas to present its heritage. Last September the town of Onomichi, in […]