No54 [PRODUCTION] Never stop innovating
Shiga Katsuei, head chef of the Significant Signifié bakery, has created a unique kind of baguette. You’ve just reviewed your means of production. Why? What […]
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No54 [SUCCESS] shokupan is crossing borders
Appreciation for Japanese white sliced bread is on the rise across the archipelago, and it’s now about to be exported. It’s almost 10am, in Ginza […]
No.53 The holy land of otakism
Not everyone can achieve their dream of making a living in Japan out of their passion for manga and cosplay. Otaku culture has never been […]
No.53 [HISTORY] The story of Frederik the Great
One of the first to discover pop culture and popularize it, Frederik Schodt looks back on his illustrious career. Author and translator Frederik Schodt is […]
No53 [SUCCESS] Adam, or a passion for comics
In the space of few years, Adam Pasion has succeeded in making his mark in the world of dojinshi (fanzines). while many foreign comic artists […]
No53 [IDOLS] Timeless Yuriko and Rebecca
One cannot talk about pop culture without mentioning aidoru (pop idols) and cosplayers, like Yuriko and Rebecca. The history of Japanese pop idols is very […]
No52 The family on the screen
Japanese filmmakers have been fascinated by family stories, and have used them to create masterpieces. Japanese cinema is mainly known abroad for such genres as […]
No52 [REPORT] Unsustainably fragile
The rising star of Japanese cinema, Fukada Koji, takes a hard look at the family unit in the archipelago. Fukada Koji’s Harmonium (original title: Fuchi […]
No52 [ENCOUNTER] The importance of family ties
a master of science fiction addresses the question of the family in a brilliantly original way. Fans of SF anime know director Kamiyama Kenji very […]
No51 [COMMITMENT] Someone ready to fight
NAKAMURA Fuminori takes an interest in the world around him. He doesn’t hesitate to share his views and put them to the test. Recognised for […]
No51 [SOCIETY] Someone who appreciates rules
Murata Sayaka is unusual, both as a writer and in her attitude towards her part-time day-job. One of last year’s literary sensations was Murata Sayaka, […]
No51 [THE FUTURE] The one who observes change
The novelist never misses an opportunity to question the way Japan is evolving. In her work, Kawakami Hiromi looks at what awaits humankind, for […]
No51 [ECOLOGY] Humankind as the main point
Quitting his job as a journalist has given a new impetus to his career as a novelist. Shiraishi Kazufumi casts a critical eye over […]
![No51 [MEMORY] A writer who cannot forget](https://www.zoomjapan.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/focus02.png)
No51 [MEMORY] A writer who cannot forget
The tragic events of 11 March 2011 rekindled the author’s links to the region of his birth. Furukawa Hideo talks about his roots, nuclear […]
No51 Five authors for one Japan
A good novel is sometimes better than reading fifteen essays to get the measure of Japanese society. Literature is a great way to immerse […]
No50 [INNOVATION] Stars in his eyes
Based in the suburbs of Nagoya, Ogawa Shuji dreams of making space travel available to all. In Arimatsu, a district full of history in the […]
No50 The return of machikoba
For a long time they were held in low esteem, but now small local factories are gradually finding favour with the Japanese again. Despite the […]
No50 [CHALLENGE] The Japanese Cool Runnings
To save themselves from having to close down, several businesses have got together to build a bobsleigh. Tourist brochures often use the word shitamachi (literally […]
No50 [THE FUTURE] Make way for women!
Suwa Takako’s success in a very masculine milieu has set a benchmark for women throughout Japan. For Suwa Takako, the decision to take her father’s […]
No49 [HIROSHIMA] A triumphant return
The Hiroshima region has made a successful comeback thanks to its many assets and a strong urge to promote the passion for life here. Japan […]
No49 [ENCOUNTER] A quiet confidence
Elected governor of Hirsohima Prefecture in 2009, Yuzaki Hidehiko has succeeded in setting up his agenda for change. The governor of Hiroshima Prefecture does not […]
No48 [Politics] The phantom menace
Founded 20 years ago, Nippon Kaigi has become the most influential conservative movement in the country. According to its website, Nippon Kaigi is just “a […]
No48 [Encounter] A well organised network
The success of Nippon Kaigi is down to its ability to reach the greatest number of people, says a worried Nakano Koichi. Zoom Japan talked […]
No48 [Support] Making good use of pop culture
Nippon Kaigi has benefitted from the support of the celebrated mangaka Kobayashi Yoshinori to promote its ideas. During its wide-ranging attempts at changing people’s attitudes […]
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 […]
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 [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 [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 […]
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 [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 [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 [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 [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 […]
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 [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 […]
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 [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 [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 […]
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 [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 [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 [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 [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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
No39 [Miyagi] Onagawa rises up to the challenge
This port city is being rebuilt five years after the ravages caused by the tsunami, thanks to the commitment of the local inhabitants. On the […]
No39 [Future] Hopes for a horizontal revolution
For years the Japanese government has sought to revitalize the country’s regions, but their methods are outdated. At the end of 2014 the Abe administration […]
No38 [Discovery] A divine encounter at jab
The owner of a certain Jazz bar in Fukuoka entices his customers in with a selection of the best black American jazz artists. In the […]
No38 [Memory] The legendary Yoshida Mamoru
To experience the Japanese enthusiasm for jazz, one only needs to pay a short visit to Chigusa jazz cafe. If you find yourself in […]
No38 [Talent] ‘Cherchez la femme’
Of course, jazz is not just a man’s world, so here is an overview of the most renowned Japanese women involved in the genre. When […]
No38 [Sound] Pitch perfect for Dominique Fillon
This French jazzman found not only inspiration in the archipelago, but also the desire to share his musical knowledge. For over 28 years, Dominique Fillon, […]
No38 [Music] In the Land of Rising jazz
Jazz music remains a vibrant symbol of freedom in the Land of the Rising Sun, where it is still greatly appreciated. One of the clichés […]
No38 [Guide] A jazz adventure in Yokohama
This Japanese city port is famous for its jazz music. Here are some tried and tested venues. The Sakuragicho district on the Yokohama waterfront […]
No37 [Focus] Once a biker, always a biker?
Whether you like it or not, motorbikes are synonymous with Japan, if only because of the pivotal importance of Japanese motorbike manufacturers. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki […]
No37 [Manga] Crazy hub caps
Since the 1960s, motorcycles have played a considerable role in the world of manga as any manga. Fan knows, Japanese comics are famous for covering […]
No37 [Experience] How to negotiate the bends in life
Biker culture is changing in Japan. It needs to adapt to an ageing population. For many people around the world, Japanese motorbikes are still synonymous […]
No37 [Movie] World of Bosozoku
God Speed You! Black Emperor by Yanagimachi Mitsuo is an unusual film that bears witness to a bygone era. Since the end of World War […]
No36 [Tourism] The low down on Onomichi
To attract more tourists, the local council has invited Lala the cat to help visitors discover the town from a new angle. The small port […]
No36 [Discovery] Aoshima has stopped purring
A little island lost in the middle of the Inland Sea has become a tourist attraction for cat lovers, but the locals aren’t happy… As […]
No36 [Focus] No one can resist a cat
Not everyone is allowed to keep pets, but the Japanese have found a way around the problem. An acute sense of alienation and isolation is […]
No35 [History] Publishers at work
Tokyo Metropolitan Library Hokusai’s talent would not have gained such great recognition without the help of the publishing houses. One cannot talk about artists such […]
No35 [Portrait] The incredible Sugiura Hinako
©Hinako Sugiura・mS.hS ©Ｍasaya Suzuki Thanks to her talent and her wide knowledge of Edo culture, this mangaka’s work has become a point of reference. Born […]
No35 [Destiny] Portrait of a woman with a brush
© 2014-2015 hinako Sugiura – mS.hS / Sarusuberi film partners The work of O-Ei, the main character in Miss Hokusai, remains little known. We investigated […]
No34 [Kitchen] A rice cooker named desire
Since it first appeared on the market in the 1950s, this appliance has become a musthave for all those who love eating rice. Hong Kong […]
No34 [Trend] Returning to your roots
In Kamagawa, southeast of Tokyo, one organization is preserving the increasingly rare terraced rice fields, with no help from grants or subsidies. For those who […]
No34 [Focus] Rice in search of a new lease of life
For several years now, the consumption of this millennia old food has been decreasing across the Japanese archipelago. Can we even begin to imagine Japanese […]
No33 [Gunma] Ancestral tradition under threat
The combination of an ageing population and a rural exodus is threatening the existence of matsuri in the provinces. As summer approaches Iwai Toshio gets […]
No33 [Kumano] Celebrating paintbrushes
The spirit of the paintbrush is celebrated annually just twenty kilometres from Hiroshima. In the soft morning drizzle a dozen men and women line up […]
No33 [Tokyo] Even the yakuza are here…
The matsuri is a communal event which unites all Japanese, whatever their origin. In his office in the heart of the old Asakusa district Watanabe […]
No33 [Focus] Festivals!
Whatever the season or the region there is always a traditional festival to go to. Here is a short guided tour. You can’t imagine visiting […]
No32 [Concept] Long live the community
The reinterpretation of tradition is fundamentally important to the work of Atushi and Mayumi Kawamoto. Atsushi and Mayumi Kawamoto – the husband-and-wife partners who founded […]
No32 [Project] A simple question of balance
Maeda Keisuke champions the ideal of architecture working in harmony with the surrounding landscape. UID (an acronym for Universal Innovative Design) was founded by architect […]
No32 [Experience] The capacity to adapt
Manuel Tardits has lived in the archipelago for many years, and shares his fulfilling experiences as an architect there with us. “Does the imagination grow […]
No32 [Focus] Welcome home!
Japanese houses are not just works of art to be stared at in confusion on the pages of coffee-table books. What kind of images come […]
No31 [Focus] 31 ways to read about japan
To celebrate our thirty-first issue, we would like to invite you on a journey of discovery into 31 books related to Japan. There are many […]
No30 [Focus] Yamada Yoji, champion of a timeless japan
Immensely famous film director in Japan, but little known abroad, here is Yamada Yoji. When I was young I thought that Ozu’s movies were boring,” […]
No29 [Future] The railway’s battle has been won
Four years after the tsunami that destroyed everything, including the railway, getting the service going again has been greeted with great enthusiasm locally. It took […]
No29 [Encounter] Raw emotion
Many wounds inflicted by the disaster remain unhealed. They need to be treated before people can move on. It was raining in the city of […]
No29 [Regeneration] Watch out, construction in progress!
Four years have passed since the earthquake on the 11th of March 2011, and the city is starting to get back into shape once again. […]
No28 [History] A girl called Yokota Megumi
Abducted in November 1977, aged 13, her parents have been fighting for 37 years to bring her back to Japan. In a small living room […]
No28 [Focus] Japan has lost its way
Relations between Japan and North Korea are complex, and the situation weighs increasingly heavily on Japanese society. On the 13th of January, TV news programmes […]
No27 [Encounter] King of small cars
Hardly known outside Japan, Suzuki Osamu has still succeeded in exporting his brand around the world. The motor industry has always been dominated by larger-than-life […]
No27 [Focus] Pleasing the ladies
Aware of the importance of attracting female customers, Nissan has put together a new concept called Ladies First. Cars and engines are usually thought to […]