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 […]
culture
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 […]
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 […]
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 [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 […]
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 [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 […]
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 […]
No38 [Music] Bowie’s love affair with Japan
The world famous musician’s interest in Japan and the connections he forged helped create his legend and international renown. In front of David Bowie’s childhood […]
No37 [Event] Experience Japan through cinema
Ikiru: the highs and lows of life in Japanese cinema takes Kurosawa’s film Ikiru (1952), a humanistic portrayal of a salaryman facing a terminal illness, […]
No37 [Interview] One hour with Osaki Akira
The director speaks to Zoom Japan at the screening of his film at the Raindance Film Festival.. What are the main highlights that we […]
No36 [Exhibition] Erotic art rediscovered
For the first time in 60 years, erotic wood etchings (shunga) are being shown in Tokyo, and have aroused great enthusiasm. In the old Eisei-Bunko […]
No35 [Interview] Miyavi, master of the guitar
The world famous Miyavi was back in London during his latest European Tour and shared his thoughts with us. Congratulations on the release of […]
No35 [Event] Yesterday’s techniques, today’s perspectives
With surface Tension, a group exhibition bringing together work by Masaya Hashimoto, sachiko Kazama, Kumi Machida and Hidenori yamaguchi, the white Rainbow gallery offers a […]
No34 [Culture] Japan sound Portrait
BBC DJ and broadcaster nick Luscombe has come up with a great event idea that will run in conjunction with the Rivers of the world […]
No34 [Movie] The grand return of Dragon Ball z
It’s no surprise to anyone that Resurrection F signals the return of the saga’s most symbolic protagonist. Years after Trunks crushing victory, the remnants of […]
No34 [Book] Akira Kurosawa seen from inside
Script writer for Rashamon and Seven Samurai among other classics, Shinobu Hashimoto recalls his days working with one of the most celebrated Japanese directors. At […]
No34 [Book] Post-mortem of a worldwide success
One of the most characteristic works of Japanese art is undoubtedly Kanagawa Oki no namiura (under the wave off Kanagawa), better known today as The […]
No34 [Exhibition] Manga at the British museum
The museum is welcoming three of the finest mangaka. An opportunity to highlight the importance of this form of expression. From a European perspective, Japanese […]
No33 [Culture] Japan according to Barakan
He has lived in Japan for over 40 years, and every week this Briton puts forward his views on his adopted country. On a beautiful […]
No32 [Manga] Tokyo Ghoul, a nice surprise
Ishida Sui’s first published work is a success. It particularly critiques our prejudices and our rejection of what is different. Promoted as part of the […]
No32 [DVD] More of Oda’s winning formula
The mangaka has supervised the making of One Piece Z. The result reflects his involvement. As they are sailing towards the New World, Luffy and […]
No31 [DVD] Harlock turns 45 and he’s doing fine
This film adaptation of the cult series created in 1969 proves to be a great success – despite some imperfections. First created in 1969 as […]
No31 [Book] Welcome to my place
Photographer Kawamoto Shiori invites you to immerse yourself in the world of otaku in this must-read book. In the past, the iconic group known to […]
No30 [Movie] a very well crafted work
With The Little House, Yamada Yoji has at last received international recognition. Several veterans of Japan’s old studio system, […]
No25 [Train] 50 years at high speed
The shinkansen celebrates its fiftieth birthday this year. It is a technological success that has found its place in society. October 1964 will remain a […]
No24 [Anime] Are you ready to be controlled Sybil?
Psycho-Pass is an animation series produced by Production I. g. and distributed across Japan between 2012 and 2013. It is dystopian science fiction that also […]
No22 [Culture] Ito Toyo, in the service of men
On his recent visit to Paris, the winner of the 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize returned to the subject of his different projects. Zoom Japon, our French sister publication, made […]
No22 [Literature] Discovering Natsume Soseki
Published a century ago, Kokoro is still very popular in Japan in 2014. The Asahi Shinbun newspaper, that first published it in serial form, has started […]
No21 [Manga] Taniguchi at his best
The author of A Distant Neighbourhood gives adventure a try with his new masterpiece. In 1924 two mountaineers, Mallory and Irvine, attempt the first ascension […]
No21 [Cinema] When Miike Takashi goes wild
Japan’s most out-there film maker makes a come back with a feature that recalls his earlier works. If one hopes for controversial cinema, is Miike […]
No21 [DVD] Big-hearted Exorcist
First published in Japan in 2009, Blue Exorcist, the manga series written and illustrated by Kato Kazue, was adapted into a 25-episode animation just two […]
No21 [Culture] A few useful things to know
Politicians are increasingly tempted to play with history. A game that could prove dangerous. In the ongoing debate on historical memory and revisionism in Japan, […]
No21 [Culture] A point of view from America
Tony Marano, alias Texas Daddy, has been defending radical theories for several years. The debate about Japan’s wartime history (particularly the more thorny issues, like […]
No21 [Culture] Never forget
Since 2006, the Chukiren Peace Memorial Hall has been fighting to present the truth about the war. If the Yushukan Museum represents the attractive, glossy, […]
No20 [Movie] Tsukamoto’s hard-hitting film
Third Window Films, true to its habit of delivering some of the best Japanese films to grace the silver screen, presents Tokyo Fist. Tsuda meets […]
No20 [Anime] Vampires & co
Blood C The last Dark is a sequel, or rather an epilogue, to the animated series Blood C, although it does not follow the plot […]
No18 [Event] Literary expressions
Novellist Furukawa Hideo, together with poets Suga Keijiro and Ishida Mizuho, recount the story of post March 11th Japan. Writer Furukawa Hideo has previously told […]
No18 [Music] The Miyavi touch
Miyavi is an unclassifiable musician who started his career in Visual Kei, a style which he then progressively moved away from. He is back in […]
No17 [DVD] Criterion gives us a thrill with Zatoichi
One of Japan’s most popular characters, the blind masseur who handles a sword like no other, is the theme of a wonderful new boxed set. […]
No17 [Manga] A plunge into 1970s Japan
Yoshihiro Tatsui played a major part in manga history when, at the end of the 1950s, he coined the word gekiga (realist manga). Back then, […]
No16 [Anime] A gem worthy of the greatest
© 2012 “WOLF CHILDREN” FILM PARTNER With Wolf Children, Hosoda Mamoru marks an important milestone in the history of animation. Hosoda Mamoru is a virtuoso. […]
No16 [Book] From Tokyo to Pearl Harbour
In her latest book, Eri Hotta examines what led Japan to join a war it knew in advance was lost. Historian John Dower recalls: “Pearl […]
No16 [Photography] The days after
Hatakeyama Naoya is a photographer. He is also a son, who on the 11th of March 2011 had received no news about his family living […]
No15 [Literature] From Murakami with love
The author of Coin Locker Babies is back with a novel that has a lot to say about Japan’s years of crisis. Murakami Ryu is […]
No15 [Event] The British museum unveils “Spring Pictures”
Japanese eroticism is the source of many fantasies. From the 17th to the 19th century, shunga enthralled Western audiences. This beautiful exhibition tells their story. […]
No15 [Cinema] A good film to see in Coventry
From the 31st of October to the 3rd of November, Coventry welcomes the East Winds Festival, one of the most important events dedicated to Asian […]
No14 [Event] Brighton, in tune with Tokyo again
The Brighton Japan festival intends to leave its mark for the sixth year running and this time is introducing a more international dimension. Brighton he […]
No14 [Mascot] The Kumamon bear – happiness, made in Japan
One of the hundreds of friendly mascot characters in Japan, this adorable bear from Kumamoto prefecture who has captured the hearts of a nation came […]
No14 [Event] Kyoto lands in Tent London
Since its advent in 2003, the London Design Festival has become one of the most important international events of its kind. It takes place between […]
No12 [Cinema] Really the Land of Hope?
In a remarkable movie, Sono Sion illustrates the absurdity of the system’s response after a disaster in a magnificently poetic way. Sono Sion is one […]
No11 [Book] Ogawa unveils herself
“Revenge” is a book containing eleven novellas that form a composite portrait of a group of people who live in the same area. Ogawa’s style […]
No10 [Book] Higashino at his best
Wakayama Hiromi, assistant to famous artist Mashiba Ayane and her husband’s mistress, unfortunately discovers the husband lifeless in the marital home. It is later proved […]
No9 [Zine] Revolution Will Be Photocopied
Before being published in widely distributed magazines, many work their magic in alternative publications. In the age of blogs and electronic communication, Japan seems to […]
No9 [Exhibition] Two years on, let’s remember
The Asahi Shimbun, the second most widely sold newspaper in Japan, publishes deeply moving photos relating to the earthquake on the 11th of March 2011. […]
No9 [Book] Entertainment made in Japan
Taking the name of the hotspring resort town in which it was founded in 1914, the Takarazuka Revue is a kaleidoscopic experience, both in terms […]
No8 [Cinema] Farewell Nagisa!
After his death on the 15th January at the age of 80, the director of In The Realm Of Senses left a huge legacy to […]
No8 [DVD] The woodsman and the Rain
Japanese cinema is full of surprises and is lucky to have a distributor in Great Britain that is open-minded and discerning in the choice of […]
No7 [Book] The best place to drink in the world
According to author Chris Bunting, Tokyo has a lot to offer the curious drinker. Is Tokyo the best city for booze in the world? English […]
No7 [DVD] A treasure of a film
A village is ravaged by plague. The ninja Kagero escorts a troup of soldiers that have been sent to investigate but very soon, Tessai, one […]
No6 [Cinema] “I like to highlight the strange, unpredictable side of life”
Gakuryu Ishii talks about life, death, Japanese cinema and his latest movie “Isn’t Anyone Alive?”. Film director Sogo Ishii is back with a vengeance. He […]
No6 [DVD] Twilight in the country of the rising sun?
© Fuyumi Ono, Ryu Fujisaki/SHUEISHA, SHI KI Committee Adapted from Fuyumi Ono’s novel, Shi Ki is a high quality anime that you can now watch […]
No6 [Literature] Discovering or rediscovering Black Rain
Five years after the atomic bomb explodes, young Yasuko is living with her uncle and aunt in a village near Hiroshima where they took refuge […]
No5 [Literature] The memory of our mothers
By continuing the work she started with her first novel, Julie Otsuka forcefully evokes the conditions of Japanese immigrants in America. On the boat, we […]
No5 [Exhibition] Kioku: fracture and memories
Until the 8th of December, Christian Ferreira will present the first collaborative installation by British artists Tom Milnes & Sabine Okami in the Accumulator Tower […]
No4 [Literature] 1300 candles for the Kojiki
Compiled in the year 712, it is about time you were introduced to the ‘Record of Ancient Matters’, a monument of Japanese culture. In turn […]
No4 [Photography] A red carpet for Moriyama
You can enjoy Daido Moriyama’s work at the Michael Hoppen Gallery until 20th October. It is a must see. Daido Moriyama is a traveller, a […]
No4 [Book] Mastering the art of narration
Mitsu is the narrator. He is twenty-seven years old and the father of an abnormal child, like his sister who committed suicide before she reached […]
No3 [Event] Noh in Britain? we say yes!
On the 7th and 9th of September, two high quality shows will be presented in London and Orford in Suffolk, which combine classical Japanese theatre […]
No3 [Cinema] A well deserved tribute to Shindo and Yoshimura
© BFI Southbank Two great figures of Japan’s post-war cinema will be celebrated in an exhibition at the BFI Southbank, running until the 30th of […]
No3 [Literature] I am a cat
The narrator of this tale is a cat who belongs to an English teacher ill at ease with himself and who suffers from depression and […]
No2 [DVD] Laughter for the benefit of all
People often say that the Japanese do not enjoy laughter and that they are always serious. However, just like in any society, laughter often arises […]
No1 [Exhibition] The wonderful land of Hello Kitty
Copyright Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts Until June 24th, at the SCVA, you can meet the characters who have been populating Japanese everyday life […]
No1 [Literature] dial c for crime
This is a rendez-vous with one of Japan’s best authors. The Devotion Of Suspect X shows the maturity that crime novels have reached in the […]
No1 [DVD] on living happily ever after
In Roujin Z, the author of Akira tackles a burning subject. Unfortunately, Kitakubo’s adaptation doesn’t draw to its level. One of the companies that has […]
No1 [Manga] Fantasy on all floors
Ryugamine Mikado is a young teenager who dreams of the exciting life of big cities. when his childhood friend Kida Masaomi invites him, he gets […]
No1 [Exhibition] Kusama takes the Tate modern
© Yayoi Kusama and © Yayoi Kusama Studios Inc. A retrospective exhibition dedicated to the 83-year-old artist allows us to grasp both the diversity and […]