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November 22, 2024
 

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Shawn Despres

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Shawn Despres
Shawn Despres has been contributing to the Japan Times’ music page since 2005, and he has a passion for writing about the independent music scene in East Asia. He spent several years living in Yokohama and currently resides in Seoul.
CULTURE / Music
Jan 20, 2006
Don Matsuo "O-re-ha-si-na-i-yo?"
Over a trippy, electronic beat on the title song, Don Matsuo sings "nobody knows my mind inside." The line speaks volumes about a musician who's spent the last decade, both in the Zoobombs and now as a solo artist, continually revamping his acclaimed music and songwriting process.
CULTURE / Music
Jan 6, 2006
Mono/World's End Girlfriend: "Palmless Prayer/ Mass Murder Refrain"
Since their inceptions, Japan's Mono and World's End Girlfriend have created moving, cinematic songs. Although their approaches differ -- Mono tends to fall into the realms of crashing post-rock while WED's music has a slightly more electronic and symphonic feel -- both craft mesmerizing, epic soundscapes...
CULTURE / Music
Dec 9, 2005
Talib Kweli: "Right About Now"
Despite heaps of praise for his groups Black Star and Reflection Eternal, and for his solo work, mainstream fame has eluded Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli. Considered one of the best albums in American underground hip-hop, 2004's "The Beautiful Struggle" saw him making a run at the big time; sounding forced...
CULTURE / Music
Dec 2, 2005
The Roots: "Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide to Understanding The Roots, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2"
Over the last 13 years, The Roots have accomplished something few urban acts have -- making loyal fans of people who don't listen to hip hop. Using live instrumentation to craft their organic groove-based anthems, the Philadelphia crew has won over lovers of rock, blues, jazz and pop without losing the...
CULTURE / Music
Nov 18, 2005
Lightning Bolt: "Hypermagic Mountain"
"2morrow Morrow Land," the brilliant lead-off cut on Lightning Bolt's new album "Hypermagic Mountain," starts as the calm before a mighty storm -- a calm obliterated 15 seconds in when a bolt of musical lightning is hurled through your speakers with a chaotic fury.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Nov 4, 2005
(International) Noise Conspiracy: "Armed Love"
After two acclaimed full-lengths, (International) Noise Conspiracy decided their politically driven anthems would have a better chance to "Smash It Up" by signing with Warner Bros. imprint American Recordings. Compromising their beliefs by working for a multinational conglomerate hasn't benefited the...
Two of America’s biggest debt holders are dumping Treasurys
The U.S. Treasury building in Washington. Investors in Japan and China sold a pile of U.S. debt in the last quarter, just before the U.S. presidential election.
Ishiba aggravates his own political failures with diplomatic faux pas
Prime Minster Shigeru Ishiba is greeted at the APEC summit in Lima by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. The Japanese leader was criticized for remaining seated while meeting several world leaders at the event.
Japan's 3.31 million visitors in October set monthly record
Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto in December 2023. Famous autumn leaf colors contributed to increased tourism demand last month from many markets across Asia, Europe and North America, the Japan National Tourism Organization has said.
Japan ranks last in romance satisfaction for second straight year
In a survey of 31 countries, Japan ranked last in terms of those who felt loved, with just 51% of respondents saying so.
Ruling coalition and DPP strike last-minute deal over economic policy
DPP policy chief Makoto Mahaguchi speaks at the party's policy gathering in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Japan, U.K. and Italy discuss inviting more countries to joint fighter project
A new concept model of a next-generation fighter jet to be jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy is on display in Farnborough, Hampshire, in July.
Haruki Murakami's 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' gives deep deja vu
For “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” translated into English by Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami confronts the ghosts who won't leave him alone.
Japanese expats in Asia find community through rugby
The Taiwan Fivewoods celebrate their victory at the 2023 Asian Japanese Rugby Cup in December of last year.
In Fukushima, a weekend of prose, poetry and translation
Aomori-based writer JJ Carter presented on tabletop gaming as creative inspiration for building characters and narratives.
For Dr. Nakamats, aging is just experience in action
Though he didn't win the recent gubernatorial election in Tokyo, the 96-year-old Dr. Nakamats' run was seen as inspirational in Japan's aging society.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?
By Kathryn Wortley

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