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Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 30, 2023

With ‘Monster,’ Hirokazu Kore-eda makes a welcome return to form

The Palme d’Or-winning director’s homecoming to Japanese-language cinema is powerful and poignant as it unspools an intimate story about bullying, misunderstandings and family dynamics.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
May 28, 2023

'Love at Six Thousand Degrees': Slow burn affair unfurls identity and trauma

Maki Kashimada's novel, which centers on two strangers whose sexual connection is complemented by their intimate conversations, is a fitting introduction to her work.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 25, 2023

Japan-China filmmaking duo captures the voices of the ignored

Ryuji Otsuka and Huang Ji bring their decade-spanning trilogy about the plights of women in modern China to a close with their award-winning film, 'Stonewalling.'
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 19, 2023

Takeshi Kitano returns to Cannes with an 'indifferent' outlook

The director's first feature-length film in six years will premiere at the festival, but Kitano says he does things his own way, regardless of success.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 18, 2023

Hirokazu Kore-eda angles for second Cannes win with 'Monster'

The director's latest drama received a six-minute standing ovation at its world premiere. The film is Kore-eda's second in competition since 'Shoplifers' won the top prize in 2015.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 18, 2023

‘Nagisa’: A beautiful fever dream of guilt and grief

Takeshi Kogahara’s drama is a ravishing and disquieting tale of hauntings and forbidden lust that rewards close attention.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Apr 9, 2023

‘Tokyo Express’: Postwar detective noir basks in the details

Jesse Kirkwood's English translation of Seicho Matsumoto’s dense yet well paced novel is concise and timeless, giving contemporary readers a relatable window into the past.
Japan Times
BASEBALL
Mar 22, 2023

Samurai Japan fans rise early to witness baseball history

Public viewing events were held at numerous locations and attracted scores of supporters eager to root for Samurai Japan.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Feb 26, 2023

Tempered in a crucible of violence, Zelenskyy rises to the moment

In much of the world, the Ukrainian leader has become a household name, representing his country's tenacity and underdog victories against Russia.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Feb 25, 2023

'Dear, the war has started': My journey from Ukraine to Japan

It was around this time a year ago that Natalia Makohon hung out with her friends for the last time. From then on, her life would mostly be about survival.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Feb 23, 2023

‘Tocka’: An existential end-of-the-road trip

Yoshitaka Kamada’s drama about a man looking to end his life is bleak, sometimes beautiful and shot through with dark humor.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Feb 16, 2023

‘Blue Giant’ soundtrack steals the spotlight

The manga adaptation’s score, composed by jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, hits all the right notes even if the animation fails to strike a chord.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Jul 20, 2023

How heatwaves are dangerous to human health

Research recently found that more than 61,000 people died due to the heat in Europe last summer — and 2023 is shaping up to be even hotter.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 5, 2023

'Russian roulette': Last residents brave shelling in east Ukraine

Despite having no intact buildings, running water or electricity, a front-line town still has 1,719 inhabitants, mostly over 65.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 4, 2023

Bye bye 'Barbie': Vietnam bans new film over South China Sea map

Originally slated for a July 21 release, the film was banned from release in the country after it was found to feature a map with China’s so-called nine-dash line claims.
Japan Times
Film / Reviews
Jun 29, 2023

'Hoarder on the Border': A film that gets better as the layers pile up

Hoarding is a serious social issue, but it’s given a disarmingly breezy treatment in Takayuki Kayano’s “Hoarder on the Border.”
Japan Times
Film / Reviews
Jan 19, 2023

‘And So I’m at a Loss’: Cautionary tale turns meta

Daisuke Miura’s drama about a habitual shirker isn’t quite as outrageous as it thinks.

Longform

Visitors to Kyoto walk along a street near Kiyomizu Temple in April. A popular tourist spot, Kyoto has seen what locals feel to be an overwhelming amount of tourists in 2024.
Is Japan ready for 60 million tourists?