Entertainment

Kwaidan: A Filmic Venture into Uncanny Japan

Eerie and beautiful, Kwaidan is the perfect introduction to the classic ghost stories of Japan. Further revelations await those who look deeper into its dark mirror.

Benshi: The Voice and Color of Japanese Silent Cinema

Once, professional live narrators for silent films in Japan were bigger stars than the actual actors onscreen. This is the story of a lost cinema art form.

Studio Ponoc: The Ghibli Successor in Waiting

The supposed Ghibli successor just released a new animated short. But with the years passing and only one theatrical film to their name, just what is Studio Ponoc?

What Miura Kentaro – and Berserk – Mean to Me

In May, 2021, manga legend Miura Kentaro passed away, leaving his opus Berserk unfinished. Our author discusses the true genius behind his art, and how he inspired millions.

Your Anime is Political: Cowboy Bebop & Samurai Champloo

These days, it isn't hip to be "woke." But don't tell that to Spike Spiegel or Mugen.

Crying Freeman and the 1980s Home Video Revolution in Japan

How an absolutely ridiculous anime released for home video sparked interest in OVAs both in Japan and abroad.

Your Anime is Political: The Radical Revolutions of Akira and Evangelion

Some anime are more than political. In fact, our author argues, two of the most well-known anime in history are downright revolutionary.

Japanese K-Pop: A Musical Twist or a Cultural Riddle?

Is it K-Pop...or J-Pop? How the emergence of all-Japanese K-Pop-style groups highlights some unique differences between the two genres.

Anime From the Left – and From the (Far, Far) Right

Anime may be entertainment, first and foremost. But art is almost always political. Anime is no exception.

Entertainment

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