'Tokyo Idols'—NekoPOP Film Review
Kyoko Miyake's 'Tokyo Idols' focuses on the fringe, negative aspects of 'idol' fandom. With an unconcealed axe to grind, it's centered around a little-known twentysomething idol and her 43-year-old No. 1 fan. But is the reality actually this dark?
Kamen Joshi Named Akihabara Ambassadors
In the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, masked girl idols Kamen Joshi have been appointed official ambassadors for Akihabara tourism.
An Interview with Wagakki Band
JRock247 sat down with Yuko Suzuhana (vocals), Machiya (guitar) and Ibukuro Kiyoshi (koto) of international sensation Wagakki Band to talk about instrumentation, lyrical influences and how their latest album came to be.
Band-Maid Plays for Keeps in 'Domination'
Band-Maid plays for keeps with the cutest metal board game ever in their music video for 'Domination.' Their second full-album release, 'World Domination,' is slated for Valentine’s Day 2018.
Ex-SMAP Star Plays Trans Role in New Trailer
After releasing a very lengthy trailer, upcoming film Midnight Swan has the internet abuzz with discussions about the theme of the movie—notably former SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi playing a trans woman—as well as the length of the trailer itself.
Love Songs from Japanese TV Shows & Movies
Popular TV shows and movies are remembered for many different reasons. Some have good stories and casts, some teach us life lessons. And perhaps more than we realize, theme songs play a large role in making viewers addicted.
Band-Maid Goes 'Band-Maiko' for April Fool's
Band-Maid mixes shamisen with thrash guitar for this special April Fool's release—and the result is kinda awesome!
FEMM Tease Future at CES 2018
J-pop musical mannequin duo FEMM are featured in a newly-released teaser video for an augmented reality/mixed reality presentation at CES 2018 in Las Vegas.
Cherish the Cherry Blossoms With This Playlist
'Hanami' is one of the best parts of cherry blossom season! Make the most of your cherry blossom viewing with this spring-inspired playlist!
Kamen Joshi Reach Record 3M FB Followers
Japanese underground idols Kamen Joshi achieved a social media milestone last week by surpassing 3 million Facebook followers.
Discover 5 Classic J-Pop Artists
Listen to oldies but goodies from five of Japan’s very best singer-songwriters!
Wagakki Band Unveils New Music Video & Album
Wagakki Band has unveiled their 'Sasameyuki' music video, along with teasers from their upcoming fifth album, 'Otone.'
Rock Out with Quarantine Collaborations
While Japanese singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino is social distancing at home in Tokyo, he's also "Dancing on the Inside” with his newly released YouTube video.
Young Drummer, Big Dreams
12-year-old drum wonder Hibiki Sakai is blind, but realized his dream of performing on stage with Japanese band Def Tech.
All About Idol Insanity
What's all the fuss about J-pop idols? How did they start in the first place? Find out answers to these questions and more as we take a look at the phenomenon of Japanese idols!
Tomomi Itano Back in New Photobook & Single
Tomomi Itano, formerly of AKB48, is slated to release two projects in February: her latest photobook, 'Wanderer,' and a new maxi-single, 'Just As I Am.'
Crossfaith Goes 'Blade Runner' for Wipeout MV
Japanese hard rock band Crossfaith mixes equal parts 'Blade Runner' and 'TRON' in the music video for their new single, 'Wipeout.'
Japan’s Golden Age of TV: Trendy 90s Dramas
Watch four classic J-dramas and fall in love with Japan all over again!
After a 12-Year Hiatus, Utada Hikaru Is Back!
After 12 years, fans finally have a chance to see 'Kingdom Hearts' and 'Evangelion' singer Utada Hikaru live once more! And a strategic purchase will boost your odds of getting tickets to her upcoming shows!
Lovebites Nominated at London Metal Awards
Power-metal quintet Lovebites have been nominated for Best New Band at London's annual Metal Hammer Golden God Awards. Go vote!
