artsandculture
Despite Japan’s reputation as a high-tech wonderland, the number of musicians making electronic music is surprisingly small. Sure, there are techno-influenced pop groups like Capsule and Perfume, and plenty of bands incorporate elements of EDM (electronic dance music) into their compositions. Still, compared to Europe, the UK or even America, where genres like techno, house and trap are well-represented, Japan is relatively quiet. However, this can be seen as a blessing in disguise. Whereas overseas artists can’t help but be influenced by their e-music peers, Japanese artists tend to do their ...
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From shogi to Sangenjaya to spirits, it’s a wonder just how much Japanese folklore and culture is filled into the nooks and crannies of Persona 5. Besides simply being set in Japan, multiple game elements in a Japanese high school explore popular aspects of Japanese culture. If you know where to look, you can find Japanese myths and legends, games and even the odd sightseeing spot if you’re in the area, so let’s take a look at each. The personas of legendThey’re what the game is named after, and it’s easy to spot some of their more direct links to western myths and folklore. Personas like Arch...
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In recent years, horror manga artist Junji Ito has gained increased global recognition for his rich, elaborate works, such as Tomie, Uzumaki and Gyo. He’s won praise from famous admirers like filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and taken home multiple Eisner Awards (the U.S. comic book equivalent of an Academy Award). Ito’s dark illustrations are filled with grotesque yet fascinating images, some of which draw inspiration from Western sources, including Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, and the Winchester Mystery House in California. Here are some of the influences that have inf...
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Kintsugi (golden joinery) is a distinctively Japanese technique of restoring broken pottery and ceramics using urushi (lacquer) with metallic powders to give the appearance of gold and silver lining where the cracks once were. The original technique has been meticulously preserved for centuries to prolong the life of ornate pottery pieces. Nowadays, kintsugi is a widely available and trendy hobby enjoyed on your own or with the help of guidance from a master at a workshop or class in Japan. Moreover, it’s pretty easy hobby to pick up, so here’s everything you need to know to start the timeless...
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You might not know it, but there’s more to Japanese music than just idol groups and anime songs. We’ve talked about some obscure genres of music in Japan before, but a style that’s a bit more contemporary is J-rock. This is admittedly a broad genre, so today, we’re going to talk about bands that have been influenced by bands from England, particularly shoegaze, dream pop and other effects-heavy styles. Some of these bands are still around, while others have sadly broken up. Here are five of our favorite Japanese bands that made waves influenced by British rock. 1. SupercarLet’s start with Supe...
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In your first interactions with Japanese culture and kanji, you may well come across the ancient art of shodo, Japanese calligraphy. Watching calligraphy masters can be almost hypnotic, with their brushes gliding along with the paper in such a way that it looks easy. So you give it a go and…splat. The ink splotches on the paper, and your first kanji looks more like a deformed stick man. That’s where most people give up. They’ve tried it. It was fun, but not for them. But not you. You revel in the challenge, pick up the brush again, and try to make art. Now it’s time to get serious with shodo. ...
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You might feel that ethereal, long-lived Japanese arts and crafts are beyond mastering, that you need ancient tools and whispered words from a master to create the next One Piece. But that’s far from the truth. Plenty of arts and crafts in Japan are easily accessible for the average person. You can create an impressive gift or start a new hobby with like-minded individuals within your reach. Or you’re just bored in the countryside. No matter the reason, if you are looking for a creative endeavor to pass the time, you might find a spark of inspiration from this list. Shodo (Japanese calligraphy...
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City pop is a genre of Japanese music that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It melded R&B, pop and soul into a slick whole and perfectly soundtracked urban life in a booming economy. Recently, the genre exploded in popularity due almost entirely to a YouTube algorithm recommending Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” to seemingly anyone and everyone. Not that it doesn’t deserve the attention. It’s an excellent example of city pop and the Japanese music industry at its peak: strong musicianship, state-of-the-art recording facilities and a uniquely Japanese blend of popular genres. Hea...
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Avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin, a symbol of Naoshima, an island dedicated to contemporary art, was unfortunately swept away by the waves when the strong winds of Typhoon Lupit hit the coast. Battered by the high tide waves, the iconic sculpture smashed against the pier while the Benesse Art Site staff stood by powerless. The pumpkin eventually reached the shore but sustained some severe damages. It has now been recovered and is under the care of the Benesse Art Site. No one knows yet why Art Site employees didn’t move the pumpkin as they usually do when the Japan Meteorologic...
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Years will pass before we can unpackage the destruction coronavirus has caused, to both the health and economy of people worldwide. Not to be overlooked in this maelstrom is the impact on minority communities, who most often bear the brunt of crises like pandemics and economic depressions.The drag community is one such group that fell into jeopardy. As bars and clubs closed (sometimes permanently) drag kings and queens found themselves cut off from much-needed income, and the wider LGBTQ community from their meeting places, social networks, and safety nets.High profile celebrities and TV shows...
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