Karma Chameleon: William Empson in Japan
According to the puritanical ethos of the times, this was evidence of gross immorality.
Mao, Trump or Kate? The Value Of Modern Monarchy
We don’t lay off our children or siblings in favour of lower cost alternatives.
Godzilla vs. The Japanese Constitution
Would it be constitutional, the prime minister wonders as the 380 foot behemoth wreaks havoc in central Tokyo?
Silver Satisfaction for Ageing Asia
In Asia, 60 years old is the new 40. In Europe it’s time to wind down for a multi-decade vacation at tax-payers’ expense
The Dead City: Japan’s Isle of Modern Ruin
It is a useful reminder that everything familiar to us will one day be obsolescent too, ourselves included.
The End of the Night: Maki’s Travelling Blues
“When Terayama first heard her sing “When the Night Ends” he felt as if an electric shock had run through him…”
Amoeba City: Tokyo 2020
The amoeba is older and slower now, but still dreams its neon dreams
Tokyo Noir – The Silent Dead
“You’re an ignorant potato-eating slut from the boonies..”
We’d Love to Change Your Head: Japan’s Beatlemanic Moment
Into this maelstrom came The Beatles, the biggest act on the planet and symbol of youthful hedonism
Night Opens My Dreams: Kan Mikami’s North Country Blues
He is also an actor with credits in Nikkatsu’s “Roman Porno” movies and the legendary gangster series “Battles without Honour and Humanity”