Flowing into the Future: Tokyo by Water
“It is all but forgotten today that Tokyo’s low city was once a city equal to Venice in its charms,”
The Real Musical Magic of Ryuichi Sakamoto
Listening to the jazz-funk of Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters band revolutionized his thinking about music
The Kuroda era – and what comes next
One thing is for sure – unlike most of his predecessors, he will be remembered.
Funny Money: Edward Chancellor’s “The Price of Time”
“We have come to live in a controlled environment, with its fake money, fake interest rates, fake economy, fake jobs, and fake politicians…”
Big Time Gambling Boss: Yukio Mishima’s Favourite Yakuza Movie
When Tsuruta heard what had happened, he unsheathed his ceremonial sword and wept.
Guilty Pleasures: Tokyo Vice
Having an ex- Mormon missionary as the most formidable of the nightclub hostesses is excellent.
Five + 1 Surprising Scenarios for the Year of the Rabbit
2022 was definitely a “Roubini year”, but 2023 could well be a “Pinker year”
Rockin’ in Rhythm: Japan’s Battling Big Bands
Jazz was not merely a music to be accepted or reviled, but rather a metaphor for Japan’s participation in global cultural trends.
Journey to Disaster: Toshiro Mifune in “Band of Assassins”
He asked to be shaved because he knew exactly what was going to happen to his head
A Kurosawa Christmas: When the Turkey is Really Chicken
A glittering star appears amongst the reeking slime