What do Clint, John and Hayao have in common? Tokyo International Film Festival Quiz#1

So maybe now you’re asking, who is Akira Kurosawa?

Japan-related blogs now have a homebase!

Your most favoritest Japanese underworld guide and yakuza blog, Japan Subculture Research Center (<— us!) has recently been listed on the brand-new Japan Blog Directory! The Directory is only 2 weeks old, and yet already lists 55 blogs organized by category (eating, culture, travel, etc.). GREAT to peruse if you need a  distraction from work, [...]

Ghost in The Shell (攻殻機動隊): A classic film of Japanese sci-fi animation with universal themes

Will it ever be possible to emulate true humanity through technology?

The Hollywood Reporter: Japan’s Entertainment World And The Yakuza

Even Hollywood is taking in interest in Japan’s entertainment industry links to the mob. Meanwhile, police are now asking for an explanation of the underworld ties from Shimada’s powerful agency, Yoshimoto Kogyo, which has been rapidly expanding overseas in recent years, signing deals from Hollywood to Shanghai.

Japanese TV Star Shimada Shinsuke retires before yakuza ties exposed

Popular comedian Shimada Shinsuke had extensive dealings with an organized crime boss and retired hastily before the details were written up in a weekly magazine.