All About Japan

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

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!

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.

'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?

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.

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!

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!

Japan’s Golden Age of TV: Trendy 90s Dramas

Watch four classic J-dramas and fall in love with Japan all over again!

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!

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!

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.

Wagakki Band Unveils New Music Video & Album

Wagakki Band has unveiled their 'Sasameyuki' music video, along with teasers from their upcoming fifth album, 'Otone.'

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.

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!

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