All articles tagged with #japanese culture
Demon Slayer's record-breaking success has transformed anime from a niche Japanese art form into a global cultural and economic phenomenon, driven by dedicated fandom, strategic international marketing, and platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, with Japan investing heavily in anime as a soft power tool to boost its economy.
Rina Sawayama criticized Sabrina Carpenter's SNL performance for lacking cultural research, specifically pointing out the inappropriate use of Japanese tatami mats and footwear, emphasizing respect for cultural symbols.
Anime NYC 2025, the largest anime convention on the East Coast, showcased impressive cosplay costumes from attendees celebrating Japanese pop culture, with notable guests and a vibrant atmosphere.
Rental Family is a gentle, heartfelt comedy starring Brendan Fraser, set in Japan, exploring the phenomenon of rental companionship to combat loneliness, and highlighting themes of human connection and life-affirming experiences.
Denshattack is an upcoming PS5 arcade-action game launching in Spring 2026, where players drive a train through wild stages and perform tricks like skateboarding, inspired by anime and Japanese culture, with a variety of crazy maneuvers and boss battles.
As Studio Ghibli celebrates its 40th anniversary, it faces an uncertain future with Miyazaki, its creative leader, potentially retiring due to age, while the studio shifts towards commercial ventures and new leadership, raising questions about its artistic legacy and future direction.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the best in the series, offering a fresh take with Japanese-inspired visuals, a flexible skill tree system, improved combat including bow mechanics, extensive exploration, a diverse cast, and enhanced farming and building features, making it highly engaging and replayable.
Fortnite's Chapter 6 Season 1 battle pass is heavily inspired by Japanese culture, featuring eight new skins, including licensed characters like Godzilla and Baymax from Big Hero 6. The season offers over 100 rewards, including emotes, back bling, and gliders. The new skins also have Lego versions for age-appropriate content. The season is expected to include more crossovers, potentially featuring King Kong, as it aligns with the Monsterverse theme.
Eevee Day, celebrated on November 21, honors the beloved Pokémon known for its eight Evolutions. The date is chosen based on Japanese wordplay, where 1121 sounds like Eevee's name. Eevee's Evolutions include Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon, each requiring specific conditions to evolve. Eevee and its Evolutions have appeared in various Pokémon episodes and have inspired art exhibits, showcasing their enduring popularity and cuteness.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique strategy game from Capcom that blends traditional Japanese culture with engaging gameplay. Players control Soh, a ninja protecting a dancing Goddess, navigating through defiled Mount Kafuku while managing resources and units. The game features detailed graphics, strategic depth, and a mix of action and planning, making it a memorable addition to Xbox Game Pass and continuing Capcom's recent streak of successful releases.
The showrunner of "Tokyo Vice" discusses the Season 2 finale, hinting at a potential Season 3 while emphasizing the real-life inspirations behind the fictional storylines. The finale sees characters making tough choices, including compromising journalistic ethics and dispensing justice in the Yakuza world. The show's creators express interest in further exploring complex moral themes and empowering female characters in a potential third season, while also highlighting the resurgence of interest in Japanese culture in Western media.
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers superstar, recently revealed his marriage to Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, whom he had kept anonymous when announcing the marriage on Instagram. Tanaka, a former player for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women's Japan Basketball League, was identified as Ohtani's wife after a group photo was posted on Ohtani's Instagram stories. Ohtani deflected questions about his wife during a news conference in South Korea, emphasizing his focus on baseball. The news of Tanaka being Ohtani's wife garnered significant attention in Japanese and Korean media outlets.
Shōgun, a new series on Disney+, is being hailed as a must-watch with comparisons to Game of Thrones. Set in 17th-century Japan, the show boasts a grand cast and flawless technical aspects, while staying true to Japanese culture and language. With a compelling plot and standout performances, it has garnered critical acclaim and high ratings, making it a top contender in the streaming landscape.
Hiroyuki Sanada, known for his role in "The Last Samurai," has become a producer and star of FX's "Shogun," a series that aims to authentically portray Japanese culture. Sanada's mission in Hollywood has been to break down barriers between East and West, and he has worked to ensure cultural accuracy in various projects, including providing expertise in acting and production. His dedication to authenticity in "Shogun" led him to take on the role of producer, overseeing details such as costumes, props, and movement to accurately represent 17th-century Japan.
FX is reviving the historical fiction novel "Shogun" as a 10-episode limited series, aiming to retell the epic tale in a meaningful new way. The show, set in 1600 Japan, features all Japanese dialogue subtitled, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their perspectives. The series addresses the challenge of adapting a story about a white European arriving in Japan, aiming to disperse the point of view and subvert the traditional narrative. With a focus on authenticity, the production spared no expense in creating a convincing portrayal of feudal Japan, involving Japanese experts and consultants. The series aims to reflect the clash of cultures and serve as a model for cross-cultural collaboration.