Colonialist photography has a complicated and chequered history in Japan. With the surface intention of demonstrating Japan’s anthropological prowess to the rest of the world, it also served the ad…
Feb 22, 2022 • Subscribe
More like this
The Role of Resistence in Colonial Photography
There is something to be said of the need to photograph. Whether it is today where social media apps such as Instagram, which was set up with an…
Anime Witches in Japanese Culture
In anime witches are often depicted as Magical Girls who wear cute outfits and own cats. Could the origins of their power be something more sinister?
[Owls 8/2020 Tour] Asirpa and Ainu Culture
Hello new followers, random strangers from the internet, and older followers alike. Welcome to my little blog, Mechanical Anime Reviews! Maybe not as tiny as it used to…
Japanese Culture Events in Texas 2024
Calendar of upcoming Japanese concerts, anime conventions, food festivals, performances, and other events in Texas.
Sakamichi Brewing: Crafting Japanese Beer Culture in Tachikawa
At long last, the craft beer scene is booming in Tokyo. We sat down with the craft entrepreneurs at Sakamichi Brewing to learn more about the local scene.
Anime is Not Japanese Culture
The other day I stumbled across various YouTube videos of people who felt like they were “becoming Japanese” because of their increasing love for sushi, anime, manga, and…
[REVIEW] Japanese Culture through Videogames
No post summary was provided.
Books on Japanese Culture and Society
This past semester I taught a class on Japanese science fiction and fantasy, and I was surprised by how interested my students were in learning more about the…
Anime Photography in the Cel Era
I came across this opening by the popular indie animator Kouji Nanke while watching Maison Ikkoku (it was the 5th and last in the TV series), and it…
Daido Moriyama Photography Retrospective in London
The good folks from The Photographers' Gallery in London have just revealed details of their Daido Moriyama Retrospective. Set to run from F...
Japanese Shrine Bans Tourists, Laments “Destruction of Japanese Culture”
A beautiful shrine on the island of Tsushima has dropped the ban hammer after what it calls an "unforgivable act of disrespect."
Japanese Shrine Bans Tourists, Laments “Destruction of Japanese Culture”
A beautiful shrine on the island of Tsushima has dropped the ban hammer after what it calls an "unforgivable act of disrespect."
The Life and Legacy of Ainu-Japanese Translator Chiri Yukie
Only 19 when she passed away, indigenous Ainu translator Chiri Yukie left behind an invaluable legacy for her people and the world.
Asians Represent Podcast: Ainu Representation in Museums
Attus and ruunpe traditional-style Ainu robes on display at the East-West Center, Honolulu, Feb 2013. Photo my own. I recently came across a podcast interview with Ainu Museum…
Whiskers in the East: A Deep Dive into Japanese Cat Culture
Japan’s enduring cultural fascination with cats surpasses mere appreciation, and can be tracked through the pages of folklore, mythology, art, and literature, into modern popular culture displays l…
On Female Bonding and Bathing Culture in Contemporary Japanese Women’s Writing
“The Europeans are compelled to take [a] bath in order to clean off the filth… on the contrary, bathing of the Japanese is far beyond the simple object…
Documentaries on Japanese Pop Culture: “Tokyo Idols”
Publisher: KimStim (USA) Format: Region 1 DVD, NTSC, Japanese Dialogue with English Subtitles Length: 92 minutes Production Date: 2...
Books to Better Understand Japanese Work Culture
From traditional white-collar salarymen to blue-eyed foreigners, here are five of the best books to better understand the Japanese work culture.
How Japanese Culture Changed the Anime Tomboy
Have you ever though about anime tomboys. As n what tomboys are like in animes. Because it's very different from what we're used to.
Depth in Anime – Photography, Compositing and Animation
So I watched the first episode of A-1 Picture’s ‘Granblue Fantasy the Animation’ last night. Not sure I’m a fan. Like so many other anime these days, Granblue…
10 Beautiful Sakura Photography Spots in Tokyo
Experience Japan's stunning spring season by visiting the best sakura spots in Tokyo for for iconic shots that define the beauty of Japan.
Photography in Motion – The Asadas! (Movie Review)
As many people know, I am very much a fan of viewing movies in the theaters. With new norms and social distancing in place in this times, but…
Spiraken Game Review: Aliens Colonial Marines
Hello ladies and gents, boys and girls, reds, blues and all you good folk of the Spiraken community! We’re back discussing your eventually go-to devices for all the…
Ainu Neno An Ainu (アイヌネノアンアイヌ, Neo Sora & Laura Liverani, 2021)
Neo Sora & Laura Liverani’s empathetic documentary explores the place of the Ainu in contemporary Japanese society as they strive to preserve their culture
Ainu Ancestral Remains, Long Held in Australia, Returned
In an indigenous victory, Ainu ancestral remains, long held in museums in distant Australia, have at last been returned to local communities.
Samurai Spirit in the Stands: A Look at Japanese Football (Soccer) Culture
It’s only a few months since the FIFA World Cup wrapped up in Brazil, though for Japanese fans it may well seem like an eternity since thei...
Weekly Round-Up, 12-18 August 2020: Kotaku Work Culture, Witch Hat Atelier, and Ainu Lawsuit
AniFem Round-Up How Berserk’s Casca challenges the myth of the “Strong Black Woman” Jackson P. Brown explores how Berserk’s female lead averts stereotypes of one-dimensional, superhumanly tough Black…
How To Learn About Japanese Culture Through Anime
I was looking through my twitter feed when I suddenly remembered how a lot of people kept telling me that I know so much about Japanese culture and…
10 Beautiful Spots in Tokyo for Sakura Photography
Experience Japan's stunning spring season by visiting the best spots in Tokyo for sakura photography for that perfect shot.
More Kids in Japan are Committing Nonconsensual Photography
Nonconsensual photography is a rising problem in Japan. Local media reports say that the country is also seeing a spike at schools.
Divination in Ancient Chinese Culture
Ancient Chinese culture embraced divination methods like oracle bone reading and the I Ching for predicting the future and gaining insight. Could these ancient practices continue to provide…
Japanese Christmas Culture Shock and the Ideal Holi-Date
Fried chicken and strawberry shortcake after working all day—welcome to a typical Christmas Eve date in Japan!
24 Japanese Culture Through Video Games (Dr. Rachael Hutchinson)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we take a look at the fascinating intersection between Japanese culture, society, and video games. About Dr. Rachael Hutchinson Dr.…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japan by JapanKyo.com
Legend of the Crystals: Final Fantasy, Tekken: The Motion Picture
24 Japanese Culture Through Video Games (Dr. Rachael Hutchinson)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we take a look at the fascinating intersection between Japanese culture, society, and video games. About Dr. Rachael Hutchinson Dr.…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japan by JapanKyo.com
Legend of the Crystals: Final Fantasy, Tekken: The Motion Picture
Five Years On; Anime Feminist Vs Japanese Pop Culture
Well, as you can see, not a great deal of writing is getting done for this blog. To be honest, I have put the blog on hold for…
Case Closed, After the Rain, Horimiya, Kill la Kill, Ristorante Paradiso
Photography in Anime – Photographic Genres – Sing Yesterday Episode 5
Minato’s thoughts on photography inspired a few thoughts of my own on the topic… I agree with him on some things, disagree on others. I also look at…
Make Believe Bonus: 10 Things To Watch From Japanese Pop Culture In 2025 (NewsPicks)
In: Physical Media, Indie, Escapism
Shoujo Sundae Review: Kawaii: The Emergence and Evolution of Cuteness in Japanese Girl’s Culture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8s_ZvM1om0 To follow up on their series on Japanese girls’ culture, The Japan Foundation provided a detailed presentation and open discussion on the emergence…
OtakuGeneration (Show #339) Culture in Japan
Shownotes :: (show 339) :: () :: () :: () :: () With Culture in Japan, recorded live November 29th, 2011. This week we chatted about culture in Japan.…
Revolutionary Girl Utena, D.Gray-man, Dragon Ball, Heroic Age, Elfen Lied
What Is "Oshi" Culture in Japan?
"Oshi" Culture has always been something I found super interesting about Japan, even before the vtuber boom. With vtubers and now Oshi no Ko, many have gotten to…
Tamayura, Shutter Love and Photography
Photography changes everything. What printing was for the letters, photography became for the visual corpus of the world – in the sciences, in exploration, investigation, the arts and…
When pop culture meets culture war
Dragon Quest III HD-2D and the pitfalls of producing content in a polarized world
Where to Find Art, Design and Photography Books in Tokyo
Here's where you can explore collections of artful books and find inspiration for your next creative project in Tokyo.
Ainu Mosir (アイヌモシㇼ, Takeshi Fukunaga, 2020)
A grieving young man is confronted by the contradictions of his life as a member of an indigenous community in Fukunaga’s poetic coming-of-age drama
“Pop” Culture
This is one seriously deranged offering. This is a very binary show: either you like it a lot or you hate it a lot. You also need to…
Carnivore Culture
By Jeannette Ng. Beastars is the story of Legoshi, an achingly awkward wolf who struggles with his carnivore side as like many of his fellow classmates, he is…
Taiko Drum History and Culture in Japan
What are those big powerful drums you see at festivals in Japan?
Pure TokyoScope PODCAST #73: Japanese Pop Culture Strikes Back! Earthquakes! Airplane!
Patrick Macias and Matt Alt bring you pop culture from Japan
Make Believe Bonus: Japanese Pop Culture Report From An American Mall
Surely T-Shirt Stalls Next To A Wetzel's Pretzels Offers Deep Insight
Day 4 of Hotsui Matsuri: What is Obon- Demystifying Japanese culture
Heyo~ Welcome to the 4th day of Hotsui Matsuri! What better way to start off Obon then to explain what it is, amirite? What is Obon? Obon is…