Archive
Music Review: Raychell “L>R”
The eagerly anticipated debut album from Japan’s hottest new singing sensation!
Release date: 24 April 2013
This dazzling assortment of songs which consists of a mixture of styles from rock to dance confirms that Raychell is a singer – songwriter of immense talent who is equally comfortable performing ballads as she is up-tempo songs. Her vocal skills are outstanding. She can make a simple tune sound full of meaning and an intricate melody sound easy on the Read more…
Art Exhibition Review: Works On Nature & Dance/Movement By Hiroko Imada
Expressive moods in colour!
Riverside Studios Gallery London - 16 March – 7 April 2013
On Monday, 18 March Diverse Japan attended a private viewing of the exhibition Works on Nature & Dance/Movement by Japanese artist Hiroko Imada, which is being held at the Riverside Studios Gallery in London from 16 March until 7 April (see foot of post for opening times). The exhibition is registered with Read more…
2nd Installment From Okamoto Kido’s Talks On Meiji Era Theatre – Under The Lamp
Part 14: The scene at the opening of the new Kabukiza!
Kabuza Gossip – ‘Heart Warming Historical Tales of Kōmon’ (Zokusetsu Bidan Kōmon Ki) — Scholar, Amateur Kabuki Dramatist and Journalist Fukuchi Ōchi — The Appearance of Kabukiza Banzuke advertising posters – ‘The Fire Brigade Fight’ (Megumi no Kenka).
After the Great Earthquake disaster (of 1923) the appearance of the Kabukiza theatre building was once again anticipated. Also a large part of the Read more…
DVD Review: Needless Part 1 Episodes 1-12
An anime series about a group of post-holocaust survivors with extraordinary powers!
It is the year 2130, 50 years after the catastrophic events of World War III. Where Tokyo once stood, there is now a nuclear contaminated hole full of rubble and destruction, known as ‘The Black Spot’. Now populated by refugees and outcasts, many of The Black Spot’s inhabitants have developed special powers ranging from telekinesis to super strength, speed and even transmutation. These powers are known as ‘fragments’ and the people who wield them known as the ‘Needless’. Read more…
Art Exhibition: Works On Nature & Dance/Movement By Hiroko Imada
Press release
Date: 10am – 10pm, Sat 16 March – Sun 7 April 2013
Venue: The Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, London, W6 9RL
Japanese artist Hiroko Imada is a graduate of the Slade, and has been living and working in London for over 20 years. She is a member of Palace Wharf Studios, and has drawn much artistic stimulation from its prime riverside location. Read more…
Luxury Holidays In The Land Of The Rising Sun
Castles, theme parks, breath-taking scenery… Japan has it all!
Japan is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, a unique mix of old and new. It is a country definitely worth visiting in style. Here is what you need to know about spending a luxury holiday in this beautiful place. Read more…
Interview: Producer Thelma Holt – Anjin: The Shogun and the English Samurai
“The influence of Japanese theatre has been and is tremendous!” Thelma Holt
Thelma Holt CBE began a long and distinguished theatre career as an actress. She then founded the Open Space Theatre in Tottenham and has worked for the Roundhouse, the National Theatre and the Peter Hall Company. She went on to found her own theatre production company, Thelma Holt Limited. She works with the distinguished Japanese Director Yukio Ninagawa to bring Anglo-Japanese theatre to the Read more…
A Guide For Finding Pretty Places Anywhere In Japan
Finding Japan’s inner elegance can be an exhilarating adventure!
Japan’s multifaceted landscape is cloaked in a mysterious ambiance that has engaged the hearts of travellers for centuries. Its isolation as an island nation kept its traditions, many of which date back thousands of years, preserved from outside influence until the war brought in a major influx of foreign pressure in the mid part of the 20th century. Since then, the country has developed to Read more…
Interview: Actor Stephen Boxer – Anjin: The Shogun and the Samurai
“What I love is how their friendship [Anjin and Tokugawa] crossed boundaries and superseded all that and became mates!” Steve Boxer
Stephen Boxer is an Olivier nominated stage, film and television actor. A veteran of the RSC he has performed widely at, amongst others, the National Theatre, the Barbican, the Duchess Theatre, and the Hammersmith Lyric. He won a London Fringe Award for Best Actor in his role as the Governor in ‘The Clearing’ at the Bush Theatre and his performance with the RSC as Read more…
NEO Magazine Issue 106 Profiles Film Director Toshiaki Toyoda (9 Souls) OUT NOW!
A special double cover issue – Plus free MCM Comic Con cosplay 2013 diary!
NEO magazine welcomes in the New Year with bumper coverage of the hottest titles UK-bound over the months ahead. From musical predictions to the best anime releases, NEO has all bases covered! Plus, plan your year in style with a free MCM Comic Con Cosplay 2013 Diary!
Then, flip the magazine over to discover everything you need to know about Ni no Kumi: Wrath of the Read more…
Book Review: Strong in the Rain By Lucy Birmingham and David McNeill
Living through the historic earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown!
No one could have thought that in March of 2011, the northeast coast of Japan would be hit by an earthquake 9.0 magnitude, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded, sending a tsunami crashing through the towns, destroying all in its wake. Even though the country has regular earthquake evacuation drills, and sea walls as high as forty feet, nothing could’ve prepared it for a disaster of such scale. The catastrophe continued with a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant that would rival Chernobyl. After the disaster, Japan faced being in the news, and sympathy from around the globe grew, as did the Read more…
A Short Guide To Walking holidays and singles activity holidays In Japan
Reasons to visit Japan!
Here is a short guide to walking and activity holidays in Japan and how to get the most out of your time there. Japan is a country of contrasts, with fascinating history, scenic landscapes and ultra-modern cities. You can enjoy the culture and the cuisine provided by the friendly people.
From the tranquil Zen gardens to the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan has so much diversity to offer. Getting to Japan Read more…
9-Night Tokyo Game Show Tour 2012 – Akihabara, Harajuku, Sega Joypolis
An organised tour of Japan between 16-24 September 2012
Normally Diverse Japan doesn’t make it a policy to advertise travel offers – simply because there are far too many and posting them here can be very time consuming. And let’s face it, we’re not a travel agent. But every now and then we make an exception. So here’s one that may be of particular interest to you. Read more…
Songstress Kudara Debut Single “Juliet & Romeo In Tokyo” OUT NOW
Release date: 13th August 2012
Diverse Japan is always keen to help promote new talent in any field of J-culture. So it’s a great pleasure to announce the debut single of singer/songwriter Kudara entitled “Juliet & Romeo in Tokyo” (feat. Dreadlox Holmes).
It has a smooth soulful pop groove with a catchy melody line beautifully performed by the pretty Japanese songstress. It’s a very tight arrangement – you’re gonna Read more…
DVD Review: The Great Yokai War (Yokai Daisenso) – A Film By Takashi Miike
A journey from childhood to adulthood and the loss of innocence!
Adapted by Hiroshi Aramata from his serialised novels ‘Teito Monogatari’ (Tales of the Imperial Capital) The Great Yōkai War revolves around the struggles of the adolescent Tadashi Ino and his companion Yōkai against the human become immortal demon Yasunari Katō who is ultimately intent on destroying Tōkyō.
After his parents divorced adolescent Tadashi Ino and his mother Yōko moved to a small town and are living in in his grandfather’s house. During a festival at a local Shinto shrine where he is being baited by the Read more…
Lecture: Lesley Downer – The New Japan and the Last Samurai
Monday 18 June 2012 at 6.45pm 
The Oriental Club Stratford House 11 Stratford Place London W1C 1ES
Free – booking recommended
A pay bar is available before the lecture Please note: Oriental Club rules require gentlemen to wear jacket and tie Read more…
DVD Review: Adrift In Tokyo (Ten Ten) – A film By Miki Satoshi
A meditative modern day myth of depth and quality!
A bonding observational road movie, Adrift in Tokyo follows the path of Fumiya Takemura (Joe Odagiri) and Aiichiro Fukuhara (Tomokazu Miura) who, due to present circumstances, cross swords with each other before they embark on a journey of self discovery and redemption.
Takemura is a perpetual student who has been studying law for eight years and is in debt to the tune of 840,000 yen. He has no family to speak of and no friends. He lives in a Read more…
LAZYgunsBRISKY Release Their Self-Titled 5th Album On Good Charamel Records
The band’s final album!
LAZYgunsBRISKY is an all-girl hard rock quartet from Tokyo. Comprising members Lucy (vocals), izumi (guitar), azu (bass, vocals), and Moe (drums). The band draws influence from 60s – 80s rock and roll, great songs full of fat guitars and sludgy basses. Often described as an updated Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith, while some of the older songs possess the brutish simplicity of The Stooges, the band delivers straight ahead rock n roll with Read more…
HYPER JAPAN 2012 Spring Photos Now Uploaded!
A picture can say a thousand words!
At last Diverse Japan has uploaded photographs taken at HYPER JAPAN 2012 Spring, which took place at Brompton Hall at Earls Court, London on 24th – 26th February. There are around 80 photos in all including many of the special guests: Director Miki Satoshi, actress Eri Fuse, Judo Gold Medallist Maki Tsukada and cute J-pop singstress Natsuko Aso, as well as a nice selection of cosplayers and Read more…
