TJ
BLOOD
BLOOD
Japan’s Somber Scandal Meets Musical Melody
From October 14 to December 18, 2016, the political thriller musical BLOOD hit the stage of The Complex in Hollywood. The stage play was inspired by actual events that occurred in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s surrounding a tainted blood scandal in which 2,000 people died from AIDS after contaminated blood was knowingly sold by a company in the U.S. to Japan. The production received rave reviews during its spring 2016 premiere and the fall 2016 production did not disappoint.
Join the Night Shift
Don’t Drop Out to Make it in the Music World.
Join the Night Shift.
Students of L.A.’s Citrus College Mega Band, Night Shift, Join the Pro Circuit
ONE of the biggest concerns with higher education today is whether graduates can find employment when they enter the “real world.”
All-4-One
All-4-One
The Dukes of R&B for 20 Years
With millennials suddenly embracing the nostalgia of their childhood, many former pop-culture figures are profiting from this newfound popularity for all things ‘90s. All-4-One is no exception. Their 1995 number-one hit “I Swear” was named one of the greatest love songs of the 20th century by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. With sales exceeding 22 million records worldwide, constantly touring and releasing new music, the GRAMMY Award-winning band released their 20th anniversary album, Twenty+, at the perfect time. Tokyo Journal sat down with Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez and Tony Borowiak as they revisited their roots and discussed touring Japan.
Design Festa
Design Festa
There is more to Design Festa than Meets the Eye
The International Art Event Design Festa, known as Design Festa, is a large biannual convention focusing on art, performance, fashion and music. Tokyo Journal discussed the event with Design Festa’s overseas public relations coordinator, Sarah Feinerman.
DRUM TAO's Drum Art
DRUM TAO's Drum Art
Combining the Japanese art of taiko drumming with contemporary costumes and choreography
DRUM TAO has entertained over 7 million people in 500 cities in 23 countries, performing at 120 locations around Japan every year. The wadaiko (Japanese drum) troupe combines the artistic visual elements of a Cirque du Soleil show with the dynamic energy of a rock concert performed with traditional Japanese instruments. The group reflects Japanese tradition through music and dance, while incorporating Maori, Korean and Indonesian influences, and mixing traditional Japanese songs with modern compositions created by members of the troupe. In addition to taiko drums, TAO uses other instruments including the shinobue (Japanese flute), bamboo marimba, gongs and the koto (horizontal harp).
Tokyo Journal's Top 10 Rankings 2016 Final
Tokyo Journal's 2016 Polling Results
What are your favorite things about Japan and Japanese culture?
You vote. You decide!
In April of 2016 Tokyo Journal announced the first ever Top 10 Ranking for the reader's favorite Japanese entertainment icons, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. Over the course of 2016 we asked Tokyo Journal readers to vote for their favorite things in Japanese entertainment, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. This first year proved to be successful with over 500,000 votes submitted by readers from all over the world. Here are the top 3 winners for each category and stay tuned for the 2017 rankings.
Categories
Japanese Entertainmant / Food in Japan / Japanese Pop Culture / Japan Travel
Japanese TV & Dramas
Best J-Drama Actress
1. Satomi Ishihara
2. Akari Hayami
3. Haruka Ayase
Best J-Drama from 2015-2016
1. Flowers for Algermon
2. Mysterious Thief Yamaneko
3. From Five to Nine
Best J-Drama Actor
1. Tomohisa Yamashita
2. Takuya Kimura
3. Kazuya Kamenashi
Best J-Drama of All Time
1. Nobuta wo Produce (2005)
2. Long Vacation (1996)
3. Hana Yori Dango (2005)
Best Variety Show
1. Smap x Smap
2. Momoclo Chan
3. Shabekuri 007
Japanese Movies
Best Horror Movie
1. Ring
2. Ju-On
3. Sadako 3D
Best Japanese Movie
1. Battle Royale (2000)
2. Seven Samurai (1954)
3. Godzilla (1954)
Best Japanese Movie Actor/Actress Worldwide
1. Ken Watanabe
2. Takuya Kimura
3. Takeshi Kitano
Best Japanese Film Director of All Time
1. Hayao Miyazaki
2. Akira Kurosawa
3. Takeshi Miike
Best Akira Kurosawa Film of All Time
1. Seven Samurai
2. High and Low
3. Hidden Fortress
Japanese Music
Best J-Rock Band
1. X Japan
2. The GazettE
3. Babymetal
Best Japanese Female idol Group
1. Momoiro Clover Z
2. Morning Musume
3. *C-ute
Best Japanese Female Singer
1. Miwa
2. Yui
3. Ayumi Hamasaki
Best Male idol Group
1. SMAP
2. KAT-TUN
3. ARASHI
Best Japanese Male Singer
1. Tomohisa Yamashita
2. Gackt
3. Jin Akanishi
Japanese Sports
Best Favorite Japanese Male Athlete
1. Yuzuru Hanyu (Figure Skater)
2. Kei Nishikori
3. Kohei Uchimura
Best Favorite Japanese Female Athlete
1. Mao Asada (Figure Skater)
2. Ai Fukuhara
3. Saori Yoshida
Japanese Food
Best Street Food
1. Ramen
2. Takoyaki
3. Yakitori
Best Favorite Sushi
1. Salmon
2. Toro (Fatty Tuna)
3. Tuna
Best Japanese Sake
1. Dassai
2. Kubota
3. Hakkaisan
Restaurant in Japan
Best Theme Restaurant
1. Kawaii Monster Cafe
2. Robot restaurant
3. Maidreamin Cafe
Best Japanese Fast Food
1. Mos Burger
2. Yoshinoya
3. Pepper Lunch
Best Kobe Beef Restaurant
1. Ishida
2. Houki
3. Wakkoqu
Best French Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Les Cristallines
2. Troisgros Japon
3. Joel Robuchon
Best Italian Restairant in Tokyo
1. Pizzeria Da Napolistaca
2. Elio Locanada Italiana
3. Bulgari ll Ristorante
Best U.S. Restaurant
1. Outback Steakhouse
2. Hard Rock cafe
3. Denny's
Best Izakaya (Japanese Pub)
1. Hibiki
2. Gonpachi
3. Nihonbashi-tei
Best Mexican Restaurant
1. Fonda de la Madrugada
2. La Jolla
3. El Caliente
Best Curry Rice Restaurant
1. CoCo Ichibanya
2. Manten Curry Rice
3. Curry House TIRI TIRI
Best Tonkatsu Restaurant
1. Wako
2. Maisen
3. Katsuzen
Best Craft Brewery
1. Miyashita Sake Brewery
2. Baird Brewery Company
3. Abashiri Brewery
Best Asian Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Asian Palm
2. Monsoon Cafe
3. Mango Tree
Best Kaiseki Restaurant (Japanese Traditional Multi-Course Dinner)
1. Gion Karyo, Kyoto
2. Nakamura, Kyoto
3. Ogata, Kyoto
Best Tempura Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Tempura Kondo
2. Ten-ichi Ginza Honten
3. Tempura Motoyoshi
Best Sushi Restaurant
1. Sukiyabashi Jiro
2. Sushi no Midori
3. Sushi Dai
Best Tonkotsu Ramen Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Ichiran
2. Shibaraku
3. Botan
Japanese Sweets
Best Sweets
1. Melon Pan
2. Crepes
3. Taiyaki
Best Wagashi Shop
1. Higashiya Ginza
2. Tokyo Mise
3. Toraya Tokyo
Best Bakery & Dessert Shop
1. Sweets Paradise
2. Rose Bakery
3. Ice Monster Omotesando
Best Chocolate Snack
1. Pocky
2. Choco Pie
3. ALMOND
Japanese Anime & Manga
Best Shonen Manga
1. One Piece
2. Fairy Tail
3. Full Metal Alchemist
Best Shojo Manga
1. Akatsuki no Yona
2. Kimi ni Todoke
3. Orange
Best Kawaii Cartoon Character
1. Pika-chu
2. Totoro
3. Rilakkuma
Best Studio Ghibli Movie
1. Howl's Moving Castle
2. Spirited Away
3. My Neighbor Totoro
Best Anime 2012-2016
1. Attack on Titan
2. One-Punch Man
3. Tokyo Ghoul
Best Animated Movie
1. Wolf Children
2. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
3. The Girl Who Leapt Though Time
Best Anime of All Time
1. Dragon Ball Z
2. One Piece
3. Death Note
Best Gotochi Character (Regional Mascot Character)
1. Kumamon
2. Funassyi
3. Gunma-chan
Cosplay
Best Famous Cosplayer 2016
1. Touga
2. Reika
3. Linda Le(Vampy Bit Me)
Japanese Fashion
Best Harajuku Fashion
1. Galaxxxy
2. Angelic Pretty
3. 6% Doki Doki
Best Women's Fashion Brand
1. Cecil McBee
2. Olive des Olive
3. Freak's Store
Best Japanese Fashion Brand
1. Comme Des Garcons
2. Junko Koshino
3. Kenzo
Best Female Model
1. Kiko Mizuhara
2. Mirei Kiritani
3. Rola
Japanese Video Games
Best J-RPG of All Time
1. Final Fantasy VII
2. Kingdom Hearts 2
3. Persona 4
Japanese Destinations
Best Theme Park
1. Tokyo Disneyland
2. Universal Studios Japan
3. Tokyo Disneysea
Best "Day Trip" from Tokyo
1. Yokohama
2. Kamakura
3. Mt. Fuji
Best Vacation Spot
1. Kyoto
2. Ishigaki Island
3. Nara
Best Famous Landmark in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Tower
2. Shibuya Crossing / Hachiko Statue
3. Tokyo Skytree
Best Distinctive Building
1. Tokyo Station
2. Nakagin Capsule Tower
3. Omotesando Hills
Best Area for Hot Spring
1. Hakone Onsen
2. Kurokawa Onsen
3. Beppu Onsen
Best Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Hotel)
1. Takinoya
2. Shuhokaku Kogetsu
3. Hotel Hanayura
Best Ski Resort
1. Niseko Grand Hirafu
2. Fujiten Snow Resort
3. Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort
Best Japanese Architect
1. Tadao Ando
2. Kenzo Tange
3. Kisho Kurosawa
Best Place to Visit in Tokyo
1. Harajuku
2. Asakusa Temple
3. Odaiba
Best International School
1. Tokyo International School
2. The American School in Japan
3. Yokohama International School
Best Language School
1. Sendagaya Japanese Institute
2. Akamonkai
3. Coto Language Academy
Japanese Hotels
Best Five Ster Hotel in Tokyo
1. Park Hyatt Tokyo
2. Palace Hotel Tokyo
3. Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Best Hotel for Young Travelers
1. Kyoto Guesthouse Roujiya
2. Nui. Hotel & Bar Lounge
3. Hostel Haruya Aqua, Kyoto
Japanese Leisure & Recreation
Best Place to Karaoke
1. Shidax
2. Big Echo
3. Karaoke-kan
Best Game Center
1. Club SEGA
2. SEGA GiGO
3. Shinjuku Playland Carnival
Best Japanese Festival
1. Sapporo Snow Festival
2. Awa Odori Tokushima
3. Gion Matsuri
Best Fireworks Show
1. Tokyo Bay Fireworks
2. Sumidagawa Fireworks
3. Edogawa Fireworks
Best Department Store
1. Mitsukoshi
2. Matsuya Ginza
3. Isetan
Best Shopping Complex/Mall
1. Shibuya 109
2. Roppongi Hills
3. Omotesando Hills
Best Art Museum
1. National Museum Tokyo
2. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum
3. National Art Center
Best History & Science Museum
1. Tokyo National Museum
2. Edo Tokyo Museum
3. Samurai Museum
Best Special Interest Museum
1. Ghibli Museum
2. Cupnoodle Museum
3. Sapporo Beer Museum
Tokyo Journal's Top 10 Rankings 2016
Tokyo Journal's 2016 Polling Results
What are your favorite things about Japan and Japanese culture?
You vote. You decide!
ENTERTAINMENT
POP CULTURE
FOOD
TRAVEL
In April of 2016 Tokyo Journal announced the first ever Top 10 Ranking for the reader's favorite Japanese entertainment icons, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. Over the course of 2016 we have asked Tokyo Journal readers to vote for their favorite Japaneseentertainment icons, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. This first year proved to be successful with over 500,000 votes submitted by readersfrom all over the world. Here are the top 3 winners for each category and stay turned for the 2017 rankings.
Spanning across Japanese entertainment, food, pop-culture, and travel locations.
Volume 36. Issue #278
Contents |
|
| 1. Tokyo Street Editorial Inside this issue |
24. Kōhaku The coolest music competition in the world |
| 2. Designs Inspired by Vessels (二ヵ国語) Junko Koshino’s fashion |
25. Join the Night Shift L.A.’s Citrus College students go pro |
| 3. Harajuku Fashion Walk Kawaii style on parade |
26. The Ramones Bob Gruen’s photo flashback |
| 4. Streetstyle Glamour Fashionistas that are streets ahead |
27. The Shut In Donald Richie on Somerset Maugham |
| 5. Actress Charlotte Kate Fox The American dream in Japan |
28. Through the Eyes of Yankelovich Challenging the economist worldview |
| 6. Actress Sumire Matsubara Returning to her Japanese roots |
29. Corporate Governance Code in Japan A Japan Revitalization Strategy measure |
| 7. Ain't No Mountain High Enough Japan's youngest conquers Everest |
30. Japan America Society of Southern California President Douglas Erber on SoCal’s bridge to Japan |
| 8. His Holiness the Dalai Lama 80th birthday celebration in California |
31. David Nunan’s Global Classroom Education & the virtual classroom |
| 9. George Foreman on Muhammad Ali From fighting to peace and compassion Japan’s Minister of Education |
32. The Chaotic Contrasts of Kathmandu Nepal’s contemporary third-world landscape |
| 10. Nobel Prize Laureate Takaaki Kajita Resolving the neutrino puzzle |
33. Heroes of the Himalayas The Sherpa: mountaineering and trekking guides |
| 11. CNN News Anchor Don Lemon Breaking the news to the world |
34. Mari’s Homemade Cooking Recipes Miso-marinated pork |
| 12. The Beach Boys Mike Love still having Fun, Fun, Fun |
35. Sake & Wine Cultures in Japan Genealogical differences between sake and wine |
| 13. The Harlem Globetrotters Basketball ambassadors celebrating 50 years |
36. Chef Ben Ford Reviving diversity in the Republic of Georgia/td> |
| 14. US Sumo Open Largest sumo event outside Japan |
37. Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Edamame Pesto Super healthy, quick and tasty pasta recipe |
| 15. DRUM TAO's Drum Art Taiko drumming with a visual bang |
38. Travel to Hokkaido Japan’s untamed wilderness is a tourist treat |
| 16. Design Festa Art, performance, fashion and music bonanza |
39. Taking the Higher Road (二ヵ国語) Photographer Hiroyuki Suzuki’s visual poetry |
| 17. Virtually Falling in Love Voltage Inc.’s Japanese romance apps |
40. Destined Encounter of Enishi The meaning of encounters in Japan |
| 18. Cheeky Parade Up-and-coming Japanese idol group |
41. Samurai Spirit Samurai choreographer talks about virtue in Japan |
| 19. The Ambassadress of Cute Japan’s cute fashion rep Kimura U |
42. Sightseeing and People Watching in Japan Tokyo’s top people-watching spots for tourists |
| 20. Cosplay as a Career Professional cosplayer Nekomu Otogi |
43. Garrity’s Japan Japanese conformity |
| 21. All-4-One The Dukes of R&B for 20 years |
44. Haitian Culture Various styles of Haitian art |
| 22. DIR EN GREY Two decades of pushing musical boundaries |
45. Parenting with Lorraine Living vicariously through your children |
| 23. Loudness Japan’s heavy metal pioneers thunder on |
46. Lifestyles Expat life |
| 47. Yoga Lifestyle Minds and machines |
|
Order Issue #278 from Amazon.com
Fireworks in Kansai
Fireworks in Kansai
Check out the amazing fireworks festivals in the Kansai region this summer!
Fireworks in Tokyo
Fireworks in Tokyo
Be sure to check out one of the many amazing fireworks festivals in Tokyo this summer!
