Interview with Masaaki Shiozawa: The “Founding Father” of Maid Clothes
Even visitors who don’t necessarily identify themselves as fans of Japanese games, anime or idols are probably aware of the Japanese phenomenon known as the…
Interview
The Kimono Will Survive: Sheila Cliffe Says It’s A ‘Complete, Fulfilling Fashion System’
Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward Are you curious about the Japanese traditional dress known as kimono? After the recent media storm surrounding Kim Kardashian’s short-lived underwear…
From Underground Idol to Shizuoka Celebrity: Our Second Interview With Erina Kamiya
When we first interviewed Erina Kamiya last year, she was one of the most popular members of masked idol group Kamen Joshi, her DVDs were…
Science, Magic And Moe: An Interview With Japanese Artist John Hathway
John Hathway John Hathway is perhaps most known for his exquisitely detailed, immersive and information-dense works of art portraying cityscapes which retain some of the…
An Interview With Master of Horror Manga Junji Ito (Full Length Version)
Acclaimed manga artist Junji Ito has carved out a place for himself in the hearts of horror fans both at home and abroad, based not…
An Interview With Master of Horror Manga Junji Ito (Abridged Version)
Acclaimed manga artist Junji Ito has carved out a place for himself in the hearts of horror fans both at home and abroad, based not…
Interview With Yuki Hashimoto, Former Underground Idol And Shibuya Ward Councillor
Before making headlines when she was elected as councillor in the Shibuya Ward Assembly, Yuki Hashimoto 橋本ゆき (originally 橋本侑樹), was affiliated with Japanese idol agency…
Kimono Fashion Can Be Cool — Trust Designer Jotaro Saito
(by Arielle Busetto for JAPAN Forward) Jotaro Saito doesn’t go unnoticed when walking down a street. The day I met him at Kanda Myojin, he…
Yahoo! Japan’s Banner in Shibuya Shows Height of 3/11 Tsunami But What Do Passers-by Think?
On March 11, 2011, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake shook Japan off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, triggering a massive tsunami which devastated the Japanese mainland…
Japanese Fans Aren’t Too Happy About A Reporter Asking Naomi Osaka To Answer In Japanese
In Japan, Naomi Osaka is arguably almost as big a star off the court as she is on it, and that especially holds true after…
An Interview With Akarin and Kanipan Of Maid Pop Unit @17
As we reported earlier this month, we attended a special public recording at the @home cafe in Akihabara of @17 no Gokitaku Shimasenka? あっとせぶんてぃーんのご帰宅しませんか? (@17’s…
Interview With Horipro International CEO Yoshitaka Hori (Part 3): The Business of Musicals
Introduction In June 2018, Japanese entertainment giant HoriPro Inc. announced the creation of HoriPro International, a new company wholly owned by HoriPro, with the goal…
s**t kingz: This Japanese Dance Crew Wants the World to Sit Up and Watch
(by Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward) You might imagine my slight amazement when I found out that a comedy dance crew by the name of s**t…
Interview With Horipro International CEO Yoshitaka Hori (Part 2): On Succeeding Abroad
Introduction In June 2018, Japanese entertainment giant HoriPro Inc. announced the creation of HoriPro International, a new company wholly owned by HoriPro, with the goal…
Interview With Horipro International CEO Yoshitaka Hori (Part 1): Founding Motives
Introduction In June 2018, Japanese entertainment giant HoriPro Inc. announced the creation of HoriPro International, a new company wholly owned by HoriPro, with the goal…