A new local production in Kitanakagusuku Village is shining a light on the little-known life of Taro Higa, the Nisei from Hawaii who led efforts after the war to send pigs to Okinawa, even as his contributions have long remained overshadowed and largely forgotten.

The annual “Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo” Kabuki program, a long-established event that signals the arrival of the year’s end in Kyoto, is set to begin shortly, and Minami-za in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward held its traditional “maneki-age” ritual on November 26th, raising wooden signboards bearing the names of the performers.

Arashi will hold the opening concerts of its final nationwide dome tour in Sapporo in March 2026, sending hotel bookings soaring across the city and raising concerns that the spike in accommodation prices will affect university entrance examinees arriving for crucial tests on March 12th.

In this week's video, we focus on the September production at the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Tensions between Japan and China have escalated rapidly following remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi in the Diet regarding a potential contingency involving Taiwan, prompting Beijing to introduce a series of countermeasures including a call for citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, with the impact already spreading across the Kansai region’s economy.

Kusama Richard Keita (29) has announced that he is leaving the idol group Aぇ! group. Kusama, who made his debut with the group in May 2024, decided to withdraw after being arrested in October in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward on suspicion of exposing his lower body, a case that later led to a summary indictment on charges of public indecency.

A series of arrests involving Japanese nationals overseas is drawing renewed attention to the expansion of special fraud rings, with on-the-ground reporting in Cambodia revealing the presence of hidden power brokers whose influence is believed to extend into the country’s political establishment. As scam groups establish bases across Southeast Asia, new details are emerging about how these networks operate and why Japanese citizens have become prime targets.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka unveiled on November 18th the Christmas show it will present during this year’s holiday season, opening the performance to members of the press and invited guests, and marking a shift in direction after retiring its traditional 30-meter-plus Christmas tree in the previous event to focus instead on a show-driven program.

Oda Yuji will headline the upcoming serial drama adaptation of Keizo Kitakata’s Suikoden, a sweeping ensemble story that portrays the struggles of outcasts who rise against a corrupt world and channel timeless themes of anger toward unjust authority and the unbreakable bonds of comrades.

The animated film ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 – Akaza Returns’ has become the first Japanese production in history to surpass 100 billion yen in global box office revenue, while Bandai Namco Holdings has revised up its profit outlook on the back of strong performances from the ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ series. With 46 years having passed since the first Gundam aired, the question now is why the franchise continues to grow.

Despite all the normal, everyday moments they have as friends, Hikaru is still a monster after all. What happens when he loses control?

A special performance combining Japan’s traditional performing arts of kabuki and noh was held in New York on November 14th, bringing together two art forms that have developed independently for centuries.

Today, we have a look at the production taking place at the Kabuki-za this November!

The nationwide documentary festival known as the “Era of the Regions” Film Festival, created by television stations and other media producers across Japan, opened at Kansai University in Suita City, Osaka.

Set in the stunning Belle Salle Roppongi, just a stone's throw from the Mori Art Museum, the Tokyo International Art Fair brings together under one roof some of the most exciting and challenging artwork ever seen in the city.

The 'Kotobuki Shoshun Kabuki Special Performance' will be staged at Osaka Shochikuza from January 7th, 2026, as part of a cultural promotion project, featuring prominent actors including Kataoka Ainosuke, Nakamura Ganjirō, and Ichikawa Chūsha, performing kabuki masterpieces such as 'Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami' and 'Kyōkanoko Musume Dōjōji.'

A late night drive takes a dramatic turn when Ibuki decides it's time for Louis to make the ultimate decision. (Netflix Anime)

Let's have a look at some positive news from the kabuki world! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture has unveiled its first new Christmas parade in ten years, titled "Toy’s Wonderous Christmas!" Centered on the theme of Santa Claus’s toy factory, the parade brings Santa together with Mickey and Minnie, who ride on a giant float to entertain the crowds.

The Yaguzai dance, featuring performers spinning in midair on swings, was showcased for the first time in eight years at the Shoshi Harvest Festival in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture.

In the upcoming Episode 4 titled "The Swordsman of Destiny" of the anime series Monster Strike Dead Birth Reloaded, the long-absent Masamune makes his return. In this preview, the character’s reappearance is accompanied by encouragement for Osama, urging him to fulfill his duties as acting Minister of Defense with the same dedication shown by Masamune.

Set sail for adventure! Go behind the scenes with the Straw Hats and creators of One Piece S2 as they prepare to enter the Grand Line. (Netflix Anime)

The sound of classical music echoed along Naha’s Kokusai Street when the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra held a surprise outdoor performance, drawing loud applause from passersby.

If you have ever watched a game in Japan, you will know how much the energy in the stands is different from everything we are used to.

At just 15, Rino, a third-year junior high school student from Kansai, has spent the past two years chasing her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. Inspired by her brother Keita, a member of the Korean boy group EVNNE, she has been training intensively in dance and language in hopes of debuting in South Korea rather than Japan.