Japan and South Korea marked the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations with the opening of the annual Japan-Korea Exchange Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, drawing large crowds to enjoy food, cultural exhibits, and student exchanges.

The curtain rises on an epic battle royale between brave warriors who lived through an uncertain era. (Netflix Japan)

In Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, the centuries-old tradition of the Yame Fukushima Lantern Puppets was held through September 23rd, continuing a cultural practice that dates back to the Edo period.

Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, which marked its third year since opening, will see its popular exhibition of film scenes undergo its first renewal.

Japan and Saudi Arabia announced a new memorandum of understanding for economic cooperation on September 24th at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, with a strong emphasis on expanding entertainment and content industries.

The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world’s largest gaming exhibitions, opened on September 25th with indie games drawing particular attention as analysts predict the market could double in size over the next five years.

Ine, a small fishing town in northern Kyoto Prefecture known for its traditional wooden boat houses, has recently become a social media sensation, drawing a record number of visitors.

Osaka’s landmark Shochikuza Theater in Dotonbori will close in May next year due to aging facilities, raising concerns about the future of the entertainment culture that has defined the district for centuries.

The stage play Daigyakuten! Sengoku Warlords Honored, a fantastical period drama blending impersonations, songs, and slapstick comedy, opened on September 20th at the Meijiza Theater in Tokyo.

A high school teacher, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, realizes he’s been drifting through life and decides to live out his remaining time to the fullest. (Netflix Japan)

Climb on the rooftop of the Golden Pavilion to find out the mystery of the Full Circle.

This week, we review the final performance of the great actor Nakamura Kichiemon II.

Actor Shunsuke Daito visited Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese period dramas, to explore the hidden craftsmanship behind sword fights and stage props, discovering that the swords used on set were once crafted with egg whites.

The Unko Museum, a popular interactive attraction that has drawn more than two million visitors worldwide, opened in Okinawa on September 21st at Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom. The colorful and pop-themed venue seeks to overturn the traditional perception of unko (poop) as dirty, instead presenting it as something fun and cute.

The third episode of the documentary series Black Document from Black Party began streaming on September 18th, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Black Party, from rehearsals to the main performance.

Three men, including the manager of an adult entertainment business, were arrested on suspicion of arranging prostitution for Chinese tourists in Osaka Prefecture.

The Straw Hat crew is BACK! Get ready to set sail for the treacherous Grand Line as Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji return for Season 2 of ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE.

An entire year is about to pass since the collapse of the authoritarian Assad regime in Syria in December last year. With some U.S. and Japanese economic sanctions imposed under the old government now being eased, expectations for recovery from years of civil war are growing. Against this backdrop, Japanese culture—including anime and manga—has become immensely popular in Syria.

In the new drama Kiss Or Die, Gekidan Hitori is forced by Tsukino Luna to drink a mysterious drug that turns his most beloved pastimes into objects of hatred.

In this video, we preview the September performances at the Kabuki-za. (Kabuki In-Depth)

As Hikaru's past actions return to haunt him, Yoshiki makes his stance clear when it comes to teaching Hikaru the value of life. (Netflix Anime)

Slated for a nationwide release in 2026, 'The Girl at the End of the Line' is written and directed by Kota Yoshida and adapted from Asako Yuzuki’s novel 『終点のあの子』 (Bunshun Bunko), with a cast led by Ami Toma, Sena Nakajima, Kokoro Hirasawa, and Kotona Minami.

A “Demon Slayer” craze is sweeping the United States. Advance screenings of the theatrical feature “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle Arc, Chapter 1: Akaza Returns” have been held at multiple cinemas in New York, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Today we look at two very different major news for the future of kabuki. (Kabuki In-Depth)

In this video, we discuss why gaming channels are covering gaming less and less, in many cases pivoting away entirely. (Lady Decade)