TOKYO, Jan 04 (Kabuki In-Depth) - With the New Year comes to the kabuki world the season of the "early spring" performances, filled with auspicious and celebratory works and dances, and including four major shows in the capital (Kabuki-za, Shinbashi Enbujō, National Theatre and Asakusa Kōkaidō) and one Tamasaburō dance recital in Osaka. Happy New Year to everyone! 明けましておめでとう！
From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.
The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.
The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.
Kyoto’s signature spring event, the "Miyako Odori," held its final rehearsal on March 31st ahead of its official opening. Performed by around 50 geiko and maiko at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, the annual dance performance undergoes its final run-through, known as the "ozarae," before opening to the public on April 1st.
In this video, we take a look at the different types and subgenres of kabuki plays. (Kabuki In-Depth)
She Taught Me Serendipity is a poignant coming-of-age romance that explores how a chance meeting can change the trajectory of two young lives.
After finding her way into Vegapunk's laboratory, Bonney learns more about her father's past. (Netflix Anime)
A budget plan including about 32 million yen to fund a free K-pop concert was approved by the Nara Prefectural Assembly, paving the way for the event to be held later this year.
Let's have a look at Kawatake Mokuami's masterpiece Gosho no Gorozō ("Gorozō the Gallant"), written for the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV in 1864. (Kabuki In-Depth)
Introducing Netflix's must-see slate of anime, including films and series now streaming and coming in 2025. (Netflix Anime)
A new adventure unfolds on Future Island "Egghead," home to the lab of genius scientist Dr. Vegapunk. What awaits the Straw Hat crew there? (Netflix Anime)
