May 01 (Kabuki In-Depth) - Our monthly preview of the upcoming kabuki performances, which this May includes the major Dankiku festival at the Kabuki-za, a Nakamuraya show at Himeji Castle, the continuation of the anniversary celebration at the Meiji-za, the annual show by the Zenshin-za at the National Theatre, and a smaller show at the Kyoto Minami-za.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.
The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."
The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.
Japan's Ministry of Justice has released this year’s crime white paper, revealing that the number of recognized penal code offenses increased for the second consecutive year.
The operating company of 'Kinryu Ramen' in the bustling district of Minami, Osaka, announced on Thursday that the iconic giant dragon sign was being removed as part of the process to rebuild the aging store.
The story follows Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman who once struck fear into the underworld but has since retired to lead a quiet life as a family man. Overweight and unassuming, Sakamoto now runs a small convenience store with his wife and daughter. (Netflix Anime)
As Momo, Okarun, and Turbo Granny investigate what happened to Jiji's family, they find themselves facing a series of bizarre encounters! (Netflix Japan)
Gomah and Degesu watches the intense battle against Majin Buu through a monitor in a mysterious world. (Netflix Anime)
The novel Sunset Sunrise by Shuhei Nire has been adapted into a live-action drama starring Masaki Suda, known for works such as Cloud. The story follows a young man who relocates from Tokyo to a small town in the Sanriku region of northeastern Japan after his workplace adopts remote work policies.
As the mononoke's attacks become increasingly dangerous, the Medicine Seller must find the Reason before it's too late. (Netflix Anime)
Nara Prefecture is under fire for allocating 270 million yen ($1.75 million) in taxpayer money to host a free K-Pop concert at Nara Park next October. The event, expected to attract 9,000 attendees, will feature South Korean artists, with their fees and travel expenses covered by the Korean side. However, Nara will shoulder the operational costs.
This week, we turn to the December program at the Minami-za in Kyoto. (Kabuki In-Depth)
In 2003, anime auteur Kon Satoshi released Tokyo Godfathers, an anime Christmas classic. Find out more about this socially and seasonally relevant film. (Unseen Japan)
