Filmmaker Kitano says Japan's showbiz culture known to be brutal

TOKYO, Nov 16 (Kyodo) - Iconic Japanese filmmaker and comedian Takeshi Kitano said Wednesday the country's entertainment industry has always tended to treat performers as commodities, with its traditional hierarchical structure often facilitating abuse of power.

Reflecting on the sexual abuse scandal involving the late Johnny Kitagawa, as well as the recent suspected suicide of a Takarazuka musical theater actress, Kitano, 76, said that since long ago, entering the Japanese entertainment world "was seen as something in which bad treatment happens."

"For myself as well, from the time I entered the field of comedy and entertainment here in Japan, there have been periods where it was not possible to laugh," Kitano, known by his stage name Beat Takeshi, said at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Lack of Carpenters Causing Construction Delays

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

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.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Perfume Performs 3D Dance with IOWN Technology

Perfume delivered a dazzling dance performance at the NTT Pavilion, showcased in a groundbreaking 3D live experience at the Expo site.

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Movie Set for June Release

The highly anticipated film Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon will open in theaters on June 27th.

Kyoto's Miyako Odori Returns with Final Rehearsal

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.