The Story Behind Award-Winning 'Moon Shaped'

TOKYO, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - Based on the comic by Ami Waozumi, which won the grand prize in the 1st "anan Cat Manga Awards," the movie "Moon Shaped" weaves a drama of three people and a cat starting a life together in the wake of the Kumamoto earthquake.

A woman in her 40s, working as a bookstore clerk, finds a sense of belonging with two others of different ages and occupations, and a cat. Directed by Naho Uemura, known for her screenplay work on "Ichiko," the film stars Yumi Adachi as the bookstore clerk, with Kana Kurashina and Keisuke Watanabe playing the individuals sharing her life.

Source: シネマトゥデイ

Tensions Persist in Japan-China Relations

Tensions between Japan and China showed no sign of easing on November 18th after bureau-level talks in Beijing, where the Chinese side again demanded that Prime Minister Takaichi retract a parliamentary remark regarding a Taiwan contingency, prompting a firm rebuttal from the Japanese delegation.

Aomori Issues Season’s First Heavy Snow Warning

Aomori Prefecture was hit by intensifying snowfall on November 18th as the country’s first heavy snow warning of the season was issued, with the hot spring district of Sukayu reporting more than one meter of snow amid rapidly worsening conditions.

Japan Is Facing an Unprecedented Surge in Bear Attacks

A reporting team found itself face to face with a bear while investigating the sharp rise in bear-related incidents that has left 13 people dead this year.

Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Plume 4,400 Meters High and Disrupting Flights

Sakurajima erupted in the early hours on October (date not provided in source), sending a plume of ash soaring to 4,400 meters above the crater, the first time it has exceeded 4,000 meters since October last year, with volcanic rocks reaching as far as the sixth station on the mountainside as the volcano continued erupting intermittently throughout the morning and caused ash to fall over Kagoshima Airport, where a thin layer accumulated on aircraft.

JAL Cabin Crew Get OK to Wear Sneakers

Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a new policy starting November 13th allowing its cabin crew and ground staff who serve customers at airports to wear sneakers during work hours.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Special Performance in New York Fuses Kabuki and Noh

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.

The Great Kaomise Ceremony at the Kabuki-za!

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

Hikaru Loses Control | The Summer Hikaru Died

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

EXPECT OVER 100 EXHIBITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO TAKE OVER BELLE SALLE ROPPONGI FOR THE 8TH EDITION OF TOKYO'S MUST-SEE ART EVENT!

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.

Documentary Festival “Era of the Regions” Opens in Osaka

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.

Final New Year Kabuki at Shochikuza Theater

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.'

Tokyo Disneyland Unveils New Christmas Parade After 10 Years

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.

Kataoka Nizaemon XV Awarded the Order of Culture!

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

< 2 3 4 5 >