Netflix Inks Multi-Picture Deal With Japanese Studio Babel Label
Netflix is further boosting its Japanese live-action content slate with a multi-picture deal with Tokyo-based studio Babel Label. The partnership gives Netflix exclusive access to multiple titles produced and created by Babel Label for the next five years.
The studio, a subsidiary launched in 2013 by Japanese media company CyberAgent, is home to creators such as writer-director Michihito Fujii, winner of best director and best film at the 2020 Japan Academy Awards for The Journalist. The film was later adapted by Netflix as a series in 2022.
Netflix has grown increasingly bullish on Japanese live-action content over the past few years. The second season of the streamer’s Japanese sci-fi thriller series Alice in the Borderlands set a new record as the company’s most-watched Japanese show ever, taking the top spot on Netflix’s global non-English TV list with 61.2 million viewing hours over its premiere weekend in late December 2022. Last week, the company kicked off its 2023 Japanese releases with the launch of The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko Housethe first streaming series from acclaimed Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker). ...continue reading
Review: In Beat Takeshi’s Kubi, Samurai are Queer Yakuza
Unseen Japan - Nov 26
Internationally famed director Kitano Takeshi is back with his new samurai epic, Kubi. The violent, darkly funny film has some surprises in store for viewers.
Ichikawa Ennosuke IV Declared Guilty
Kabuki In-Depth - Nov 25
In this video, we cover the last developments in the case of the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke IV.
New Godzilla movie earns perfect Rotten Tomatoes score
Total Film - Nov 24
After hitting the big screen in its native Japan on November 3, Godzilla Minus One is about to make its way overseas – and it's a hit with international critics.
Japan's largest street dance festival held in Tokyo
News On Japan - Nov 23
As street dance reaches fever pitch in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics with the inclusion of breakdancing, one of Japan's largest street dance events was held in Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Tokyo.
Nintendo Adds Adults-Only N64 App For Switch In Japan
kotaku.com - Nov 23
When you think of Nintendo, you tend to think of family-friendly gaming. You think of Link and Mario and sunshine and smiley stars. The word “adult” doesn’t likely come up when you ponder games on Switch, but that’s seemingly about to change.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: ENGLISH VS JAPANESE DUB PART 2
Kakuchopurei - Nov 22
Let's dive into deeper waters with the English VO and Japanese VO dub, especially with the Evil Exes and second half of the series. Here's part 2 of our Scott Pilgrim Takes Off VO comparisons.
'Tiger Mask' Japanese Manga Series Gets Live-Action Film Adaptation
Variety - Nov 21
Japanese manga series “Tiger Mask” is being adapted into a live-action feature for the international market by Italy’s Fabula Pictures and Brandon Box and Japan’s Kodansha.
Love and Death in Yamashina | Kanadehon Chūshingura (1748)
Kabuki In-Depth - Nov 20
It is time to have a look at act IX of Kanadehon Chūshingura, an important scene that takes place at Yuranosuke's retreat in Yamashina, and which gives a tragic conclusion to the plot lines involving Kakogawa Honzō and his family.
How rock 'n' roll brought erotic photography to Japan
Far Out - Nov 20
Kenji Endo is slumbering in his student room, casually listening to the sound of American rock 'n' roll, which has now become commonplace on Japanese radio since the days of post-World War II occupation.
'Bungo Stray Dogs' manga exhibition features detective agency replica
News On Japan - Nov 18
The "Bungo Stray Dogs" manga exhibition, showcasing action battles among famed literary characters, commenced on November 18th at Telepia Hall, located in Higashi Ward, Nagoya.
Japanese 'naked' comedy live in Shanghai
News On Japan - Nov 18
A live show held in China on Friday night featured popular Japanese comedians, including Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura, or 'Tony' Yasumura, who presented his 'nude' act while wearing full-body tights.
‘In Love And Deep Water’ Review: Netflix’s Japanese Film Doesn’t Live Up To The Vision Of Its Makers
dmtalkies.com - Nov 17
There is something that is mildly jarring about the storytelling of In Love and Deep Water. A lot of the plots are rather unexplained, and the love story doesn’t make a lot of sense amidst the mystery and the character’s personal problems.
Filmmaker Kitano says Japan's showbiz culture known to be brutal
Kyodo - Nov 16
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.
English Standup Comedy Show in Tokyo
Japanese Comedian Meshida - Nov 15
The show will take place in Asakusa, Tokyo's traditional entertainment district. There will be a 30-minute welcome session with a drink, followed by a 60-minute comedy show on Japan. After the show, feel free to hang out at the bar, make friends, and drink for another 30 minutes or so.
Pokémon Concierge | Official Trailer
Netflix Anime - Nov 15
Set at a resort for Pokémon on a southern island, this is the story of a new concierge named Haru, who gradually discovers herself as she and her fellow staff members scramble to attend to the various Pokémon guests.
Counter-Strike 2 Is The Worst-Rated Valve Game Ever
newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Valve is a well-known video game developer and publisher responsible for some of the industry's most famous and influential titles, including Half-Life, Portal, and Left 4 Dead.
