Tribute: Takamasa Sakurai
Takamasa Sakurai sadly passed away on December 4th 2015. Sakurai contributed numerous articles for us over the years, writing a series of columns that included "J-Pop Culture Observations," "Sakurai Takamasa's JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!" and "Pop Culture Chronicles - On the Trail of Japanese Icons Around the World -."

Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones. We would like to express our gratitude for his tireless work, as well as the kindness that he showed us during his lifetime and take a moment to remember all of his fantastic achievements. Sakurai will be sorely missed. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.