Interview with Katsuhiro Otomo

Interview with Katsuhiro Otomo.

Katsuhiro Otomo "SHORT PEACE" |

2013.08.15

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#61 From Idol to Band. The First Obstacle: The Live House Dressing Room!? Interview with LoVendoЯ

My two previous articles focused on Tanaka Reina and her departure from Morning Musume – a group she has been a part of for 10 years. This time I’ll be interviewing Reina and the members of her new band, LoVendoЯ.

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2013.07.24

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#60 Why Hello! Project is at the Forefront of Japan’s Idol Scene – Interview with Tanaka Reina – Part Two

Following on from my previous article, this is the second part to my interview with former Morning Musume member, Tanaka Reina, as she sets out on a new voyage with band, LoVendoЯ.

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2013.07.17

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#59 “As a singer, I don’t think I will ever be completely satisfied” – Interview with Tanaka Reina – Part One

I’ve been following the progress of Morning Musume since their live performance in Paris in 2010, as it was this particular event that changed my view of Japanese idols completely.

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2013.07.10

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#53 Interview with Director, Shinkai Makoto (Part Two). The Inspiration behind Director Shinkai’s Portrayal of Shinjuku in his Latest Work

This is the second part of my two-part interview with anime director, Shinkai Makoto, on his latest anime feature film, “Kotonoha no Niwa” (The Garden of Words).

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2013.05.29

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#52 Interview with Anime Director, Shinkai Makoto – "I want to show people the beauty in everyday scenery from a different angle"

Anime director Shinkai Makoto is renowned the world over and his latest theatrical length work is about to be released (May 31st 2013).

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2013.05.22

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#50 Japanese Idols Representing Japan on the World Stage – Interview with Berryz Kobo Members, Shimizu Saki and Tokunaga Chinami – Part Two

Following their two live performances in Bangkok on March 10th 2013, three of the Berryz Kobo members (Sudou Maasa, Tokunaga Chinami, Natsuyaki Miyabi) then went on to perform in Myanmar the following day.

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2013.05.08

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#49 From Bangkok to Myanmar – Interview with Berryz Kobo Members, Shimizu Saki and Tokunaga Chinami – Part One

On March 9th 2013, Berryz Kobo performed live in Bangkok, Thailand, and then again the following day in Yangon, Myanmar.

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2013.05.01

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#48 Interview with “Alice Nine” Vocalist, Shou – Part Two

Alice Nine is like a gateway to Japan for all the young Japan fans throughout the world. Here is part two of my interview with Alice Nine lead vocalist, Shou.

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2013.04.24

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#47 Interview with “Alice Nine” Lead Vocalist, Shou - Part One

One of the most memorable moments of my work in cultural diplomacy thus far was my 11 night, 14 day tour of four Brazilian cities (San Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Brasília) in November 2011 with the then Kawaii Amabassador, Misako Aoki.

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2013.04.17

[ICON]Yun*chi － The next-generation songstress bringing Japanese original culture with a soft touch

Yun*chi is under the spotlight as a next-generation artist bringing Harajuku aomojikei culture to the world. We spoke to her about pop culture, her musical roots and herself.

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2013.03.29

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#44 Idols and Satoyama Life – Interview with Mitsui Aika, Wada Ayaka (S/mileage) and Sayashi Riho (Morning Musume)

“Ookami kodomo no Ame to Yuki” (in English: Wolf Children) was one of the big-hit anime feature films of 2012. The film depicts the story of a human woman who falls in love with a wolf-man, gives birth to two of his children and then raises them alone over a period of 13 years. The story centers on themes of childhood independence and a mother’s love for her children, and heavily features scenes of Japanese “satoyama.”

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2013.03.27

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#31 Takahashi Ai’s Thoughts on Joining the Cast of "Detective Conan"

It was more than 15 years ago now that I met “Detective Conan” producer, Suwa Michihiko, when we just happened to end up sitting next to each other at the same bar in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai.

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2012.12.26

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#28 Interview with Morning Musume’s Fukumura, Iikubo and Ishida – Part 2.

Following on from my article last week, here is part 2 of my interview with the three teen members of Morning Musume that took part in their World Handshake Tour: Fukumura Mizuki, Iikubo Haruna and Ishida Ayumi.

JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN! | Japan｜ Thailand ｜ Bangkok｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Talent/Idol｜ J-POP｜ JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!｜

2012.12.05

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#27 The World is but a Stone’s Throw Away! What did the Three Teen Members of Morning Musume Feel on their World Tour!?

As I’ve reported in previous articles, Morning Musume are currently in their 15th year, and to celebrate, they commenced their “World Handshake Tour,” performing for fans in Taipei, Bangkok, Paris and Seoul.

JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN! | Japan｜ Thailand ｜ Bangkok｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Talent/Idol｜ J-POP｜ JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!｜

2012.11.28

[ICON] Sebastian Masuda – On a mission to bring Harajuku Kawaii Culture to the world

We talk Sebastian, the art director and producer of 6%DOKIDOKI about the beginnings and direction of HARAJUKU KAWAII culture.

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2012.11.02

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#19 An Cafe Connecting with the World. Interview with Members, Kanon and Takuya

Globally popular J-rock band, Antic Cafe (An Cafe), held their comeback concert at Yoyogi National Gymnasium (Tokyo, Japan) on the 8th and 9th of September 2012, and it was a smashing success.

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2012.10.02

[ICON] ☆Taku Takahashi - DJ, Producer, Visionary

The music scene in Asia vs. the current situation in Japan. Talking music and club culture with multi-talented DJ, m-flo member and block.fm producer, ☆Taku Takahashi.

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2012.09.25

[ICON] Sono Sion - Cinema genius charms all with his unique view of the world

We talk to Sono about the creative roots and attraction of his most recent work, which was greatly affected by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and how this changed the script so much.

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2012.09.07

[JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!]#13 Interview with Voice Actor, Uesaka Sumire - Her Love of Russia and Aspirations for the Future

Of all the places I’ve visited in my line of work Moscow is somewhat special.
One thing that my work in cultural diplomacy has taught me is that some things you just have to go and experience for yourself.

JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN! | Japan｜ Other Areas｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Anime｜ Talent/Idol｜ JAPAN! JAPAN! JAPAN!｜

2012.08.22