There is a good chance that f you visit this site regularly, or listen to the Living Japan Podcast that I co-host, you have heard my thoughts on Japan’s booming industry of idol stars. If you haven’t, the short version is that I am not a fan. I honestly cannot think of a single redeeming … More Idolatry Revisited
This past Sunday the Japan branch of the Thomas clan (meaning me, the Mrs. and the son) were out playing in Ikebukuro, specifically the Sunshine building. It was a cold day, but we wanted our little guy to be able to move around and even run a little bit. At some point we heard chanting … More J-Pop Idols in the Wild
Thirty-six bodies moved in time as the drums began their rat-a-tat-tat. The keyboard quickly joined in with a cheerful flutter before collapsing into syncopated chords. The guitar began strumming along as the bass bounced away at a simply pattern that doubled the low end of the keyboards. Nothing too complex. Nothing too new. But, goddamn, … More Idolatry
Deadly Troubadour 