It’s that time of the year again when I report back from the films I caught at the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme (JFTFP), which is now in its 15th year! In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m a big fan of Japanese cinema and JFTFP is a very fixed date in my calendar. The screenings … Continue reading
It’s Valentine’s Day next week, which means it’s high time I posted a blog about how Japan does Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day really kicked off in Japan in the 1950s but is arguably just as commercialised as it is in the west. Traditionally, it was very unusual and even taboo for women to confess their … Continue reading
I’ve been meaning to blog about Okinawa for a long time, so am kicking of 2018’s travel section with one of the main cluster of islands in this tropical part of Japan! Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and famed for its subtropical climate and the longevity of its inhabitants. It consists of a … Continue reading
I first came across the anime series Hyouka late last year when it popped up on the NHK’s poll of the Best 100 Anime of All Time (no. 25) as well as a western-style poll curated by Youtuber The Anime Man (no. 84). While I’m generally not a big fan of the slice-of-life genre, Hyouka’s art style … Continue reading
Earlier this week, I reviewed Michael Booth’s latest book, ‘The Meaning of Rice: and Other Tales from the Belly of Japan’. If eating your way around Japan sounds like your idea of heaven, and if you’re genuinely interested in learning more the Japanese food industry and its history, I highly recommend it. To give you … Continue reading
Back in 2015, I reviewed Michael Booth’s ‘Sushi and Beyond: What the Japanese Know about Cooking’ and interviewed the author himself. Booth has a lot of people’s dream jobs – he’s a best-selling author and journalist who writes predominantly about travel and food. ‘The Meaning of Rice: and Other Tales from the Belly of Japan’ … Continue reading
I’m back from a much-needed Christmas break, and there’s no better way to kick off 2018 than looking at this year’s Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme line-up! The theme for this year is (Un)true Colours: Secrets and Lies in Japanese Cinema. Everybody has once told a lie or kept something hidden from others. Whether for … Continue reading
It’s that time again when I round up my favourite things that found their way onto Sophie’s Japan Blog this year! I think 2017 surpassed 2016 both in terms of blog activity and general madness in the world… I’d like to say a big thank you to you lovely readers, sponsors and collaborators! Below are … Continue reading
I was lucky enough to catch Takashi Mikke’s Blade of the Immortal at the new Odeon Luxe Panton Street, complete with comfy reclining chairs. That’s a pretty good way to spend your last week in London before returning up north for Christmas! I was disappointed to miss Blade of the Immortal at the BFI Film … Continue reading
It’s been a good year for Satoshi Kon fans in the UK – not only did we get to see Perfect Blue on the big screen, but Paprika is now also available on blu-ray/DVD. That’s good news if you’re stuck for last minute Christmas present ideas, or just haven’t had a chance to see Paprika … Continue reading
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