I was recently asked if Japan has anything similar to “The Onion” which is a humorous website that publishes satirical stories or parodies of current events. Although The Onion is already quite well known, one of its charms is that it publishes stories that are well-written and close enough to reality to give a person…
Fans of Japanese comedy know TKO well. The manzai pair can often be seen on TV. The members of TKO are Takayuki Kinoshita and Takehiro Kimoto, both also have popular blogs on Ameblo where Kimoto has confirmed that it is indeed him that was captured by the Google Streetview car camera in Setagaya Ward and…
With a huge height difference on display, 192 cm tall Masaya Nakamura and former Morning Musume member Mari Yaguchi who reaches all of 145 cm on a good day got married. Newzjapan reported the pending nuptials around which were announced around New Year’s. (Mari Yaguchi to Marry Masaya Nakamura). The official date of the marriage…
If you are a fan of Saturday Night Live, the iconic, long-running skit and stand-up comedy show broadcast live from New York with the opening catch phrase… “Live From New York – It’s Saturday Night!”… Then get ready to hear “Live From Tokyo – It’s Saturday Night!” Japanese veteran comedians Akashiya Sanma and Koji Imada…
A previous post listed the 2011 Japanese tv shows that parents don’t want their children to watch as voted by members of Japan’s national PTA association. The flip side of the list are tv shows Japanese parents want their children to watch. Some of these are a lot of fun as well. Here is the…
This is a part of the annual poll conducted of members of Japan’s National PTA Association. It lists the top 8 Japanese TV shows that members think kids should not see. Topping the list for the 8th year in a row is a favorite among non-Japanese residents in Japan, followed by other perennials and even…
Every year, Nihon Terebi, also known as the Nippon Television Network has a 24 hour telethon. The telethon, known as 24 Hour TV (Love Will Save the World) always features an entertainer as a marathon runner. The marathon runner’s training and story are featured throughout the weeks leading up to 24 Hour TV, and during…
Yes. The band is called Kis-My-Ft2 or Kis-My-FtII. It’s Johnny’s latest entry into the boy band market in Japan. Johnny’s is the entertainment company responsible for SMAP, TOKIO, Arashi, Kinki Kids, V6, Kat-Tun, and Hey! Say! JUMP. The newest venture tries to put the names of the members into some recognizable form (as was done…
Reports say that Japanese actress and model, Koyuki has married actor Kenichi Matsuyama. The pair met when filming the movie Kamui Gaiden, the Legend of Kamui, based on the well-known manga and anime series. 34 year old Koyuki is best known to international audiences for her leading role in the film The Last Samurai as…
Aya Ueto is a huge star and idol in Japan, but she is being praised for showing up and actually doing some work in the area affected by last month’s earthquakes and tsunami. She especially received praise for showing up ready to work without her face and nails done, and for earnestly giving out food…
Miku Natsume, who lost her regular job as an tv announcer because of a leaked picture of her holding a box of condoms, is happily making a comeback on a rival network. (The article featured on newzjapan.com is here: Miku Natsume Loses Job Over Photo) Natsume who lost her job at Nihon Terebi or Nippon…
If I had a vote in the Tokyo election coming up, I can tell you who would get my vote… however, being a fan of good writing I would rather show you than tell you. Introducing Mac Akasaka or Makku Akasaka who identifies himself with the “Smile” party and has decided to announce his candidacy…