Month: January 2003

At the end of every year, me and a few friends make up lists of our favorite albums of the year, to share with each other. Here’s my list of favorite albums that were released in 2002, all 16 of them, in alphabetical order. Cinematic Orchestra – EVERY DAY – Very smooth and groovy. Sort…

There’s an interesting article on Towa Tei in today’s edition of THE DAILY YOMIURI. I’m a really big fan of the Sweet Robots Against the Machine album he released last year, and I’m definitely looking forward to the remix album that will be coming out in a month or so.

The new “in” fashion thing in Japan: garter belts. Oh, yes.

Have a look at what the Hong Kong Film Critics Society thought were the best HK films of 2002. Although I haven’t seen all of the films they list, I can say that I did find that their best film, CHINESE ODYSSEY 2002, was a hell of a fun movie.

You have got to check out these videos of people playing the DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION arcade game. These are Japanese people playing the game at the hardest level, and making it look like it’s nothing.

You gotta love Tokyo record shops. Yesterday I was in Shibuya and Daikanyama checking out some record ships with my friend Patrick. Before meeting up with me, he was in Harajuku checking out the new Elevator Records shop (previously known as Caprice). In Shibuya, we went to Apres-Midi Selecao, Maximum Joy and Zest, and then…

It’s strange, but I think I’m actually glad to be back at work. With 3 weeks of holidays, plus a first week of work that still gave me 3 days off, I think I was starting to get restless. This week I find myself looking forward to heading out to the schools to teach, and…

I’ve just spent an hour or two reading about Justin Hall. Clicking on his name brings you to a website that describes in great detail all of the experiences he’s had in Japan. He’s a freelance writer who’s even published a little guide on Tokyo (which I’ll probably pick up if I ever see it…

From the Japan Times (click on the link for the full article): Host superstars Issa Tsurumi and Yuya Mikami (above, left and right) of Kabukicho’s Club Gold use their charm, stamina and common sense to earn small fortunes every month. Also read about a reporter’s night out at these clubs, as well as an article…

Regarding the free London/Tokyo zine (EXPOSURE) I mentioned the other day, they have a website with many of their articles online.