Foreign filmmakers have long been aware of Tokyo as a surreal and dynamic movie backdrop. The dazzling neon lights, the crowds that swarm the streets, and the unique culture, are notable highlights to this city of contrasts. It is here that filmmakers are provided with both serenity and action all in the blink of an eye. Here’s a look at some of the Japan-inspired cinema favorites and their locations.
For many, the words “Japan” and “movie” evoke just one word: Godzilla. The 1954 classic first helped put Japan on the movie map and fans of the great beast can see a miniature version of the star a few minutes walk from Hibiya station, near the Hibiya Chanter building.
In our last episode we covered what expecting mums need to know in the early stages of their pregnancy. This time we’ll go more in-depth by looking at delivery options, registering your child, maternity and paternity leave, and getting out and active after the birth.
Being an expectant mother in a foreign country may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you don’t read or speak the language. Fortunately there are others who have trodden that path before you, and many are happy to share their knowledge.
Residents of Tokyo have long enjoyed living in a city of gastronomic delights. And many have noticed that the fan-base has grown to include a steady stream of out of town guests. Following the release of Michelin’s 2008 Tokyo guide, Japan’s capital has now reached global culinary fame.
But what sets Tokyo’s restaurants apart from the rest?
It’s the opening performance of Takarazuka’s Phantom of the Opera. The theater is hushed as the Phantom rests in Christine’s arms. The main lights dim to a single spotlight and all that is left is a tender moment between two forlorn lovers. The emotion wells up in the audience as they are caught in the moment, but one thing is amiss.
Tokyo is a city brimming with creativity. From its unique architecture to the artwork that adorns its pavements it’s no wonder that foreigners flock here to become part of the design scene. But how easy is it to make your mark in a city of 12 million people?
The international hostess industry in Japan is still shrouded with mystery. When Lucie Blackman was murdered in 2000 Tokyo’s hostess underworld, and the famed Roppongi district, was thrust into the limelight. Since then things have settled down but many still wonder what goes on behind the closed doors of a hostess club.
Being a vegetarian can be tough especially in a country where you can’t read or speak the language. At a recent dinner party hosted by the Tokyo Vegan Meetup Group we asked Miki Noguchi how hard it is going vege and what advice she could give us.
As Japan rests precariously on an intersection of tectonic plates, earthquakes have become a fact of life here. Following on from a series of quakes in the Tokai region in the 1970’s the government has predicted that a major quake in this region will happen—it’s just a question of when. It has been estimated that if a quake hit in the morning in the Tokai area, about a hundred miles southwest of Tokyo, it could result in a death toll of up to 9,000 people. A staggering number compared to the Kobe quake in 1995, which killed roughly 6,400.
The fact remains that an earthquake could hit in Japan anytime, anywhere, so being aware and prepared is a must.
