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Video article 1:50
Introducing All the Popular Characters From the Hit Anime Series, "Demon Slayer"! What Is It That Makes This Show So Awesome?!
Modern Culture- 39 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV Anime "Demon Slayer" Hashira Intro PV" (TVアニメ「鬼滅の刃」柱解禁PV), was released by "Aniplex" (アニプレックス). Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), introduced in this video, is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from November 2016 to 2020. It has sold a total of 60 million copies (*as of June 2020). The story follows the protagonist as he fights "demons" who killed his family, and searches for a way to turn his sister back into a human after she was turned into a demon. The TV anime aired from April to September 2019. -
Video article 2:16
The Final Chapter of "Attack on Titan" Is Set to Air in the Fall of 2020! the Final Battle That So Many Fans Have Been Waiting for Is About to Begin!
Modern Culture- 50 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV anime 'Attack on Titan' The Final Season|PV" (TVアニメ「進撃の巨人」The Final Season PV), was released by "ぽにきゃん-Anime PONY CANYON." Attack on Titan, introduced in this video, is a work by Hajime Isayama, which has been serialized in the Bessatsu Shonen Magazine published by Kodansha since September 2009. The manga exceeded 100 million copies sold worldwide as of December 2019. It's a dark, fantasy-type story about fighting mysterious "titans." The TV anime has been airing since 2013 and the fourth season, which is featured in the video, is scheduled to air as "The Final Season" starting in fall 2020. -
Video article 1:30
The Popular Manga "Jujutsu Kaisen" Has Been Made Into an Anime! The Exciting Video That Many Fans Have Been Waiting for Is Finally Out!
Modern Culture- 60 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV Anime 'Jujutsu Kaisen' PV Part 1" (TVアニメ『呪術廻戦』PV第1弾), was released by "TOHO animation channel" (TOHO animation チャンネル). Jujutsu Kaisen, featured in this video, is a work by Gege Akutami, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, since 2018. The total number of sales of the single-volume manga exceeded 4.5 million copies as of May 2020. This is a fantasy battle story about a sorcerer's struggle to exorcise ghosts and curses using magic. The TV anime featured in the video is scheduled to air from October 2020. -
Video article 1:30
The Hilarious Footage of the Popular "After School Midnighters"! The Surreal Images Are Sure to Have You Laughing!
Modern Culture- 22 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "★Funny Movie★After School Midnighters Short Vol. 1 "Spy(x)-Man" (★面白動画★放課後ミッドナイターズショートVol.1「スパイ○ーマン」), was released by "[Official] After School Midnighters Channel" (【公式】放課後ミッドナイターズチャンネル). "After School Midnighters," featured in this video, is a Japanese animated feature film directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo released in 2012. It's a story about three children and their great adventures with human models and skeletal specimens. After School Midnighters was screened in seven countries around the world. This video is a spinoff starring the human model and skeletal specimen 'Kyun-sama' and 'Goth.' -
Video article 0:32
The Popular Manga "Shaman King" Will Return as a New Anime in 2021! The Shonen Jump Manga That Captured the Hearts of Children Is Back as a High Quality Anime!
Modern Culture- 21 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "SHAMAN KING special PV" (『SHAMAN KING』特報PV), was released by "KING AMUSEMENT CREATIVE official channel." Shaman King, introduced in this video is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from 1998 to 2004, and sold a total of 35 million copies. The story is about a shaman who participates in 'Shaman Fights' and aims to become the Shaman King with omniscient and omnipotent powers It is scheduled to be broadcast as a completely new anime from April 2021. -
Video article 4:09
"Kimetsu no Yaiba" Is the Hottest Anime of Spring 2019! If You’re Looking to Learn About the Popular New Anime, You Came to the Right Place!
Modern Culture News- 46 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Kimetsu no Yaiba! This video, titled "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," introduces the popular manga Kimetsu no Yaiba. "Kimetsu no Yaiba" (Demon Slayer) is a manga popular among all ages, and the comic is continuously sold out in stores throughout Japan. In this video, you can see the interviews of the fans of "Kimetsu no Yaiba," showing just how popular it is! In this article, we will introduce the extremely popular manga "Kimetsu no Yaiba" alongside the video. Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo:Bookstore Kimetsu no Yaiba is a popular manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump by Shueisha, between Issue 11 in 2016 to Issue 24 in 2020. It is the first serialized work by Koyoharu Gotoge. *Spoilers ahead* The manga portrays an interesting take on Japanese sword fighting, focusing on the main character whose family was killed by demons. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps in order to avenge his family and cure his sister who was turned into a demon. As of May 2020, and its most recent 20th volume of the comic series, it has sold over 60 million copies. It sold 12,058,000 copies in the "Oricon Annual Comic Rankings 2019," beating out the hugely popular "One Piece" manga for the number one spot. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Story The protagonist, Kamado Tanjiro, followed in the footsteps of his late father and lived a peaceful life supporting his family by making charcoal burnings. One day after leaving home, his family is killed by a demon and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon. Two years later, after joining the Demon Slayer Corps to train in swordsmanship and turn his sister Nezuko back into a human, he faces off against Muzan, the leader of the demons. As shown in the video, "Kimetsu no Yaiba" become quite the social phenomenon when it was airing; however, at the height of its popularity, the final issue was released in Weekly Shonen Jump sold on May 18th, 2020. The movie "Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" will be released on October 16, 2020. The film has been attracting a lot of attention due to the popular voice actors that will star in it. More About Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo:Bookstore As shown in the video at 1:52, the manga for Kimetsu no Yaiba, is sold out and in short supply at all the big stores in Tokyo. This goes for not only just the latest issue, but older issues are also low in stock and as you can see from 2:55, there are many people going around bookstores in search of them. It's rare in recent years for a manga to sell out so many copies, even if it's regularly reprinted, truly making it a social phenomenon. Although Kimetsu no Yaiba became popular mainly among young people, it's actually a work that is popular among adults as well, regardless of age. You can see an interview with an older Kimetsu no Yaiba fan from Sugamo at 1:14 in the video. You can also see "KIMETSU CAFÉ in SWEETS PARADISE" at 3:09 in the video, a collaboration café with "Sweets Paradise's" Ikebukuro branch. A popular menu item is the charcoal-grilled chicken curry with the main character Tanjiro on top. Many fans come to the cafe just to see the awesome food art and collaboration goods, and the café is so popular that it gets fully booked with reservations. Summary of Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo:Kimetsu no Yaiba "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," is a video showing the popularity of the hottest new manga and anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba. With its final issue in 2020, Kimetsu no Yaiba skyrocketed in popularity due to the anime release in 2019, making it a social phenomenon. The manga has come to an end; however, the popularity of Kimetsu no Yaiba continues! 【Official Website】Kimetsu no Yaiba Official portal site https://kimetsu.com/ -
Video article 2:16
The Dragon Quest Series Continues to Captivate Gamers Around the World, Even More Than 30 Years After Its Release! The New Smartphone App Offers Heated Battles and a Host of Fascinating Characters!
Modern Culture- 36 plays
- YouTube
DRAGON QUEST RIVALS This video, titled "9th Card Pack [A World of Reunion and Oath (Rotozetasia)|Promotional Video [Dragon Quest Rivals]" (『第9弾カードパック「再会と誓いの世界(ロトゼタシア)」プロモーションムービー【ドラゴンクエストライバルズ】』), introduces Dragon Quest Rivals, a new smartphone app of the popular RPG game [Dragon Quest]. The social game was launched in 2017 as a spin-off of the Dragon Quest Series and has reached 16 million downloads. Often abbreviated as [DQ Rivals], It's a free-to-play game but you can also pay to play a "gacha," and get strong card packs. A Look at the Popular RPG Dragon Quest Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon Quest Rivals is based on the RPG "Dragon Quest," which was developed in 1986 by Enix (current Square Enix) as a game software for family computers. Dragon Quest has a big project team, as scenario writer and game designer Yuji Horii, character designer Akira Toriyama, and music composer Koichi Sugiyama have handled every major game in the series. The series is massively successful as total sales have reached over 80 million units. As they release new gaming platform and devices, they develop new Dragon Quest games and applications with them. Currently, Dragon Quest has the main numbered series such as Dragon Quest 10 or 11 and the spin-off titles such as Dragon Quest Walk and Dragon Quest Rivals. The Dragon Quest Series Source :YouTube screenshot This is a list of the main Dragon Quest games with the year the were made and their available platform. ・Dragon Quest Loto Trilogy (DQ 1-3) and Dragon Quest Zenithian trilogy (DQ 4-6). Available on :NES, SNES, PlayStation series, NintendoDS, etc. ・Dragon Quest 7-11 Available on: PlayStation, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, etc. The most recent numbered series is "Dragon Quest XI S Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age." ・Dragon Quest Builders series Available on: PlayStation Series, Nintendo Switch, etc. Dragon Quest Builders 2 has a Windows version as well. ・Dragon Quest Walk, Dragon Quest Tact, Dragon Quest Monster, Dragon Quest Heroes, Dragon Quest Super Light, Dragon Quest Rivals, etc. Available on: Smartphone Dragon Quest Rivals Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the digital card game for smartphones, Dragon Quest Rivals. First, select a "leader" character from 8 different professions, then create a "Deck" of 30 cards. It's an online battle game so you can battle with your friends or family, or pick someone online to battle with. There are various types of cards, such as unit cards that are put on the battlefield, weapon cards that can buff your leader, special skill cards that can be used directly from your cards, and expansion cards that are added to your card pool after the release of a new card pack. The objective is to strategically create a deck that will allow you to gain the upper hand in a battle and reduce your opponent's HP to zero. In the video around 0:48, you see the awesome characters that appear in Dragon Quest Rivals. Summary of Dragon Quest Source :YouTube screenshot The Dragon Quest RPG series is still very popular, with the movie Dragon Quest: Your Story being released in 2019. Among the series, the social battle game Dragon Quest Rivals is currently the hottest game available. Whenever new bullets, hero cards, or new game packs come out, there are unofficial strategy websites that will talk about the new cards and how they can be utilized in different decks. Dragon Quest never gets old! With the new character Camus, a blue-haired thief (see the video around 0:22), the game has become even more interesting! Create the strongest deck with your favorite characters, including the witch Veronica and Hero Eleven, to climb the rankings in the Dragon Quest Rivals tournament. Become a Dragon Quest legend! 【Official Website】The 9th card pack [The world of reunion and oath (Rotozetasia)] https://www.dragonquest.jp/rivals/cardpack/9/ -
Video article 1:32
What is this Pokémon card game everyone is talking about? No matter how old you are, anyone can play this fun and addictive Pokémon card game!
Modern Culture- 70 plays
- YouTube
Enjoy Watching This Pokémon Card Game Introductory Video! This video, titled "The Official Pokémon Card Game PV (Pokémon Card Players)" (【公式】ポケモンカードゲームPV 「ポケモンカードプレイヤーズ」) introduces the Pokémon card game which is hugely popular among people of all ages. Thanks to publicity from Youtubers and social media, the Pokémon card game is known worldwide and it would be no exaggeration to say that it is the most popular card game of our time. In this article, we'll introduce you to this new Pokémon card game in detail. How It's Played Source :YouTube screenshot Pokémon cards originated from the video game known in Japanese as Pocket Monsters or Pokémon as it's called in English, published by the Pokémon Company (originally it was published by Nintendo). Card versions were made of the monsters (or Pokémon) that appear in this game to turn it into a 2 player trading card game. Cute monsters, such as Pikachu that appear in the video game, have gained a large number of fans worldwide and the game was recently made into the popular smartphone application "Pokémon GO" which was all the rage for a while. Here is a list of the minimum number of items you will need to play the card game: ・Pokémon card deck (60 cards) ・1 Pokémon coin ・Damage counter (as many 10, 50, and 100 damage counters as possible) ・Poison marker/Burned marker (2 or 3 of each) ・GX marker (1 or 2) Source :YouTube screenshot If you're playing in an official competition, a special mat is also required. The rules are very simple: all you have to do is defeat your opponent's Pokémon in battle using your own Pokémon. Each time you win, you can take a prize card (there are normally 6 prize cards in total). The first player to draw all 6 prize cards wins. Please check the official website for a more detailed description of how to play the game. Can Complete Beginners Start Playing This Pokémon Card Game? Source :YouTube screenshot Trading card games may sound hard to get into at first, but the Pokémon card game is so simple anyone can start playing. For those who haven't collected the 60 cards that normally make up a deck, you can purchase a Starter Set which contains coins and markers among other things, that will allow you to start playing right away! You can also practice playing online via a simulation on the official Pokémon card game website. We highly recommend trying it out before you purchase your first Pokémon cards! From 0:06 in the video, you can see a woman playing with Pokémon cards, and a father and son from 0:18, and at 0:46 you can see a large-scale Pokémon card championship with elementary school students competing against one another. The Pokémon card game is truly a game loved by all generations. Pokémon Card Game Introduction Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Summary of the New Pokémon TCG Causing a Stir Each time a new Pokémon game is released, new character cards based on the Pokémon in the game are also released. The most recent versions are Sun and Moon which was then followed by Sword and Shield. Pokémon is a card game that is constantly evolving. The Pokémon card game is now popular not only in Japan, but all over the world to the extent that there are now Pokémon World Championships being held every year. As you can see from the video, the Pokémon card game brings together people of all ages. Why not relive your childhood and enjoy playing this exciting game? 【Official Website】Pokémon Card Game Players Club https://event.pokemon-card.com/ -
Video article 1:40
Saint Seiya Revived in 3d Computer Graphics. Enjoy the Nostalgic, Hit-Animation Through the Latest Technology, and See the Scene That Stirred up Controversy Among Fans Around the World!
Modern Culture- 95 plays
- YouTube
The mega hit animation “Saint Seiya” This is the official trailer of “ Saint Seiya : Knights of the Zodiac(『聖闘士星矢: Knights of the Zodiac』予告編 - Netflix)” released by Netflix Japan. Saint Seiya is the space fantasy comic made by Masami Kurumada. The comic series began in December, 1985, featured in the popular manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump. The comic was designed on the assumption that it would be adapted as an animated TV series. It had battle uniforms featuring zodiacs that main characters wore called “Crosses” and plastic models of characters were a huge hit with fans. Source :YouTube screenshot The story of Saint Seiya is made based on ancient Greek mythology. The comic depicts the activities of five bronze saints such as the saint "Pegasus Seiya" who protects the Earth from evil with Saori (an incarnation of the goddess Athena), Dragon Siryu, Cygnus Hyouga, Phoenix Ikki, Andromeda Shun, as well as the gold saints. You can see the battle scenes involving bronze saints (in this video clip) at 0:47. Currently, “Saint Seiya NEXT DIMENSION – Pluto Myths” is still being serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion. Saint Seiya became a great hit and firmly established its position in the anime world. Until this animation came along, it was believed that the Space Fantasy Action genre was a favorite among boys. However, the mythology based story that included handsome youths stole the hearts of many young women as well. This animation produced by Toei was released as a spin-off work. Figurines of popular characters are still popular to this day and continue to evolve. The Worldview of Saint Seiya : Knights of the Zodiac Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese version of Knights of the Zodiac concludes in the realm of Hades. The work released by Netflix Japan however, is a completely original animation using 3D Computer Graphics. Therefore the worldview is completely different from the original version. The biggest difference is that Andromeda Shun, one of main characters, was made as a woman. “The Struts” , a popular English rock band sings the theme song. Voice actors were also completely changed. You can hear the Japanese version's theme song in this video. The Controversy Surrounding the Female Andromeda Shun Source :YouTube screenshot The content announced at Netflix's animation works press conference in 2017 shocked fans. That press conference was of the new animation "Saint Seiya, Knights of the Zodiac”. This press conference was exclusively distributed by Netflix through CCXP2018 all over the world. The most controversial point is replacing Andromeda Shun, the most popular character among female fans, with a woman. On SNS, this set off a flurry of reactions among fans. The new animation was also produced by foreign staff at a studio outside of Japan. According to one of the screenwriters, it was determined that they would change the gender of Andromeda Shun to female for the sake of diversity. There were arguments for and against this new animation work. However, most fans say that this is an affront to the original work. The Knights of the Zodiac Video Summed Up Source :YouTube screenshot There are many episodes of the animation version of Saint Seiya, and it has been a favorite of people from all over the world including not only animation and figurines, but also slot machines. The anime, including part 1 and part 2, have been distributed by Netflix since 2020. It hasn't been decided whether or not there will be a commercial DVD release of the Saint Seiya series. When you sign up for Netflix, the Saint Seiya series is available for viewing free for a month, so don’t miss your chance! 【Official Website】 KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC https://www.saintseiya-kotz.com/en/pc/ -
Video article 7:22
Have Fun Battling It Out With Your Friends! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Has a Massive Roster of Characters to Choose From!
Modern Culture- 19 plays
- YouTube
This video, released by the Nintendo Official YouTube channel is titled "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Introductory Video" Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, introduced in the video, is a fighting game in which you fight your opponent and try to win by knocking them off the stage. In the game, you can choose from a total of 74 characters from all sorts of different games, including Fire Emblem, The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, and more! You can choose from a variety of familiar stages and there are different ways to fight, including team battles and tournaments! -
Video article 7:06
An Action Shooting Game With Paint! Paint the Walls and Floors and Engage in Heated Turf Battles in Splatoon 2!
Modern Culture- 29 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Splatoon 2 Introductory Video," was released by Nintendo official YouTube Channel. -
Video article 10:22
From No Makeup to Hatsune Miku! a Cosplay Makeup Tutorial! These Detailed Makeup Techniques Are a Must See!
Modern Culture- 34 plays
- YouTube
This video is titled "[Eng Sub] [Cosplay] How to Go From No Makeup to Hatsune Miku (2018 Version) [Kuromu-Style]" (《Eng sub》【コスプレ】カワハギから初音ミクになる方法(2018改)【黒夢流】). The video was released by Kuromu (くろむ). The video introduces the popular cosplayer Kuromu going from zero makeup to looking just like Hatsune Miku! It shows awesome techniques that many popular cosplayers use as well! Be sure to check it out! -
Video article 0:33
The Final Chapter of the Popular "Rurouni Kenshin" Movie Series Is Set to Release in 2021! Is This the Last Time You'll See the Classic, Which Sold 72 Million Copies, on the Big Screen?
Modern Culture- 35 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Rurouni Kenshin Final Chapter: The Final / The Beginning - Special Report" (映画『るろうに剣心 最終章 The Final/The Beginning』特報), was released by "Warner Bros. Official Channel" (ワーナー ブラザース 公式チャンネル). Rurouni Kenshin, introduced in the video is a work by Nobuhiro Watsuki, which was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 to 1999. It's often abbreviated as "Ruroken" in Japanese. The manga about Japan in the early Meiji period has sold more than 72 million copies. "Rurouni Kenshin: The Final/The Beginning" will be released during Golden Week in 2021 and is the final part of the "Rurouni Kenshin" film series which has earned a total 12.5 billion yen at the box office. The cast includes Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Mackenyu, Yū Aoi, and Yōsuke Eguchi. -
Video article 3:15
Sumikko Gurashi - The Cute but Negative Characters Loved by Kids
Modern Culture- 1.65K plays
- YouTube
The Main Characters of the Children's Anime "Sumikko Gurashi"! This video, titled "Sumikko Gurashi Introduction Animation" (すみっコぐらし紹介アニメーション), was posted by "San-x Channel." It introduces the main characters of the popular animation "Sumikko Gurashi," including "Shirokuma" (a polar bear), "Penguin?," "Tonkatsu" (a pork cutlet), "Neko," (a cat) and "Tokage" (a lizard). This article will introduce the characters and charms of Sumikko Gurashi, alongside the video. We hope you enjoy the video about Sumikko Gurashi, narrated by Toshiki Masuda, a popular voice actor perfect for the world of Sumikko Gurashi. What Is Sumikko Gurashi? Source :YouTube screenshot Sumikko Gurashi (roughly translated as "Life in the Corner") is a set of original characters by "San-x," and has the sub title "It's calm here." The characters were designed by Yuri Yokomizo, a designer at San-x’s. The character are created with the theme that "corners make you feel calm." Sumikko Gurashi, which was created in 2012, is very popular, especially among children, and sales of related products in 2019 amounted to about 20 billion yen. The main characters are called Sumikko, and the side characters are called Minikko. New characters are being created as well. All of the characters are characterized by a somewhat pessimistic personality, such as being troubled and lacking in self-confidence, on top of also being cute, this is what makes them so attractive. There is a wide variety of Sumikko Gurashi merchandise, including stationary, plush toys, pouches, tableware, miscellaneous goods, figurines, toy computers, origami, and many other goods that have been made into movies and games. If you search for Sumikko Gurashi on Amazon, you'll find a variety of products for sale, from children's toys to coloring books to games. For prices, please check the store where the item is sold. Also, the "Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival" collaboration event at the Yokohama ASOBUILD was originally scheduled to begin in April 2020, but was unfortunately postponed due to the spread of the new coronavirus. The Main Characters of Sumikko Gurashi Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the main characters of Sumikko Gurashi! 1. Shirokuma (0:04) Shirokuma is a polar bear that migrated from the north to the south, to avoid the cold. He feels calm when drinking tea in a corner. He also cherishes his big polka dotted furoshiki cloth. 2. Penguin? (0:51) Penguin? lacks confidence about whether or not he is actually a penguin and feels as though he may have had a dish on his head in the past (alluding to him possibly being a kappa). 3. Tonkatsu (1:12) Tonkatsu is the end of pork cutlet, frequently left uneaten for being too oily (99% fat). It is the second Sumikko to arrive at the corner. 4.Neko (1:50) Neko is a shy, timid, and plump cat that often gives the corner to other members. Most of the time it scratches its nails on the wall. 5. Tokage (2:21) Tokage is actually an aquatic dinosaur but feigns being a lizard so that he isn't captured He occasionally catches fish for Neko. Minikko, such as Ebifurai no Shippo (tail of a fried shrimp), Zassou (weeds), Tapioca, Hokori (dust), Suzume (sparrow), and Nisetsumuri (a slug) appear at 2:51 in the video. Enjoy the cute characters of Sumikko Gurashi! Summary of Sumikko Gurashi Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Sumikko Gurashi Introduction Animation" introduces the somewhat surrealistic world of Sumikkoo Gurashi's main characters. If you're interested in Sumikko Gurashi, be sure to check out the official Sumikko Gurashi website for the latest information! 【Official Website】Sumikko Gurashi official web site –San-x http://www.san-x.jp/ -
Video article 11:28
A Life-Size 8-Meter-Tall Ingram Stands in Toyosu, Tokyo! The Giant Robot From the Live-Action Film "Mobile Police Patlabor" Is the Most Powerful and High Quality Robot in Japan!
Modern Culture Festivals & Events- 411 plays
- YouTube
What Is Mobile Police Patlabor? The video we'll introduce this time is titled "A Life-Size, 8m-Tall Ingram Stands in Toyosu! Live-Action ‘Patlabor’ Event." It introduces the promotional event held as a part of a project for the live-action version of Mobile Police Patlabor launched in 2014. Mobile Police Patlabor is a near-future science fiction work that gained popularity from the 1980s to the early 2000s as a media mix (manga series, anime series, short novel, game, etc.). Ingram, the giant robot introduced in the video, is a robot that belongs to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Special Vehicle Section 2, Division 2 (aka: Special Vehicle Section 2, Labor Division). The story is set in a world where Japan has succeeded in developing an industrial robot (labor), but there is a high incidence of large-scale crime using labors. In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department introduced a large man-made general purpose machine, code-named Ingram, to combat labor crime. Mobile Police Patlabor has been adapted into a TV anime series and three feature films, but ‘The Next Generation: Patlabor’ launched in 2014 is the first live-action version. The car that transports Ingram is called the ‘labor carrier’, and the signal ‘deck up’ is used to launch Ingram from the bed of the carrier in the movie as well, so it must have been exciting for the fans to witness the impactful scene of the life-size Ingram decking up in Toyosu, where Special Vehicle Section 2 is located. Specifications of the Life-Size Ingram Source :YouTube screenshot Let’s compare the specifications of the Ingram from the truly popular comic and anime series and the life-size Ingram in this article. The Ingram in the serialized manga and anime series moves acrobatically to the extent where it is physically impossible as it operates in a 2-dimensional world, but that is not possible using the available technologies in the real world, and "the biggest challenge of the life-size AV-98 Ingram was to make it stand on its own." The first-generation Gundam which used to be exhibited in Odaiba, and the Unicorn Gundam, with a transformation mode, are famous as the first life-size robots, and are popular tourist spots in Tokyo. However, the life-size Ingram is a large-scale standing model following these two. You can see the life-size, 8m-tall Ingram deck up in the video at 1:34. As you can see from the video, the Ingram is highly detailed, but it is slightly different from the original draft as many parts have been added to its legs and feet in order to have it stand on its own, giving it a more muscular look on its lower body. The public exhibit of the life-size Ingram as part of the highly-anticipated new project for Mobile Police Patlabor "The Next Generation: Patlabor," was held in major cities all across the country, such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukushima, after launching in Toyosu, Tokyo. Moreover, at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki and at the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival, the Ingram which was actually used for shooting was exhibited. Summary of the Life-Size Ingram From Mobile Police Patlabor Source :YouTube screenshot The live-action version of Mobile Police Patlabor features an all-star cast, including director Mamoru Oshii, Erina Mano as Ingram's pilot, Akira Izumino, and Toshio Kakei as the captain of Division 2, Keiji Gotoda, and culminates in seven short films plus a feature-length theatrical production, "The Next Generation Patlabor - Tokyo War." You can watch the interviews in the video as well; Erina Mano from 7:08, Toshio Kakei from 8:18, and the director, Mamoru Oshii, from 8:51. It is said that the story of the live-action version "The Next Generation Patlabor - Tokyo War" is based on the second film, but the characters and settings have been revamped. The new series was welcomed by long-time fans, saying it was "Nostalgic!," and "Cool!," and it was highly praised overseas as well. In Japan, there are novelizations and games, as well as plastic models and figurines of Ingram on sale, so be sure to check them out! -
Video article 1:04
The Unique Artist Turning the DJ World Upside Down. Check out the Tracks of, and Interview With DJ Matsunaga, Winner of the World DJ Tournament!
Modern Culture Entertainment & Music- 1.5K plays
- YouTube
A Japanese DJ wins the World Championship! This video, publicized by "ANNnewsCH’, is entitled ‘“Unique” Japanese DJ Tops, Wins World Championships (19/09/29)(“独創的”日本人DJが頂点に 世界大会で優勝(19/09/29))". DJ Matsunaga won ‘Battle for World Supremacy 2019’ of ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’, one of the biggest DJ championships in the world which decides the top DJ in the world, held in London in September 2019, showing off his incredible techniques. ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’ is a competition where DJs from all over the world compete with their techniques within a time limit. DJ Matsunaga had earlier won the Japanese competition ‘DMC JAPAN FINAL’ and had procured the right to represent Japan. At such a prestigious competition, DJ Matsunaga beat K-Swizz, the defending champion from New Zealand, enchanting the entire venue with his unique and funky style, despite it being his first time competing. In the interview after becoming the new champion, which can be seen from 0:25 in the video, DJ Matsunaga says “I’m yet to accept this as a reality, so I guess, for now, I’ll prepare to appreciate the feeling when it comes.” From 0:08 in the video, watch the performance that gave him the victory. Who Is DJ Matsunaga, Now a World-Champion DJ? Source :YouTube screenshot DJ Matsunaga’s full name is Kunihiko Matsunaga. He was born in August 1990 and he is 29 years old as of April 2020. His blood type is B. He participated with a casual outfit in this competition, but his characteristic is that he wears suits even during his performances. The reason for this he says, is that he is in his most perfect form when wearing a suit. He is very well-humored and when being introduced as the DMC Champion, he was mistakenly called as DJ Nakamura by the MC but spun it in a humorous light. ‘Creepy Nuts’, a DJ hip-hop unit of 1MC1 to which he belongs, has a regular radio program despite being a group of musicians, and open up an exhilarating talk with ‘R-Shitei (R-指定, R-Shitei)’, the other member. DJ Matsunaga as a DJ Source :YouTube screenshot What’s surprising about DJ Matsunaga’s career is that he accomplished the feat of becoming a champion of the DMC DJ Championship in Hokkaido in 2010, only 3 years after he embarked on his journey of becoming a DJ. Until 2016, he was simultaneously working as a TOC live DJ for the hip-hop unit Hilcrhyme. And in 2019, as mentioned earlier, he topped at DMC JAPAN, which is also a qualifier for DMC WORLD, and he was given the title of ‘Japan’s Number 1 DJ’ on his official profile. His title eventually changed to ‘World’s Number 1 DJ’ after being crowned as the champion at DMC WORLD. Success with Creepy Nuts Source :YouTube screenshot In the hip-hop unit Creepy Nuts, DJ Matsunaga unleashes his worlds-best technique as a trackmaker and turntablist. ‘R-Shitei’, the other member, topped at free-style rapping in a program called Free-Style Dungeon, and together they light up the hip-hip world. Having showed a formidable presence in clubs and live-houses, they participated in the large-scale rock-festival ‘Fuji Rock’ in 2014, and debuted on a major label in 2017 with the single ‘High School Debut, Uni Debut, We Failed All but Major Debut. (高校デビュー、大学デビュー、全部失敗したけどメジャーデビュー。, Koko-Debyu, Daigaku-Debyu, Zenbu Shippai Shita-kedo Meja-Debyu.)’. Check out the Worlds-Best-Performance of DJ Matsunaga! So what did you think? Do you feel like listening to the world's best DJ, DJ Matsunaga? DJ Matsunaga can be described as one of few people that changed the prevailing perception of the hip-hop world being formidable and distant, into a more familiar, pop-like image. Enjoy the techniques of the world’s best DJ. 【Official Website】DMC World DJ Championships - The Home Of The Worlds Biggest DJ Competition http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/ -
Video article 1:49
The Power of Virtual Influencers, an Important Source of Information Transmission. Learn About How Virtual Influencers, Now a Threat to Actual Influencers, Are Made!
Modern Culture- 78 plays
- YouTube
Virtual Influencers This video, titled "A Virtual Influencer With 1.6 Million Followers!," is a video that introduces virtual influencers, a hot topic as of late. Have you ever heard of a "virtual influencer"? A blogger or YouTuber who has many followers, and therefore, a lot of influential power, is referred to as an "influencer." Currently, there are virtual influencers with more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram. These CG virtual influencers, who are currently attracting attention worldwide, are being used to spread information online. Popular Virtual YouTubers such as the Japanese Kizuna Ai (an anime-style virtual character) are gaining popularity. In this article, we'll talk about some of these characters, who are also referred to as "virtual humans" and "virtual dolls." These virtual characters are an inexpensive and more appealing way to advertise compared to conventional mass media, and are being utilized by various companies including fashion brands. The World's First Virtual Influencer Modeling Agency Set up in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot These virtual influencers, fictitious characters created using 3D computer graphics, regularly post pictures of their daily life on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, as well as modelling, singing, and dancing. Virtual characters are used by various companies to model apparel and cosmetics, and are proving to be a very effective means of advertising. The virtual modeling agency featured in this video works with the second hand clothing retailer "yutori." The modeling agency is VIM (previously YYZ). They're introduced at 0:24 in the video. From 0:32, you can see one of their realistic virtual models modelling an outfit of second hand clothing. The two models introduced in the video are called Aoi Prism (葵プリズム) and uca. Both are Japanese style virtual models. From 0:39, fashion director Soudai Yamaguchi (山口壮大, yamaguchisoudai) talks about how a high level of 3D computer graphics can be used to create a virtual model that rivals an actual model with little difference in how their daily life and work are portrayed on screen to viewers. How Virtual Influencers Are Created Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:09 in the video, VIM representative Takanori Kataishi (片石貴展, kataishitakanori) is questioned about the creation of their virtual models. Unfortunately, he couldn't go into details on how the models were created as it's a company secret. However, from looking at the video it's clear that they are created using fairly high level computer graphics. Summary of Virtual Influencers Source :YouTube screenshot Although their use is fairly limited at the moment, it's expected that these virtual influencers will play an active role Japan in the future. Every day new virtual influencers are being born; for example the first ever virtual celebrity Hiro Mizushima (水嶋ヒロ, mizushimahiro) and other popular virtual influencers on SNS such as "imma" and Liam Nikuro (二クロ・リアム, nikuroriamu). Be sure to check out these characters online when you have the chance! -
Video article 27:35
Build Your Ideal Island! Learn How to Enjoy Living on an Uninhabited Island in Animal Crossing!
Modern Culture- 17 plays
- YouTube
This video is from the Nintendo Official YouTube channel. It's titled "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2020.2.20|An in-Depth Look at Life on an Uninhabited Island" (あつまれ どうぶつの森 Direct 2020.2.20 無人島生活をくわしくご紹介). The game introduced in the video, Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch, is a game set on an uninhabited island where players can enjoy living on a deserted island by building a house and garden in whatever way they see fit. It's a very popular game where you can interact with other players. In this video, you can learn how to start the game and learn more about the game's development! -
Video article 15:21
Meet the Girls Aiming to Be Japanese Idols! Get an Inside Look at the Lessons of These Girls as They Pursue Their Dreams!
Modern Culture Entertainment & Music- 28 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Meet the Girls Aiming to Be Japanese Idols Part 1 [Japan in Motion 2019 #20]," was released by Japan in Motion. In the first half of the video, three girls - a Japanese girl, Russian girl, and an Italian girl - talk about Japanese idols at an idol store in Akihabara. The three girls also visit a prestigious school in Hiroshima Prefecture that has produced many popular Japanese idols. Actor's School Hiroshima has produced many members of world famous idol groups, such as members of Perfume, BABYMETAL, Morning Musume, AKB48, Nogizaka48, STU48, and =LOVE. The three even got to experience a lesson with their students! -
Video article 1:57
“Licca chan” is having her 50 year anniversary party! Even after 50 years the ever-lasting adoration for this dress-up doll has yet to fade!
Modern Culture Festivals & Events- 96 plays
- YouTube
Introducing dress-up doll “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party” This news footage, produced by “KyodoNews”, titled “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary event. Invitations from a 25 year old limited-edition product(リカちゃん50周年で式典 25年前の限定品に招待状)”, is about the dress-up doll “Licca chan” who was manufactured in 1967 and “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party” held to commemorate her 50th anniversary. In 2017, Licca chan’s 50th anniversary parties were held in Tokyo and in Osaka. The video showcases a few of the scenes from the party held in Osaka. In this article, we will be introducing what attracts people to the Licca chan doll that has continued to be loved for a long time, as well as Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party. Before we begin, check out the footage of the lively party, celebrating Licca chan’s 50th anniversary! What is “Licca chan”? Source : This article's video The dress-up doll “Licca chan” was first sold by the company Takara Tomy in 1967, as a blonde 22cm tall toy doll that girls could enjoy playing “pretend” or “dressing up” with. The Licca chan doll sold over 60 million units, and while it was loved by the generation that played with it, it also came to be loved by subsequent generations, making it a long selling product with a rich history. In the present day, Licca chan has expanded from the field of toy dolls and is now a commercial character for companies as well. Source : This article's video Licca chan was given a character profile such as family structure and age at the time of her release, and it is thought that her popularity came from the fact that her clothes and figure changed according to the lastest trends and fashion, thus always making her relevant icon. Licca chan’s full name is Licca Kayama, her birthday is on May 3rd, and she is a 5th grader. Her family consists of her fashion designer mother, her French musician father, younger twin sisters, and younger triplet sisters. She also has grandparents and friends as well, and is known to have had many boyfriends, such as Sho and Wataru, over the years. Other than the main Licca chan doll, there are many variations and associated products, such as family member dolls, dresses, houses, accessories, pet shops, and storage cases that are sold as well. In the past, pregnant Licca chan dolls have also been sold. These Licca chan doll products can be bought at the Licca chan store “Licca chan's Little Castle-Shop”, Toys R Us, or the online seller Amazon. About Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party Source :YouTube screenshot Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party commemorated the 50th anniversary of the dress-up doll “Licca chan” from when she was first released, and the events were held in Tokyo and Osaka. There was an invitation to this party inside the limited edition “2017 Premium Licca chan” that was sold in 1992, commemorating her 25th anniversary. And the party was held with limited attendants who RSVPed to the event. It is because of this, that there is the subheading “The promise of Licca chan and me” under the official party title. 370 fans who bought the porcelain Premium Licca chan doll, which was enclosed in a wooden case that came with a music box function (2500 limited editions were sold, and this doll can be seen from 1:30 of the footage), attended the party. It was a very lively event with quizzes being held, untold stories from the development team, and a reenactment of Licca chan’s voice on the telephone. The attendees of the party brought along their favorite Licca chan dolls, which can be seen from 0:10 in the video. In an interview with one of the female attendees, as seen from 0:33 in the video, she tells how she named her daughter “Licca”. The quiz held at the party can be seen from 1:13 in the video, and the “History of Licca chan” over 40 generations is also displayed. Licca chan's 50th anniversary summary Source :YouTube screenshot The video, “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary event invitations from a limited-edition product 25 years ago”, shows scenes from Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party. It also shows us an exhibition commemorating Licca chan’s 50th anniversary, "50 years since the birth of Licca chan”, which had a nationwide tour, and the renewal of Licca chan’s Castle. The release of a Licca chan doll giftset was one of the many 50th anniversary products sold to commemorate this special occasion as well. Women of all ages can appreciate the popularity of Licca chan, who gives glittering hope to all. Be sure to watch the video so you can see all of the scenes we talked about in this article. 【Official Website】LICCA KAYAMA OFFICIAL|Licca Official Information Site|Takara Tomy https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/english/products/licca/index.html -
Video article 1:57
A Collaboration of Traditional Japanese Ink Painting and the Latest Video Technology! This Is the Coolest Video You'll Ever See!
Modern Culture Art & Architecture- 73 plays
- YouTube
This video, released by "oricon," is titled "A Cool Collaboration of Ink Painting and Video! This Collab Between Sumi-e and the Latest Video Technology Is a Must-See!" (墨絵と映像のコラボがカッコいい!墨絵と最新の映像技術を駆使した驚きの演出は必見!). This video is a project to support the "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe," a horse race. Up-and-coming sumi-e artist Yu-ki Nishimoto's powerful works in Tokyo Yurakucho are collaborated with the latest video technology. Discover a wonderful fusion of Japanese traditions and technology. -
Video article 2:23
The Popular Gyaru Magazine "Popteen" Is Like the Bible for Japanese “Kawaii” Culture! Check out the Video That Includes the Precious Photo Shoot of the Three Charismatic Reader Models!
Modern Culture- 98 plays
- YouTube
The Popteen Cover Photo Shoot This video introduces "The making of the Popteen cover(人気ギャル雑誌『Popteen』の表紙ができるまで!)". Popteen is a teenage fashion magazine published by the Kadokawa Haruki Corporation. The first issue was published in 1980. These three gorgeous girls in kimono appearing in the video made the cover of the 2012 January issue. The video captures their cover photo shoot scene. This article is to introduce the Gyaru culture and reader models alongside the video. What Are Reader Models? Source :YouTube screenshot The models who appear from 0:37 are Mizukitty (Mizuki Nishiyama), Kumikky (Kumiko Funayama) and Pikarin (Hikari Shiina). They were the active reader models for Popteen when the video was made in 2011. Many of the former Popteen models, such as Moe Oshikiri, Nicole Fujita, Tsubasa Masuwaka, and Rola, later made a success break into the TV industry or got a big break as an exclusive model or even an actress, and have been active to this day. How Did They Become Models? Photo:Shibuya 109 In many cases, they became models after being recruited by a magazine editor while walking down the streets of Shibuya or Harajuku. These three cover girls also used to be just ordinary teenagers who hung out in Shibuya or Harajuku. "Popteen": The Kawaii Bible! Source :YouTube screenshot Shibuya and Harajuku are the epicenter of Kawaii culture. These areas represent Japan's youth culture, and serve as the source of numerous teen slang such as "Agepoyo" which is slang to describe that you're pumped up or excited about something. The magazine Popteen plays a leading role in Japanese teen culture. The freebies attached to the magazine is another reason for its popularity among teens who need to have the latest fashion. The Summary of the Popteen Cover Shoot Video Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the Popteen cover photo shoot, and the role that the magazine plays to inspire the Gyaru culture. Dressed in the gorgeous kimonos, the models with Gyaru makeup do kawaii poses, as seen from 0:16. The actual magazine cover appears at 2:04. Check out the latest issue of Popteen if you like Kawaii culture or want to get inspired by cute charismatic reader models. -
Video article 1:30
From Today, It's My Turn!!: The Movie - The Hilarious Japanese Drama About Delinquents!
Modern Culture- 162 plays
- YouTube
The Movie Version of the Popular TV Drama "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Premiers in Theaters Summer, 2019! The video introduced in this article is titled "From Today, It’s My Turn!! Movie Version Preview" (【In theaters from July 17 (Fri)】(『今日から俺は!!劇場版』予告【7月17日(金)公開】). It's a trailer for the movie of the same name, posted by "Toho MOVIE Channel." "From Today, It’s My Turn!!," is a popular drama that aired in 2018, and this film adaptation was also highly anticipated. It is based on the legendary delinquent manga "From Today, It's My Turn!!," by Hiroyuki Nishimori, and was published in Extra Shonen Sunday from September 1988 to August 1990, and then moved to Weekly Shonen Sunday where it was serialized from issue 40 in 1990 to issue 47 in 1997. The Popular Drama, "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot The story of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" is a yankee battle gag manga set in 1980s Nanya High School in Chiba Prefecture. It's considered the gold standard for delinquent manga, with a total of 40 million copies sold in 38 volumes of its comics edition. It is unique in that, unlike other delinquent manga, there are no characters who are members of biker gangs, and there are no scenes of violence, vulgarity, or scenes that involve killing. The Long-Awaited Movie Version of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot "From Today, It’s My Turn!!," is written and directed by Yuichi Fukuda, just like the drama, and the episode "VS Hokunei High School" which was popular in the original, is brought to life on the big screen by the regular cast members. Regarding the characters and cast, main characters Takashi Mitsuhashi, introduced at 0:14 in the video, and Shinji Ito, introduced at 0:17, are played by Kento Kaku and Kentaro Ito respectively, with the heroine Riko Akasaka played by Nana Seino and Kanna Hashimoto as Kyoko Hayakawa. In addition to this, Yuya Yagira plays Eiji Yanagi, the principal of Hokunei High School (0:24), Maika Yamamoto plays Sukeban Ryoko Morikawa, Tsuyoshi Muro plays Mr. Mukunoki, and Professor Sorimachi is played by Shinobu Hasegawa of SISSONE. Questions about hidden cast members, such as whether Kento Yamazaki, who appeared in the final episode of the TV drama series will appear in this movie, is also a hot topic. Created in response to many voices asking for a sequel after it gained popularity on TV, "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" is set to be released in theaters, and it will also be revived as a special drama. The Rising Excitement for the Movie Release of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot Upon the release of "From Today, It’s My Turn!! Movie Version," the poster blew up on social media sites. The movie was designed with a "Tribute to the Great Movies of the 80s," feel, with 22 cast members taking part in its creation. It's sure to attract the attention of movie lovers! The preview introduced here also features many comedic scenes and powerful fight scenes. There are many attractive scenes in the video, such as full-on war at 0:51. Summary of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think of the introduction video for "From Today, It’s My Turn!!"? It'll be exciting to see how the movie turns out. Are you planning on watching it? Enjoy the legendary yankee manga, with its humanistic storyline, charming characters, and gags that will have you dying from laughter! -
Video article 10:54
Make the Sword of Erdrick From Dragon Quest With Materials You Can Pick up at Any 100 Yen Store in Japan! Tips, and How to Make Your Own!
Modern Culture- 26 plays
- YouTube
This video was released by "GyakuYoga - the weapon and armor maker GyakuYoga Props" (ギャクヨガ-武器防具作る人 GyakuYoga Props). The video is titled "ENG_SUB [Dragon Quest XI]Sword of Light Tutorial (Sword of Roto) - How make cosplay sword." In this video, cosplayer GyakuYoga shows you how to make a sword by hand from the popular game Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest is an RPG game that was released in 1986 and has had several installments. Erdrick's (known as "roto" in Japan) sword, which is made in this video, is one of the weapons that Erdrick, the hero of Dragon Quest, is equipped with. Most of the materials for making the sword can be purchased at a hundred yen shop. It's hard to believe that this sword was created on such a low budget. The sword looks heavy at first glance, but it only weighs 260 grams and has an iron core inside to make it stronger. The second half of the video shows how to make the scabbard as well!