Playing one of Krush’s CD’s is a blissful journey of soundscapes and experimental juxtaposes all smoothly blended together in a smooth mix of vocals, soul textures, rapping, beats and live instrumentation. His hybrid and genre defying music is vastly experimental, and his ability to exquisitely fuse his stated influences of jazz, old techno, house, rock…

On August 28, 2009, at YAMAHA Okubo Ground in Shizuoka, there was the final match versus Fukuoka Sanix Blues before the top league starts. Kick-off was at 6PM. Game captain Sato said after the match that Yamaha Motor Jubilo used all aspects of the ground and was able to display their originality on the field….

Those living in Japan who love nature, hiking, and natural beauty simply must find the time to visit Yakushima. Yakushima is a small island in Kagoshima prefecture famous for its ancient Yakusugi forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The forests of Yakushima inspired Miyazaki Hayao’s masterpiece Mononoke Hime (“Princess Mononoke”) and are absolutely marvelous….

Six weeks have already passed in the quest to make it to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami and some teams are showing great promise while others are already on the outside looking in. In the NFC East, the Giants are looking strong and are considered by many to be the favorites to win the NFC…

Contrary to the comparison drawn a few years ago in an NHK TV documentary, Isson Tanaka was no Paul Gauguin, but his life and work, particularly his last years on Amami Oshima, have all the hallmarks of the long-suffering artist. Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 1908, Isson enrolled in the prestigious Tokyo Arts Academy’s Department…

For years, the images of Nahoko Takato haunted me. In the early weeks of April 2004, not one day went by in Japan without seeing her robed in black, blindfolded and physically threatened at knifepoint by the Iraqi radicals Saraya-Al-Mujahedeen. On April 7, three young Japanese were kidnapped in Fallujah. The terrorists demanded that the…

On the stage and small screen, actress Sahel Rosa has an alluring presence that demands you notice her. With her expressive eyes and quiet confidence, she is able to breathe life into the characters she plays with such ease and grace that it’s hard to believe she is only 23. But she is no ordinary…

Sumo has had a rough couple of years. As many readers of J-Select will be aware, mid-2007, saw the sport come under the media and even governmental spotlight cast by investigations into the (now proven) hazing death of a young rikishi in Tokitsukaze Beya. Later that same year, yokozuna grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia had…

Gregariously holding court in the lobby of the famed Tokyo America Club, a posh private facility situated in the quiet confines of Tokyo’s Minato-ku, the organization’s newly-minted President enthusiastically greets club members and strangers alike in a manner that can only be described as uniquely American. The broad smile, easy manner and genuinely engaged demeanor…

Buddhism first arrived in Japan via the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century CE, and prompted immediate controversy at the Imperial court. Its proponents (those with connections on the continent) advocated the strengths of Chinese government, culture, and Confucianism. Its detractors (notably military clans, and those involved with Shinto rituals) opposed the alien religion. Despite…