Why is Japan a “Character Superpower”?
Most people are familiar with Japanese icons like Pokémon, Mario, and Hello Kitty. But if you actually visit Japan and take a stroll through its streets, you’ll encounter characters you’ve never seen before in the most unexpected places—from bank counters and construction site signs to police stations and local government offices. For instance, the […]
Inside “gene.hackerman”: Exploring Tokyo’s Real Culture Through The Weeknd’s Secret Sub-Account
The rumors are true: The Weeknd has been spending a solid two months in Japan, spanning from December 2025 through January 2026. While his main Instagram only follows one mysterious account, what started as a feed of cryptic Japanese landscapes was recently confirmed to be his personal sub-account when photos of Abel himself finally […]
What’s trending in Japan NOW?! 〜Sticker Trading〜
What’s trending in Japan NOW?! 〜Sticker Trading〜 If you ask someone the question above, people would answer…..Sticker Trading. Yes. I feel you. There are still many parts of Japanese culture that feel mysterious to Londoners. But if you are here, you’ll catch a glimpse of Japan’s uniquely enigmatic culture. Lucky you! Watch this […]
The Evolution of the V&A: From South Kensington to the New V&A East in Stratford
London is home to numerous museums, but among them, the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) stands out as truly unique. While there are several V&A-operated sites across the UK, the most famous is undoubtedly the main museum in South Kensington. Its vast collection, gathered from all over the world, is packed so densely that it […]
Performing Arts in the UK: Differences from Japan
When people think of the UK, many associate it with the arts, especially performing arts such as theatre, musicals, ballet, and opera. For many tourists visiting London, going to see a West End musical is a must, and it certainly feels like a very common part of the sightseeing experience. So for this time, […]
Media Mix Strategy in Japanese Film Industry
Media mix with the idol-based star system is a significant strategy that has evolved in the Japanese film industry. Kadokawa Haruki, a Japanese entrepreneur and filmmaker, pioneered a commercial-driven approach to filmmaking by merging film, publishing, and music into a unified marketable model. He also applied an idol-driven approach, where idols were designed as transmedia […]
Why is Matcha Everywhere in London Now?
The “Green Revolution” Rewriting London’s Tea Heritage While matcha’s global popularity is a frequent topic of conversation, its current dominance in London is truly staggering. Walking through the city’s streets, the word “Matcha” is virtually inescapable—arguably appearing more frequently here than in many parts of Japan. London is currently in the midst of an unprecedented […]
How has Japanese Cinema Been Reaching UK/Global Audiences? Looking from Late 20th Century ~
Japanese cinema is known for its incredible variety of styles, genres, and cultural influences, and over time it has gained increasing recognition around the world through distribution. In the UK in particular, the way Japanese films have been distributed has played a key role in shaping how they are viewed and appreciated, especially for their […]
ACC TOKYO CREATIVITY AWARDS 2025
The ACC (All Japan Confederation of Creativity) is a Japanese advertising association that hosts one of the most well-known ad awards in the country. There are several categories, so I’ll highlight a few ads that are interesting, unique, and distinctly Japanese in style. Slow drinker beer glass / Yona Yona Ale https://youtu.be/E9anggeMcBU?si=qjTPHwgJKBTwmy_g Japanese people love […]
UK Christmas Ad 2025
In the UK, Christmas is the season when consumers loosen their purse strings—buying presents, food, and everything in between. Every year, countless brands release their Christmas adverts, which inevitably become a major topic of conversation. As an amateur observer, I want to highlight this year’s most talked-about ads and the key points behind their […]