logo
From editor to writer: Masashi Matsuie fulfils childhood ambition at 54

From editor to writer: Masashi Matsuie fulfils childhood ambition at 54

Straits Times2 days ago

Masashi Matsuie is the author of The Summer House, which is out in stores. PHOTO: TARO TERASAWA
TOKYO – In 1979, Masashi Matsuie was given an honorary mention for a literary newcomer award for a short story.
That same year, Haruki Murakami, the tour de force in Japanese literature, got his big break when he clinched a different newcomer award and released his debut Hear The Wind Sing.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AI ‘upgrades' to gongfu classics deserve zero stars
AI ‘upgrades' to gongfu classics deserve zero stars

Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • Straits Times

AI ‘upgrades' to gongfu classics deserve zero stars

The Kung Fu Film Heritage Project plans to use AI to upgrade the audio, visuals and overall production of 100 classic gongfu movies, including titles by such legendary performers as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. PHOTOS: STAR CHINESE MOVIES, ARCHIVE When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), most folks seem to fall into two diametrically opposed camps, according to several polls. There are those who believe it to be nothing less than a technological revolution that will significantly change every aspect of how we live, and others who dismiss it as the emperor's new clothes, an ecologically irresponsible, not-ready-for-prime-time pipe dream that produces error-ridden prose and eye-sore attempts at illustration. China Film Foundation and its partners' recent announcement of the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project reminded me why I'm in the latter group. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Singapore actress Gina Lim feels lonely after moving to new city in Taiwan
Singapore actress Gina Lim feels lonely after moving to new city in Taiwan

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Singapore actress Gina Lim feels lonely after moving to new city in Taiwan

Singapore actress Gina Lim and her husband, Taiwanese actor Chang Han, moved to Taitung in 2023 for their daughter's education. PHOTO: GINA LIM/FACEBOOK Singaporean actress Gina Lim, who is based in Taiwan, has posted about feeling lonely after moving to a new city. The 47-year-old married Taiwanese actor Chang Han, 51, in 2016 and they have an eight-year-old daughter. They moved from Taipei – where Lim spent 22 years – to Taitung in 2023 as their daughter is attending a school in the southeast coast of Taiwan. 'Life has become very different after we moved to Taitung,' Lim wrote in Chinese on social media on June 29. 'There are no relatives or sources of support around me, and I have to do everything by myself.' She added: 'To be honest, I felt a little lonely and overwhelmed when Chang was filming in other places for a long time.' Chang recently starred in Taiwanese TV series The Bliss (2025), First Light (2025) and The World Between Us: After The Flames (2025). He also acted in the Japanese drama series Tokyo Salad Bowl (2025). 'As my physical condition is not very stable, I sometimes felt really tired and wanted to take a break, but my mind did not feel at ease,' Lim wrote. The actress disclosed in December 2024 that she had stage one colorectal cancer and was on the way to recovery after surgery. 'At this moment, I am grateful to friends and parents of my daughter's classmates,' she wrote. 'You took my daughter out for play dates, so that she had company and happy memories, and I did not have to worry about her being bored at home.' Lim said their offers of assistance allowed her to take a break and recharge herself. 'For you, it may be just a small favour, but it provided me with great support and comfort,' she wrote. 'My time in Taitung has become warmer because of you.' Lim's post on Facebook received more than 1,700 'likes'. Taiwanese actress Ding Ning commented: 'It is true that a neighbour nearby is better than a relative far away.' Lim rose to prominence in Taiwan after starring in the hit school drama series Spicy Teacher (2000 to 2004). She told the Taiwanese media in 2023 that she and her husband moved to Taitung to give their daughter an education outside the mainstream schooling system. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

French actress Marion Cotillard and French director Guillaume Canet announce split
French actress Marion Cotillard and French director Guillaume Canet announce split

Straits Times

timea day ago

  • Straits Times

French actress Marion Cotillard and French director Guillaume Canet announce split

French film director Guillaume Canet and French actress Marion Cotillard said they hoped to avoid 'speculation, rumour, and misinterpretation' with the announcement. PHOTO: AFP PARIS – French movie star Marion Cotillard and French director Guillaume Canet have separated after nearly two decades together with 'mutual respect', the star couple announced on June 27. 'After 18 years together, Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet have decided to separate by mutual agreement,' said a statement released by their representatives. 'This decision was made with mutual respect,' it added. Oscar winner Cotillard frequently collaborated on projects with Canet since their relationship began in 2007, including the 2010 comedy-drama Little White Lies. Cotillard, 49, and Canet, 52, who have two children together, said they hoped to avoid 'speculation, rumour, and misinterpretation' with the announcement. 'By being transparent through this statement, Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet also express their desire for their private lives, and especially that of their two children, to be respected,' the statement said. Cotillard, one of the best-known faces of French cinema, won the Best Actress Academy Award for her role as Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose in 2008. Canet, who is also an actor, is best known to international audiences for his role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in 2000's The Beach. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store