Miso Magic in Tokyo
In this hands-on workshop, you'll make your own Miso from scratch, learn about koji and Japanese food culture, and enjoy a fun, relaxed time with fellow travelers and locals.
Perfect for curious food lovers and culture explorers who want a unique Tokyo memory (and a delicious souvenir).
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SoraNews24
an hour ago
- SoraNews24
Draco Malfoy himself comes to Tokyo to visit Harajuku's brand-new Harry Potter store【Photos】
Slytherin star slithers into Harajuku, makes amends with Buckbeak as a Japanese superfan talks about how Draco changed his life. This week, the brand-new Harry Potter Shop Harajuku opened in downtown Tokyo, filled with cool things for fans to see, shop for, and drink. Yet while the Gryffindor protagonist is the one with his name on the shop's sign, it was a representative of a different Hogwarts house that stopped by as part of the festivities. Draco Malfoy, or more specifically actor Tom Felton, who portrayed the scheming Slytherin student in the Harry Potter films, paid a visit to the Harry Potter Shop Harajuku on August 13, one day before its grand opening to the public. With a friendly smile and a Slytherin scarf draped over his button-up shirt, it was as though a more mature, well-adjusted Draco had appeared before us, perhaps having just flown to Tokyo on a broom. The shop's first floor includes a Forbidden Forest section, in which resides a gigantic statue of Buckbeak the hippogriff. Reflecting on how Draco and the creature didn't get off to such a good start at their initial in-movie meeting, Felton took a moment to observe proper hippogriff protocol and politely bow to the creature. This wasn't the only reunion taking place on this day, though. Joining Felton at the event was boy band idol So Matsushima, member of Timelesz (the unit previously called Sexy Zone). In Japan, it's not so unusual for entertainment franchises to have celebrity endorsers who don't appear in the work itself, but there was more to Matsuhima's presence than that. Matsushima has been a big Harry Potter fan for many years, and before breaking into Japanese show business he attended a fan event where he waited in line for six hours to get an autograph from his favorite actor in the series: Felton. 'I learned so much from seeing how Malfoy struggled with his very human weaknesses,' Matsushima recalled. 'Even now, I love him more than any other character, and seeing Tom's continued performance as him convinced me how wonderful the process of acting can be.' Felton also offered more direct encouragement to Matsushima at that autograph singing so many years ago. When Matsushima told him he wanted to be an actor too, Felton told him that as long as he held on to his dream, he'd be able to achieve it. 'At the time, I really wasn't sure whether I'd be able to make it or not,' recalls Matsushima, 'and his words were like a beacon of hope for me.' It's the sort of interaction Felton has probably had many times during his career, so it's not clear whether or not he specifically remembered meeting the young Matushima. He was clearly touched by the emotion Matsushima showed in retelling it, however. 'I do have one thing to ask of you,' Felton told Matsushima, asking that he give the same sort of love and support to his fans who're dreaming of becoming actors or entertainers, and Matsushima promised to do his best to do so. ▼ Felton also presented Matsushima with some new signed memorabilia. After a few more hugs, the two posed for photos, and it was heartwarming to see that Felton still handles a wand with the natural ease of a wizard who'd be using one every day, effortlessly gesturing and even slipping it casually into his pocket when he was done casting for the cameras. Then, to really solidify their friendship, Felton and Matsushima closed out the event by heading to the in-shop Butterbeer Bar to grab a couple of cold ones. It was almost startling to see how the so-often irritable Draco was portrayed by such a friendly, gracious guy, but that's just proof that Felton really is a talented actor. Photos © SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
3 hours ago
- SoraNews24
New English textbook published for anime industry's Animator Skill Test
NAFCA text covers the skills, both in drawing and speaking Japanese, that you'll need to start an anime artist career in Japan. Founded in 2023, the Nippon Anime & Film Culture Association, or NAFCA, for short, is an industry group that seeks to promote and improve the anime industry. Among its more specific goals is a desire to develop artist human resources by improving the technical standards, quality of work, and treatment of employees within Japanese animation production studios. To that end, NAFCA administers the Animator Skill Test, a certification test held twice a year that serves both to let aspiring anime artists know what kinds of skills and knowledge will be expected of them in a professional setting, and also allows them to prove to employers that they have the capabilities they're looking for. NAFCA also publishes study aids to help test takers prepare for the examination, and as a reflection of the increasing internationalization of the anime industry, they've just started publishing an English textbook too. The Animator Skill Test Trace and Tap-Wari Test: Levels 6 & 5 is a fully translated version of the book of the same title that NAFCA also publishes in Japanese. As Levels 5 and 6 are the most fundamental test levels, the focus is on skills and knowledge necessary for in-between animation, entry-level work focused on filling in the gaps between the key animation frames drawn by more senior artists. That doesn't mean there's no skill required, though, as breaking down and drawing the incremental steps in how a character's body, costume, and surrounding environment move in the transition from one dramatic shot to the next is what really makes animation animation. Of course, one could argue that a lot of artists are self-taught, but even if you've already got the drawing chops, NAFCA's English textbook still looks to be a valuable resource for any foreigner hoping to get their foot in the anime industry door, because the book doesn't just cover technical drawing details. It also explains the roles and responsibilities of the different departments and employees involved in an anime's production process. Not only is the workflow diagrammed, the explanations make use of key Japanese-language terms, the sort of workplace jargon that you'll absolutely benefit from having a handle on but which you won't find covered in standard learning-Japanese lessons for foreigners. Some of them are things you wouldn't even be likely to find in Japanese dictionaries for native Japanese speakers, such as 'sakkan check' referring to the primary animation director (the genga sakuga kantoku ) reviewing the quality of key frames. ▼ It looks as though, despite being printed in English, the book retains the exact layout of the Japanese version, meaning you read the right page before the left, but with that being the style English-translated manga is published in, odds are it won't be a major problem for anyone interested in working in the anime industry. The book also explains base skills such as tracing, animating lip flaps and eye blinks, and how to read production time sheets. There are also sample test questions that serve as a check of your production skill knowledge as well as your understanding of the related Japanese vocabulary. The 112-page Animator Skill Test Trace and Tap-Wari Test: Levels 6 & 5 can be ordered through Amazon Japan here, priced at 6,000 yen (US$40). With the Animator Skill Test having a total of 10 levels (split between in-between animation and design categories), this could be just the beginning of the in-English textbook series. Source: PR Times, NAFCA Top image: PR Times Insert images: PR Times, Amazon Japan/NAFCA ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tokyo Weekender
4 hours ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Hidden Gems Along the Yamanote Line
First-time visitors to Japan are often advised to 'stay on the Yamanote Line' — and for good reason. The circular train line loops around central Tokyo, covering many of the city's major shopping districts, cultural sites and more. Some key stations include Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro and, of course, Tokyo. The famous green loop, however, also includes several overlooked neighborhoods that hold distinct charm and history of their own. If you need a change of pace from Tokyo's most touristy areas, or if you're looking for a quieter neighborhood to stay in, read on! Below, we introduce some of the Yamanote Line's hidden gems. List of Contents: Nippori: Textiles and Nostalgic Paths Komagome: Peaceful Gardens Sugamo: 'Grandma's Harajuku' Mejiro: A Stylish, Historic Neighborhood Gotanda: Hidden Eateries and Izakaya Related Posts Nippori: Textiles and Nostalgic Paths Known as Tokyo's textile district, Nippori preserves a nostalgic shitamachi (old downtown) atmosphere. Nippori Fabric Town, a 1-kilometer-long street, is a treasure trove for designers, hobbyists and craft lovers, boasting a vast selection of fabrics, buttons and sewing accessories. The neighborhood provides a glimpse into the quieter side of Tokyo. Yanaka Ginza, located in close proximity on the opposite side of Nippori Station, is a shopping street lined with traditional snack stalls, charming cafes and cat-themed art. Try delicacies like menchi katsu (fried minced meat cutlet), and check out Tennoji Temple, famous for its beautiful bronze Buddha statue. rikugien kyu furukawa gardens Komagome: Peaceful Gardens The serene neighborhood of Komagome is home to Rikugien, one of Tokyo's most beautiful and meticulously crafted gardens. Designated an Important Cultural Asset in 1953, the garden exemplifies the tranquility of Edo-period landscaping and is known for its breathtaking weeping cherry tree. Not far away is the equally impressive Kyu-Furukawa Garden, which presents a fascinating blend of cultures. A Western-style brick mansion and a charming rose garden sit atop a hill, while a traditional Japanese garden, with a pond and teahouse, lies below. When visiting the neighborhood, be sure to remain quiet and respectful, as it's largely a residential area. kogan-ji temple Sugamo: 'Grandma's Harajuku' Right next to Komagome is Sugamo, a distinctive shopping area affectionately called 'Grandma's Harajuku.' Jizo-dori shopping street is brimming with shops and restaurants catering to an older demographic, with everything from traditional sweets like shio-daifuku (salted rice cakes) to the area's famous red underwear, believed to bring good health and luck to the wearer. The neighborhood's spiritual heart is Kogan-ji Temple, where visitors can participate in a ritual to pray for health. During the ritual, participants pour water on a body part of the Arai Kannon ('washing deity') statue. It's said that ailments or pain in that same area will ease. mejiro garden Mejiro: A Stylish, Historic Neighborhood Surrounding Mejiro Station, Mejiro is a sophisticated residential neighborhood known for its refined atmosphere and historic ties to Japanese nobility. The area is most distinguished by its academic heritage; it is home to the prestigious Gakushuin University, which was established to educate the children of the imperial family and aristocracy. Head to Mejiro Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden with a pond and teahouse, for a peaceful stroll. It's especially gorgeous during the autumn foliage season, enveloped in red and gold. Mejiro's streets are lined with upscale homes, charming cafes and boutiques. Gotanda: Hidden Eateries and Izakaya Situated between Osaki and Meguro stations, Gotanda, surrounded by high-rise office buildings, manages to retain its lively and diverse food scene. The area is particularly well known for having an abundance of izakaya (Japanese pubs) and other dining options, from casual eateries to high-end establishments. Some of its notable izakaya include Shokudo Todaka , which offers a cozy atmosphere and creative, visually appealing tapas-style dishes; Taishu Sakaba Beetle Gotanda , a classic izakaya with yakitori and grilled dishes; and Nichinan , a rustic space known for its grilled beef skewers. Related Posts 5 Hidden Tokyo Neighborhoods Tourists Often Miss The Ultimate Guide to Nakameguro: Tokyo's Stylish Canal-Side Gem What to See in Ueno Park: Museums, the Zoo and Beautiful Scenery
