Latest news with #Matsushima
Japan Today
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Draco Malfoy himself comes to Tokyo to visit Harajuku's brand-new Harry Potter store
By SoraNews24 Last week, the brand-new Harry Potter Shop Harajuku opened in 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 signing 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 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Harry Potter actor apologizes for wearing shirt critics say glorifies Japan's WWII aggression -- Foy foy foy! Harry Potter's official Japanese LINE stickers are incredibly bizarre -- Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let's see what's inside【Pics】 External Link © SoraNews24
SoraNews24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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!
NHK
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Jane Birkin's legacy in Japan
Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Birkin toured some of the affected areas as they were being rebuilt, forging deep connections with locals with whom she maintained contact until she passed away in 2023, aged 76. At a cafe in Japan's northeast, her impact lingers. Proprietor Chiba Shinichi opened the business in his hometown of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, in 2007. It enjoys ocean views and is designed to delight tourists and locals. Chiba Shinichi's cafe in Matsushima, Miyagi But in March 2011, the cafe was damaged when a massive earthquake and aftershocks devastated the Tohoku region and left more than 20,000 people dead or missing. Chiba was left with emotional wounds. Chiba's cafe after the Great East Japan Earthquake "Honestly, I couldn't consider creating a beautiful space again under the circumstances," he recalls. That was before Birkin came along. In March 2013, Birkin visited Matsushima on a tour of impacted areas and performed a concert attended by Chiba and his family. Chiba's wife Ayako recalls Birkin's visit: "She reminded us to look further ahead into the future, and to laugh. Until that moment, I couldn't smile much. People had been telling us that we had to overcome the situation and work hard. But Jane brought her own smile and warm spirit." Chiba Shinichi (left), Jane Birkin, Chiba Ayako and the Chibas' son Yonosuke in 2013 Two years later, Chiba reopened his cafe. Every spring, it looks over a magnificent view of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms as seen from Chiba's cafe in April 2024 "The view of the ocean through the cherry blossoms is a rare sight, but when Jane visited, the flowers were yet to open. I always wanted to show her this view," Chiba reflects. "Every year, I'm happy to see that the blossoms are back, and more than the cherry blossoms themselves, I enjoy watching the people who come to see them." Chiba Shinichi Jane Birkin's influence remains strong inside Chiba's cafe. Chiba says Birkin inspired him to support local artists. Dancer Onuma Aika, age 26, has worked at his confectionery shop for more than six years when she is not performing. She also teaches dance to local children. Onuma Aika (right) has worked at Chiba's confectionery shop for more than six years. "I want the children to shine so that they can live happily, just like me," she says. "Matsushima is where I've always been, so it's a natural, relaxing and comfortable place where I don't have to be on guard. "People are quiet at night, the moon is beautiful, and only the sound of the sea can be heard. It's a place where I feel at ease." Sano Misato, a 38-year-old sculptor, also has a job at Chiba's shop. "Chiba has always observed my artistic endeavors and been a supportive presence, watching my growth. I feel that working at his shop, while experiencing the seasons and nature in Matsushima, is exactly what suits me now, which is why I continue doing it," Sano explains. Sano Misato Japanese people living overseas also cherish Birkin's memory. Until her passing, Birkin lived in Paris, where hairstylist Nishimura Shuhei worked for the style icon for about three years. "When I first came to work at a beauty salon back in 2011, on my very first day, Jane Birkin came in. I thought, 'Wow, this is amazing!'" recalls Nishimura. Nishimura Shuhei and Jane Birkin He remembers Birkin's concern for his native country as aftershocks and other quakes continued in the wake of the 2011 disaster. "Every time there was an earthquake in Japan, Jane would ask if my family was okay and whether everyone was doing well," he says. Nishimura Shuhei "I treasure the time I spent with her. She truly cared about Japan, and I feel that she was a special person to us, as Japanese." Nishimura Shuhei In May 2024, NHK World JAPAN aired a documentary that depicted the emotional exchange between Jane Birkin and the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Watch here:
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free public viewing of ‘A Walk with Richard'
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The Vestal Rotary Club is honoring one of its members with a special viewing of a short film that showcases his life story. The Rotary Club is hosting a free showing of 'A Walk with Richard' on January 31 at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, located at 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott. A Walk with Richard follows founder of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse Richard Matsushima as he discusses his journey from Japan to Vestal nearly 50 years ago as well as his success and personal mantras. Founder of Kampai honored with documentary Matsushima has been a member of the Vestal Rotary Club for over 30 years. The watch party will take place at 6:30 p.m. It is free to attend, and concessions will be available for purchase. Free public viewing of 'A Walk with Richard' Over 160 people donate to Summit Center in honor of Dalton Kincaid $80k in goods stolen from local retailer, 6 arrested Sidney man indicted on drug and weapons charges Delhi man accused of exposing genitals to a minor Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
