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The Review Geek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Let's Go Karaoke! – Season 1 Episode 4 Recap & Review
Episode 4 Let's Go Karaoke! episode 4 starts going way back in time. When Kyouji Narita was born, his mother gave him the name Kyoji and asked his grandfather to submit his birth certificate. However, the man stained the paper with cigarette ashes and had to write the name again. As he was desperate to fix it, he ended up writing it the wrong way. Years later, in the 2000s, Kyouji worked at a karaoke bar. During the night shift, he knocked and entered a room with two yakuza, and one of them got angry at him. So, he threw his drink at Narita's face. Still, the boy only apologized and went to another room to deliver more food, completely unfazed. Soon, he got a call to come back to the same room and saw that they were all yakuza as well, and one of them had rashes. The gangster was allergic to alcohol, which got mixed into their chicken after Narita was bathed in it. After he explained that, the two yakuza groups clashed. While they fought, Narita was so dazed that he ended up suggesting they resolve their issues with a karaoke battle as a joke. Even though Kyouji didn't participate in the fight, his boss let him go after the incident. So, the yakuza boss, who was nice to Narita, hires him. Kyouji always knew the gears of his life would go berserk at some point, and that's how it started. Now, the anime takes us back to Satomi, seeing the aftermath of a car crash. The boy walks away, almost crying, and remembers Kyouji's competition. Then, he runs to the place they hold it every year in the hopes of finding him. However, when he gets there, he can't find him anywhere. He shouts at all the gangsters, and their boss answers Narita's already in hell. The boy can't believe what he's hearing and curses at them, saying they should be in hell too. Before he leaves, the boss demands that he go back and sing something, after barging into the place and being rude. Thus, Satomi chooses one and realizes that he doesn't hate Kyouji. He sings with the hand on his throat, but still does it with all his might. As the song goes, he remembers his moments with Kyouji, and all the yakuza members see his incredible skills. Meanwhile, his classmate Wada prepares for the school festival and thinks about how despicable Satomi is for running away. However, he doesn't know the boy is in an important battle right now. Even though Satomi advised Kyouji not to sing Crimson, the man would always put it on during their karaoke sessions. So, he's sure Narita would choose the same song for the competition. To honor him, he did the same. When the music ends, everyone claps and celebrates with the boy, praising him. The yakuza boss even cries after listening to his heartfelt presentation. However, a surprising person also applauds his efforts. It's Kyouji himself. The boy can't believe his eyes, and the man explained it was a joke and that the boss was in on it. Narita expected the man he had attacked the day before would go after him, so he was prepared for the car crash. He couldn't miss the karaoke competition, so he didn't stay on the scene and ran to the bar. After that, the boy cries, and everyone laughs. That's the last time Satomi sees Kyouji. Years later, Satomi goes to the same karaoke place where he taught Narita with his classmates to celebrate their graduation. They use the same room as well, and he finds Narita's card that he left there. Touched by the situation, the boy takes it home with him. As he's about to go on a flight to Tokyo to start college, he sees the card again and decides to keep it as a memento. Then, again, Narita sits by his side and surprises him. The boy thought he was dead, but the gangster was only avoiding him for a while and letting him enjoy his high school years. Now, he offers him a new card and says he's also going to Tokyo on a business trip. He reveals that he ended up being the worst singer and used the boy's strategy of telling the boss something they liked as if they hated it. So, now, he has the name 'Satomi' tattooed on his arm. To wrap up the episode, he invites the boy to karaoke one more time once they arrive in Tokyo. The Episode Review Let's Go Karaoke! concludes its main story in a nice note. It's an emotional episode as we learn more about Narita and finally see Satomi singing. Having him overcome his fears by participating in the yakuza competition is a great curveball that makes even more sense than being part of the choir festival. It also serves to show how he grew to care about Kyouji. Narita's not being dead was quite predictable, but it doesn't affect the scene. What's important is Satomi's feelings for him, not whether the man died or not. It shows a sweet and innocent side of the boy, despite his harsh and nonchalant façade. Seeing Satomi singing Crimson is the highlight of the show. Not only are his thoughts beautiful, but the colours representing him and the song are, too. The scene also makes it clear that his voice is changing, but he can still sing. You can hear the cracks in his voice as he tries to hide and fight them with his skill. It's a great presentation. Let's Go Karaoke! shines when it tries something new with its visual representation, but its dialogue and plot hardly have the same impact. So it's a great achievement that this episode combined the anime's strengths and developed Satomi into a better character. Let's hope the last episode does the same and gives viewers a fitting conclusion. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
Japan Times
08-08-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Electric 'air taxis' could debut in Japan from 2027
All Nippon Airways (ANA) said Thursday that, together with a U.S. startup, it hopes to have electric "air taxis" whizzing over Japan from as early as 2027. ANA and California-based Joby Aviation said they will establish a joint venture with a view to deploy more than 100 of the five-seater aircraft. Flying taxis will "revolutionize our air mobility," Koji Shibata, president and CEO of ANA, said in a statement Tuesday. An ANA spokesman said on Thursday that the aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 320 kph, could be in service from as early as 2027. The project primarily envisages trips between Narita and Haneda airports and Tokyo, although the routes can diversify in the future. Currently, a car or train ride between central Tokyo and Narita in Chiba Prefecture typically takes an hour or longer, but Joby's five-seater can shorten this to around 15 minutes, ANA said. There are no price details yet, but ANA wants to make the service as affordable as possible for the general public, a spokesman said. ANA and Joby will make a public flight demonstration of the vehicles at the Osaka Expo in October. "Where ancient wisdom, legendary craftsmanship and soaring ambition converge — that's Japan," said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. "And that makes it an extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility." Joby's aircraft lift off like a helicopter, then transition to fly forward like a plane "with minimal acoustic impact and zero operating emissions," according to the firm. In December, flying taxi startup Volocopter said it was filing for insolvency, days after another German company in the field, Lilium, was saved from collapse. Volocopter had been aiming to enter the market in 2025 with its two-seater Volocity electric air taxi model. It suffered a setback when it had to cancel test flights in Paris during this summer's Olympics at short notice after the certification for its aircraft engine didn't come through in time.
Malay Mail
07-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Japan's ANA to roll out electric air taxis by 2027
TOKYO, Aug 7 — Airline ANA said Thursday that, together with a US start-up, it hopes to have electric 'air taxis' whizzing over Japan from as early as 2027. ANA and California-based Joby Aviation said they will establish a joint venture with a view to deploying more than 100 of the five-seater aircraft. Flying taxies will 'revolutionise our air mobility', Koji Shibata, president and CEO of ANA, said in a statement Tuesday. An ANA spokesman told AFP on Thursday that the aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 320km/h, could be in service from as early as 2027. The project primarily envisages trips between Narita and Haneda airports and Tokyo, although the routes can diversify in the future. Currently, a car or train ride between central Tokyo and Narita typically takes an hour or longer, but Joby's five-seater can shorten this to around 15 minutes, ANA said. There are no price details yet, but ANA wants to make the service as affordable as possible for the general public, a spokesman told AFP. ANA and Joby will make a public flight demonstration of the vehicles at the Osaka Expo in October. 'Where ancient wisdom, legendary craftsmanship and soaring ambition converge — that's Japan', said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. 'And that makes it an extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility'. Joby's aircraft lift off like a helicopter, then transition to fly forward like a plane 'with minimal acoustic impact and zero operating emissions', according to the firm. In December, flying taxi startup Volocopter said it was filing for insolvency, days after another German company in the field, Lilium, was saved from collapse. Volocopter had been aiming to enter the market in 2025 with its two-seater 'Volocity' electric air taxi model. It suffered a setback when it had to cancel test flights in Paris during this summer's Olympics at short notice after the certification for its aircraft engine didn't come through in time. — AFP
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Plan A Solo Female Trip To Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo's cityscape at night getty Though I typically steer clear of popular travel destinations, especially during peak summer season, I make an exception for Tokyo. From childhood summer vacations to, more recently, solo sojourns as a middle-aged woman, Japan's capital has never felt too familiar. If anything, it always surprises me. While it'd be easy to bandy about well-worn clichés such as Tokyo's mix of old and new, its storied food scene, and how distinctly it contrasts with Western cultures, none of these things would hold much appeal if the city didn't prioritize public safety—which is key for a woman traveling, well, anywhere. With that in mind, ahead are some curated recommendations on how to plan a memorable solo female trip to Tokyo. Alaska Airlines' inaugural flight from Seattle to Narita on May 12, 2025. Alaska Airlines Last fall's strategic merger of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines expanded their collective global presence, while offering loyalists across both brands more benefits including Alaska Airlines' reputable loyalty program, consistent track record of on-time domestic flights, and unique culinary programming such as Chef's (tray) Table ( First Class meals by acclaimed chefs like James Beard Award-winning Brandon Jew)—along with Hawaiian Airlines' warm hospitality and robust international network. (The brand has flown to Tokyo for nearly 15 years, since November 2010.) Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines inaugurated their new nonstop flight from Seattle to Narita International Airport with a ribbon cutting and a new whiskey cocktail at Alaska's N Concourse lounge called Narita Banana. Alaska Airlines Speaking of which, it's now easier than ever to arrive in Japan's capital city rested and ready to explore, thanks to a new direct flight from Seattle to Narita International Airport. Inaugurated on May 12 with festivities including a ribbon cutting, a Taiko drumming ceremony, and Narita Banana, a whiskey cocktail exclusively available at Alaska's N Concourse lounge, the route's goal is to establish Alaska Airline's hub as the West Coast leader of international air travel. (Twelve more in-demand overseas destinations, including South Korea's capital city Seoul, will be rolled out by 2030.) Though economy class in Hawaiian Airlines' widebody aircrafts is a competitive product with terrific complimentary perks like speedy Starlink WiFi and pre-departure Mai Tai cocktails, spring for a business class seat if you're able. In addition to a lie-flat bed, you'll be pampered with travel-friendly Lōli'i toiletries—the hydrating mist is an in-flight skinsaver—and locally-inspired menus that feature beloved Hawaiian pastry chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka's lilikoi crunch cake for a sweet finish. Where to Stay in Tokyo Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi A sky-high urban oasis, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi takes up residence in the Otemachi Tower's top six floors, and makes a posh and centrally-located home base for getting around town. Plus, the expansive views of the city, especially the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji, are downright dreamy. Bathed in soothing grey tones, the 190 guest rooms and suites are configured with an open layout and oversized ceiling-to-floor windows. Ideal for unwinding after a long day on your feet, the spa offers Japanese-inspired treatments such as the hourlong Yakusugi Forest Renewal, which combines a full-body exfoliation and massage softly scented with Hinoki. Keith Motsi oversees Virtù, an award-winning cocktail bar tucked away in Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemach In true Four Seasons fashion, the hotel's restaurants and bars are all exemplary—Michelin-starred Est, for example, specializes in modern French cuisine spotlighting Japanese ingredients—but the award-winning bar Virtù takes top billing with a gleaming Art Deco design, original French-Japanese cocktails—try the signature martini that blends Japanese gin and vodka with French vermouth—and impossibly charming staff led by the head bartender Keith Motsi and assistant head bartender Graham Kimura. What to Do in Tokyo The Japanese luxury fashion brand Sacai was established by Chitose Abe in 1999. Sacai As a global epicenter of style, Tokyo is a shopper's paradise—the sluggish Japanese Yen and tax-free options help, too. (Have your passport ready at all times.) Though you'll find outposts of every major fashion house here, why not splurge on something local and harder to come by back home? Established in 1999 by Chitose Abe, an alum of Rei Kawakubo and Rei Kawakubo, Sacai embodies quiet luxury with its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative mix of textures, fabrics, and silhouettes. Its flagship store in the posh Aoyama district, with its concrete gallery-like design, adds to the allure of the shopping experience. Wrestlers in the ring during the Tokyo Grand Sumo tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Getty Images Originally performed as a ritual dance to honor the gods and pray for a good harvest, Sumo has, over time, evolved into Japan's national pastime. Even if you're new to the world of Sumo, attending a Grand Sumo tournament is a must if the timing's right. Held in January, May, and September at Ryogoku Kokugikan, these 15-day events are thrilling spectacles merging ancient traditions with electrifying audience participation. Tickets are required, and while you're there, try some Chanko-nabe, a hearty hot pot favored by sumo wrestlers. Bubble Universe at the teamLab Borderless AFP via Getty Images Since relocating to Azabudai Hills in February 2024, TeamLabs Borderless has already attracted one million-plus visitors—easily ranking it among Tokyo's top tourist attractions. Unlike conventional museums or galleries, this innovative space features 50 digital installations spread across five main zones. Each installation responds to your movements, immersing you in a constantly evolving and dazzling world of light, color, and sound so no two visits are the same. Where to Eat in Tokyo Visit a standing sushi bar in Tokyo for a truly unique dining experience. getty Tokyo is jam-packed with diverse dining, from nouveau Peruvian hotspots like Maz to the beautifully blistered Neopolitan pizzas turned out at Nakameguro's Seirinkan. But it's unfussy and traditional Japanese food I can't get enough of when I'm in town. For a unique dining experience—and since pricey omakases and affordable conveyer belt sushi bars are readily available in the States—visit a standing sushi bar. These are casual and affordable nooks where you'll enjoy your food, as the name suggests, standing around a bar counter. Popular ones include Magurobito Okachimachi (its specialty is fatty tuna), Standing Sushi Misaki, and Tachiguizushi Akira. Yakitori consists of assorted chicken parts (skin, thighs, tails) grilled over Binchotan charcoal. getty Another common Japanese food, yakitori consists of assorted chicken parts (skin, thighs, tails) grilled over Binchotan charcoal and finished simply with salt or tare (thick and sweet soy-based sauce). Torishiki is arguably the most famous yakitori spot in Tokyo, but Toritama Kagurazaka in Shirokane feels more special with its off-the-beaten-path address and twenty-plus cuts of chicken, including rarer pieces like gizzards and livers. If you want try a few different things in one go, check out Ebisu Yokocho, an alley converted to a food court housing 19 homey stalls selling casual bites from basashi (raw horse meat) to kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Brazilian F1 superfan's death in Japan stirs nationalistic debate on foreign crime
A Brazilian influencer and Formula One fan who declared her love for Japan and told her mother she felt completely safe in the country was found dead in suspicious circumstances – just hours before she was due to fly home. Advertisement Amanda Borges da Silva, 30, died from smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a rented flat in Narita, near Tokyo's main international airport, on May 1. Her death has triggered a criminal investigation and the arrest of an unemployed Sri Lankan man who allegedly fled the scene – as well as a wave of nationalist backlash online over foreign crime in Japan. Abaseliya Udayanga, 31, was taken into custody three days later on suspicion of setting fire to an occupied building. Japanese media reported that he left the flat without attempting to extinguish the blaze. A number of personal items were also missing, local media have quoted police as saying, including a mobile phone, jewellery and electronic devices. Reports in Brazilian media have suggested that da Silva had been drugged and that police in Japan are investigating whether her death was deliberate. Amanda Borges da Silva at Tokyo DisneySea. Photo: Instagram/ammandaborges The incident has made headlines around the world – in part because da Silva was a well-known Formula One 'superfan' who also had close to 13,000 followers on Instagram – but triggered angry reactions on social media about foreigners committing crimes that tarnish Japan's reputation for safety.
