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Japan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Hitsujibungaku's pop-fueled rise to stardom
Moeka Shiotsuka remembers being amped for the 2016 Fuji Rock Festival. That year's three-day summer gathering at Niigata Prefecture's Naeba Ski Resort featured two of her favorite artists — James Blake and Sigur Ros — performing on the Green Stage. The lead singer and guitarist of rock band Hitsujibungaku recalls just one detail stopping her from fully getting into the Fuji Rock spirit. 'I had to prepare for our own performance on the Rookie A Go-Go stage, starting Sunday night at 1 a.m.,' the 29-year-old musician tells The Japan Times from a Sony Music office in central Tokyo. 'So I was nervous for all three days.' Hitsujibungaku's set went smoothly, so much so that 'we didn't want the festival to end at that point.' At the 2025 edition of Fuji Rock, the group — consisting of Shiotsuka, bassist Yurika Kasai (who joined a year after the Rookie A Go-Go performance) and drummer Hiroa Fukuda, who has been on hiatus since May 2024 — finds itself as the penultimate act of Sunday night on the White Stage, ahead of American trio Haim. It's the band's fourth appearance at Fuji Rock and its most prominent spot yet. 'Since it will be at night, we've prepared beautiful lighting and visuals to go with it,' Shiotsuka says, adding that the performance will showcase songs from across the group's career, dating back to its 2012 beginnings. Hitsujibungaku's promotion to a more coveted slot mirrors its evolution from indie-rock darling to an unlikely cornerstone of Japanese music's current global expansion. That's a theme underlining Fuji Rock 2025. The most prominent Japanese acts set to perform this year represent the sonic variety that has defined J-pop in the 2020s. Hitsujibungaku's blur of alternative rock and shoegaze coexists with the frantic rap of Creepy Nuts and the chameleonic pop of Vaundy, among others. Not one act sounds alike — but they all have, somewhat unexpectedly, shaped Japan's musical identity on the global stage. '(Going to the United States) was like diving into a new world,' says Kasai regarding the unfamiliar cultures and behaviors the band encountered during its first U.S. tour held earlier this spring, marking one of the project's bigger international leaps. 'It was freeing. Nobody would care if I was like, skipping down the street. It's not unusual.' Just a week ahead of Fuji Rock, the band traveled to London to play the Hyper Japan festival and announced its first European tour for this October , coinciding with the release of a still-to-be-named album. Hitsujibungaku's slow and steady rise feels like a throwback in the current fast-moving social media age. The band emerged from the Tokyo livehouse ecosystem to something bigger, thanks to feedback-glazed songs. The trio's absorbing concerts coupled with critical acclaim for its 2018 debut full-length 'Wakamonotachi E' ('To The Youth') helped land a deal with Sony Music's F.C.L.S. imprint in 2020. A major label connection didn't just get Hitsujibungaku's hypnotic rock in front of domestic fans but also brought the trio to the world. Its anthemic 2023 song ' more than words ' served as the closing theme for the incredibly popular anime series 'Jujutsu Kaisen,' while the following year the group provided the chugging ' Burning ' for 'Oshi no Ko.' This gave Hitsujibungaku the chance to reach a wider listenership via anime, the chief delivery mechanism of J-pop in the 2020s. Yet it also presented challenges for the band. 'We never really wrote pop songs before. Previously, if 100 people were listening to our music and 30 of them liked it, that was fine. But with a pop song, you have to please all 100,' Shiotsuka says, also noting that deadlines for these bigger projects can be hectic. This reality has sharpened the group's ability to write the hooks that anchor hits, while also teaching them how to use source material to craft a song that stands on its own. 'It's quite challenging, but I enjoy the challenge,' Shiotsuka says. Hitsujibungaku's latest releases ' Feel ' and ' mild days ' put the group to the test. The songs are respectively the opening and closing themes for the anime series 'Secrets of the Silent Witch,' a 'light novel' (a genre of young-adult Japanese fiction) adaptation currently airing on Tokyo MX. Shiotsuka says she followed a familiar path with 'Feel,' reading the original story and finding an angle that could be married with a driving rhythm. 'With 'mild days,' it was difficult because I had to use the same light novel as inspiration,' she says. 'I decided to take a break and have dinner with friends. It was really fun. In 'Silent Witch,' there's a bit about friendship, so I was able to apply my own experiences to the song.' Shiotsuka says that during the past two years, she often felt overwhelmed by everything happening to the band, from Fukuda's break and a series of critical shows across Asia to all those deadlines for prominent anime. 'Yurika was very supportive, and we talked a lot,' she says. 'I was able to gradually see that maybe this isn't so bad, maybe I can have fun with this.' The price of becoming one of the world's biggest Japanese rock bands means trading the sweaty intimacy of Shibuya clubs for a nonstop schedule. Yet it makes other moments sweeter — like being able to perform during a prominent slot at Fuji Rock. 'With other festivals, if we are playing on the second day of it, we wouldn't go on the first day,' Shiotsuka says. 'We'd just get ready in the hotel room. But all of us love Fuji Rock. For all three days, we are there. We enjoy being in the audience, watching bands from all over the world and being inspired by what we see.' Kasai notes that she goes to the same pizza stand outside of the Red Marquee stage year after year as a kind of tradition. Whereas other festivals find the band trying to please every punter in attendance, the Hitsujibungaku members see Fuji Rock as something closer to a solo show where they can dig into their older catalog and 'be a little more picky.' 'We can create the world of Hitsujibungaku, that's the most important thing,' Shiotsuka says. It's this ability for Japanese artists to simply be who they are and express the sounds they are drawn to that has helped the country's music stand out in recent years. Despite industry realities, the members of Hitsujibungaku still find rock magic in the Niigata festival, a reminder of what brought them to this point in the first place. 'Step by step, we just do what's in front of us. And once we reach a big stage — like playing Yokohama Arena, or touring abroad, or Fuji Rock — we realize we've come this far,' Kasai says. Fuji Rock Festival takes place at Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, July 25 to 27. Follow our coverage on our dedicated liveblog and on Instagram . For more information about the festival, visit . To learn more about Hitsujibungaku, visit
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business Insider
I went to Japan during peak season. This is my one big tip for escaping the crowds.
If it seems like everyone you know has gone to Japan, you're probably right. The country is experiencing record tourism this year, with 14.4 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, a 24.5% increase compared to 2024, according to The Japan Times. As with any popular tourist spot, the crowds can be overwhelming. My fiancé and I saw them firsthand when we visited Tokyo and Kyoto in March, just as Japan's famous sakura season was about to start. While exploring the famous attractions, we realized there was an easy and affordable way to enjoy the sights and escape the masses. The secret was in Japan's gardens. Tucked between the skyscrapers On our second day in Tokyo, my fiancé and I spent the morning wandering the packed stalls of Tsukiji Market. That night, we had tickets to visit TeamLab Planets, another big tourist attraction. What we needed in between was a moment of zen, especially as the jet lag started to creep in. We found it at Hama-rikyu Gardens, residing alongside Tokyo Bay. It costs just 300 yen, or about $2, to enter. The landscape garden, which dates back to the 17th century, felt serene and idyllic amid the bustle of Tokyo. We walked past seawater ponds that quietly glistened under towering skyscrapers as birds chirped from a beautiful field of yellow flowers. My favorite part was the teahouse, located on an island within the garden. My fiancé and I swapped our sneakers and boots for the provided slippers and brought our matcha to a bench outside to relax and watch the water. We found similar refuge the following day as we made our way through Harajuku, a Tokyo neighborhood also known to attract huge crowds. As we walked past throngs of people at the famous Meiji Jingu shrine, we came across the Inner Garden. Measuring over 890,000 square feet and older than the shrine itself, the garden has something beautiful to see no matter the season. The beloved iris garden — featuring over 1,500 plants — blooms in the summer, while the centuries-old Japanese maple trees turn stunning shades of orange and gold during autumn and winter. While the shrine was free, the Inner Garden required a separate entrance fee of 500 yen, or about $3. The extra cost seemed to keep out much of the crowd, as the garden was fairly empty when we visited. We easily found a bench by Nan-chi Pond and enjoyed the peace as we watched the water lilies. Hidden Kyoto gems At times, the crowds felt even larger in Kyoto, which is significantly smaller than Tokyo but just as popular with travelers. We could barely move as we shuffled through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with our fellow tourists, many wearing brightly-colored kimonos and sandals from nearby rental stores. Thankfully, a friend had recommended that we visit Ōkōchi Sansō Garden, located at the end of the forest. The 5-acre garden — which once belonged to the late samurai film star Ōkōchi Denjirō — costs 1,000 yen, or about $7, to enter. It features views of Kyoto City below, which my fiancé and I admired with no one around us. It seemed like we had the entire estate to ourselves as we strolled by the gardens, shrines, and traditional villa. The visit concluded at the teahouse, where we sipped free cups of hot tea and gazed at the bamboo groves from the large open windows. We discovered another beautiful garden while visiting Nijō Castle, which I was surprised to find had far fewer crowds than many of the Kyoto attractions we visited. The castle, with its stone walls and moats, was one of the sightseeing highlights of our entire trip. We paid 800 yen, or about $5, to enter the castle and an additional 500 yen, or about $3, to enter the Ninomaru Palace. This gave us access inside the palace, complete with stunning 17th-century illustrations painted on the sliding doors, as well as the Ninomaru Garden. The garden has a teahouse overlooking its pond, which we admired as we ate a delicious seasonal parfait. It was a lovely reprieve after we'd spent the morning lined up with hundreds of other tourists to see Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto's famous golden temple. All the moments in the gardens, enjoying sweets or drinks and taking in Japan's unique beauty, are among my favorite memories from an incredible trip. It showed me that while crowds are an inevitable part of traveling, you can always find some zen among the hidden gems.
Japan Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Foreign residents closely follow Japan's election and party pledges
As Japan's foreign population continues to rise both in terms of quantity and diversity, one of the talking points during Sunday's election was how the country should deal with the increase of international residents. While foreign nationals do not have the right to vote unless they naturalize, as residents they contribute to the economy, pay taxes and raise families in Japan. As electoral results could impact their lives, The Japan Times asked several foreign residents to weigh in. Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. Mark Williams (55) United States, resident of Japan since 2006 If I could vote myself, I'd want to see stronger enforcement of labor laws. I've been lucky, but I know people in other companies who are stuck in that culture where you can't leave until your boss does. That needs to change — for both Japanese people and foreigners alike. The cost of living is another big one. There are so many middlemen in the distribution process here that it drives up prices unnecessarily. Streamlining that could make a real difference. I have definitely noticed a shift in attitude (regarding foreigners), especially online. However, if I'm being honest, I've experienced far worse back home in the U.S. than I ever have here. There are people who've always held discriminatory views — now they just feel more free to voice them. It's not that there are more people who think this way, just more who are willing to say it out loud. When people say negative things about foreigners online, my wife or daughter will sometimes point it out to me. I might not have noticed otherwise, because I'm not glued to the TV or reading comments all the time. Day-to-day, I've only ever had positive experiences with people in Japan. My coworkers have always treated me well. I've never felt unwelcome in my workplace. I judge people based on how they treat me directly — not based on what's said online or in anonymous comments. Alexander Howell-Jackson (27) United Kingdom, resident of Japan for three years Anti-foreigner sentiment has definitely been rising. You can see it with parties like Sanseito. But it mirrors what's happening in the rest of the world. When the economy's stagnant and prices go up, people look for someone to blame and often that ends up being foreigners. Most Japanese people have never had a meaningful interaction with a foreigner. That leaves a vacuum for media narratives to shape their views. It's funny to see the 'foreigners are taking our jobs' narrative appear here too. Japan has a labor shortage and a shrinking population — there are so many unfilled jobs. There's no way to tell a tourist apart from a foreign resident, so we all get lumped together. Even if I've lived here for years, I get judged by what a tourist did last week. It's frustrating — when tourists don't know the rules, we all pay the price. It's not like we have 'foreign resident' stamped on our forehead with a visa type. That's not to say everyone is falling victim to this rhetoric. Online, the most racist people are the most vocal. Just because you see those kinds of comments doesn't mean everyone thinks like that. Simon Henderson (40) Australia, resident of Japan for three years I've been following the election very closely. It feels like a pivotal moment for Japan. There's a very real possibility of a political shift, which makes this election particularly significant. Foreign nationals contribute substantially to Japan's wellbeing, including through taxes. Yet we're still excluded from voting and often from political discourse entirely. Many of us have deep roots here. We work, we pay taxes, we raise families. But without the right to vote, we remain politically invisible. It's disappointing to see major parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party, echo xenophobic rhetoric rather than challenging it. Instead of framing foreign nationals as threats, Japan's political leaders should recognize the benefits of a more diverse society. Japan isn't alone in this shift. We're seeing nationalism rise worldwide — but that's no excuse for inaction here. Japan has internationalized a lot over the past decade, but its political institutions haven't kept pace with that change. If I could vote, I'd want to back candidates that understand Japan's future depends on inclusion — not fear. Climate change is also a top concern for me. I'd also support parties pushing for human rights reforms and more generous refugee policies. Additionally, it's contradictory that 18-year-olds can vote but can't run for the Upper House until they're 30 (unlike Australia, where the minimum age to run for office is 18). That sends a clear message: young people don't belong in politics. If Japan wants to improve voter turnout and engagement, especially among youth, it needs to reform its outdated candidacy laws. Maximo Arozarena (39) Mexico, resident of Japan for seven years On the surface, (the rhetoric regarding foreign nationals) doesn't always sound that bad — but for people who understand the context, it's a little bit worrying. I'm not super alarmed personally, because I've seen this kind of thing everywhere — in the U.S., even back in Mexico. But that doesn't mean it's harmless. It's part of a global trend that worries me. I think the election last October, where the LDP took a big hit, felt more significant. But this one matters too, especially because of Sanseito gaining ground and how that will shift the tone going forward. There's a lot of stress around the economy — the yen being weak, interest rates, even the ripple effects from tariffs and the U.S. elections. It's all adding to this general anxiety, and you can feel that in the conversations people are having. If I could vote, I'd back (a candidate advocating for) more progressive social policies — equal rights, gay marriage — but also economic strategies that go beyond short-term fixes. I know it's idealistic, but that's what I'd hope for. For example, tourism is critical for Japan's economy now, but the way it's handled isn't sustainable. Locals are frustrated with overtourism, and as someone working in the industry, I feel that frustration too. We need better planning — something that supports the economy without overwhelming communities. Right now, it just feels like we're improvising. One good thing I've seen in recent elections is that Japanese people seem more and more politically engaged. Hopefully, that leads to something positive, and not just empty rhetoric.
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pokémon Sleep boosts Japan's average sleep by 32 Minutes in two years
Pokémon Sleep is making a measurable difference to sleep habits in Japan, with users gaining an additional 32 minutes of rest each night since the app's launch two years ago. During Pokémon Sleep's second anniversary event in Tokyo on July 16, The Pokémon Company shared that Japanese users now average seven hours and ten minutes of sleep per night, up from six hours and 38 minutes the previous year. The data, reported by Automaton, highlights the app's positive effect. However, Japan still ranks last in average sleep among seven tracked regions, including Germany, the UK, France, Canada, the US, and Italy. Sleep deprivation has been a persistent issue in Japan, where adults typically sleep just over six hours per night, falling short of recommended levels for maintaining good health. A government-backed study cited by The Japan Times found that while most workers recognise the need for at least six hours of sleep, only half achieve that consistently. Pokémon Sleep encourages healthier routines by rewarding users with in-game Pokémon based on their sleep duration and consistency. Players are categorised into 'Dozing,' 'Snoozing,' or 'Slumbering' based on their rest patterns, receiving rewards for meeting recommended targets. Since its launch in July 2023, Pokémon Sleep has become the most downloaded gamified sleep app, achieving a Guinness World Record in June 2025 with over 14.9 million downloads.
Business Insider
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Kim Jong Un says he'll 'unconditionally support' Russia's war amid a report he's sending 30,000 more troops against Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Sunday that he was all in on Russia's war against Ukraine. Pyongyang's foreign ministry wrote that Kim had met with Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, during which the two leaders pledged to "strengthen strategic and tactical cooperation" between their countries. Kim said he was "willing to unconditionally support all measures taken by the Russian leadership in relation to the fundamental resolution of the Ukrainian situation," the report said. It comes as CNN reported on July 2, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment and an unnamed Western official, that said there was information indicating that North Korea was planning to send 25,000 to 30,000 troops to Russia. Such a new tranche of fighters would more than triple North Korea's infantry presence in the war, up from its initial batch of about 11,000 soldiers who fought for Russia in Kursk. Western estimates say 6,000 of those North Korean troops were killed or wounded. The Japan Times, however, reported on Sunday that Ukraine's intelligence directorate (GUR) said it had "no information" about Pyongyang's plans to increase its troop count in Russia to 30,000. GUR's press team did not respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider. A more likely expansion is the 6,000 extra personnel Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia's security council, said North Korea had pledged to Kursk. In June, Shoigu said at least 1,000 of these people would be sappers, while another 5,000 would help with construction. Meanwhile, top Russian officials have been traveling frequently to meet with Kim. According to Russian media, Shoigu visited Kim at least three times in three months in early summer. The partnership between the two increasingly isolated nations has worried both South Korea and the West. Seoul's intelligence arm said on Sunday that it believed Pyongyang had already supplied Russia with some 12 million 152mm artillery shells, which could fill roughly 28,000 shipping containers. By comparison, the US said in March that it has sent Ukraine roughly 3 million 155mm shells since the start of the war in 2022. In return for his troops, ammunition, and weapons, Kim's government has been reported to be receiving food, cash, battlefield experience, and technological assistance for its space and arms programs.
