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The intersection of Japanese pop-culture.
www.scrmbl.com
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Dear Stranger, from director Mariko Tetsuo, aims for a cross cultural drama in New York as Hidetoshi Nishijima and Gwei Lun Mei step outside their native languages, but uneven acting and a shaky tone keep the film from reaching its potential. Read on for our full review.
Dear Stranger wastes a talented cast in unfamiliar waters | scrmbl
Hidetoshi Nishijima has had an interesting career following his exp...
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January 6, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Dear Stranger, from director Mariko Tetsuo, aims for a cross cultural drama in New York as Hidetoshi Nishijima and Gwei Lun Mei step outside their native languages, but uneven acting and a shaky tone keep the film from reaching its potential. Read on for our full review.
“I’m trying to make music that can stand up to the songs created in studios used by the artists I admired growing up.”
We had the chance to sit down with brinq and Misatsun of HARETOKIDOKI to ask everything from how they met, to their inspirations in relation to their latest album ENDLESS DESTINY.
We had the chance to sit down with brinq and Misatsun of HARETOKIDOKI to ask everything from how they met, to their inspirations in relation to their latest album ENDLESS DESTINY.
Nostalgic future: Interview with Haretokidoki on inspiration, collaboration, and their new album Endless Destiny | scrmbl
The past plays a central role in dance-pop unit Haretokidoki’s musi...
scrmbl.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:38 PM
“I’m trying to make music that can stand up to the songs created in studios used by the artists I admired growing up.”
We had the chance to sit down with brinq and Misatsun of HARETOKIDOKI to ask everything from how they met, to their inspirations in relation to their latest album ENDLESS DESTINY.
We had the chance to sit down with brinq and Misatsun of HARETOKIDOKI to ask everything from how they met, to their inspirations in relation to their latest album ENDLESS DESTINY.
Questions remain how Gnosia's ending will fare in animation, yet it’s hard not to find this one of the more compelling shows of the season. A unique story coupled with characters who look like this, with the care taken to truly bring its story to life.
Gnosia turns social deduction into compelling anime television | scrmbl
What allowed Gnosia to become such a notable Japanese indie game hi...
scrmbl.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Questions remain how Gnosia's ending will fare in animation, yet it’s hard not to find this one of the more compelling shows of the season. A unique story coupled with characters who look like this, with the care taken to truly bring its story to life.
We're back with our first edition of scrmbl selections for the new year! Kick off 2026 with excellent new tracks from bala & Shinichi Osawa, illequal, lapix & Eye, RAY, and Sayonara Ponytail!
scrmbl selection 5 January, 2026 - bala, lapix, RAY, and more | scrmbl
Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distri...
scrmbl.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM
We're back with our first edition of scrmbl selections for the new year! Kick off 2026 with excellent new tracks from bala & Shinichi Osawa, illequal, lapix & Eye, RAY, and Sayonara Ponytail!
Baku Kinoshita's “The Last Blossom” sees the director teaming up with ODDTAXI scriptwriter Kazuya Konomoto once again to tell the story of a man reflecting on his life in conversation with a talking flower.
@aliciahaddick.com spoke with Kinoshita at TIFF on our behalf about how the film came to be.
@aliciahaddick.com spoke with Kinoshita at TIFF on our behalf about how the film came to be.
A story about death with a talking flower: Baku Kinoshita on The Last Blossom | scrmbl
The Last Blossom, upon its release in Japanese theaters last month,...
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January 2, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Baku Kinoshita's “The Last Blossom” sees the director teaming up with ODDTAXI scriptwriter Kazuya Konomoto once again to tell the story of a man reflecting on his life in conversation with a talking flower.
@aliciahaddick.com spoke with Kinoshita at TIFF on our behalf about how the film came to be.
@aliciahaddick.com spoke with Kinoshita at TIFF on our behalf about how the film came to be.
What happens when a celebrated director revisits a story that has already resonated worldwide? Kore-eda Hirokazu’s live-action Look Back and the launch of K2 Pictures raises bigger questions about originality, global reach, and the future of the industry.
Kore-Eda Hirokazu's “Look Back” live-action: The potential and pitfalls of yet-another adaptation | scrmbl
If you’re going to make yet-another film adaptation of a beloved wo...
scrmbl.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
What happens when a celebrated director revisits a story that has already resonated worldwide? Kore-eda Hirokazu’s live-action Look Back and the launch of K2 Pictures raises bigger questions about originality, global reach, and the future of the industry.
Japan had some seriously huge viral hit songs in 2025, but there's always the chance some slipped under your radar. Catch up or recap just ahead of the New Year with our crash course on viral hits of the year!
An Iijyan year indeed: A crash course in the viral Japanese hits of 2025 | scrmbl
The difference between a “viral hit” and a good ol’ fashioned music...
scrmbl.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Japan had some seriously huge viral hit songs in 2025, but there's always the chance some slipped under your radar. Catch up or recap just ahead of the New Year with our crash course on viral hits of the year!
Episode 11 of Apocalypse Hotel is by far the show's best and most thoughtful episode because it not only represents the great things about the anime series as a whole, but also what it builds towards for its lead character.
Apocalypse Hotel's 11th episode is a meditative experience on mortality | scrmbl
Episode 11 is by far the show's best and most thoughtful episode be...
scrmbl.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Episode 11 of Apocalypse Hotel is by far the show's best and most thoughtful episode because it not only represents the great things about the anime series as a whole, but also what it builds towards for its lead character.
As we head into the New Year, we're back with another new album spotlight courtesy of Make Believe Melodies! Catch new releases from Fuki Kitamura, D.A.N., sidenerds, lazydoll, and Swashi2
Japanese album highlights for December 2025 – Presented by Make Believe Melodies | scrmbl
scrmbl contributor Patrick St. Michel runs an email newsletter call...
scrmbl.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:35 PM
As we head into the New Year, we're back with another new album spotlight courtesy of Make Believe Melodies! Catch new releases from Fuki Kitamura, D.A.N., sidenerds, lazydoll, and Swashi2
From Shibuya-kei innovation and scandal to a recent viral TikTok trend, we trace Cornelius’ evolving sound and complex legacy in this introduction to the influencial muscian.
Free Fall - An introduction to influential and innovative artist Cornelius | scrmbl
An old song suddenly blowing up on TikTok and finding a new audienc...
scrmbl.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
From Shibuya-kei innovation and scandal to a recent viral TikTok trend, we trace Cornelius’ evolving sound and complex legacy in this introduction to the influencial muscian.
Japan's winter illuminations celebrate the season with extravagant displays like light up the cold nights and make for a perfect excursion for couples and travelers alike. We give a rundown on the delightful events and highlight a few of Tokyo's best.
The illuminations lighting Up Japan's winter darkness | scrmbl
It’s more accurate to say that, above celebrating Christmas, Japan ...
scrmbl.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Japan's winter illuminations celebrate the season with extravagant displays like light up the cold nights and make for a perfect excursion for couples and travelers alike. We give a rundown on the delightful events and highlight a few of Tokyo's best.
The best kids entertainment is the definitely the kind that parents can enjoy as well. Breakout toddler-oriented music channel Synapusyu treats with truly enjoyable music regardless of age from some major Japanese talent attached.
Stepping into the eclectic world of Japanese kids’ music with Synapusyu | scrmbl
While there's no shortage of child-focused content on the internet,...
scrmbl.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:18 PM
The best kids entertainment is the definitely the kind that parents can enjoy as well. Breakout toddler-oriented music channel Synapusyu treats with truly enjoyable music regardless of age from some major Japanese talent attached.
Chihayafuru: Full Circle brings the franchise back as a TV drama, following new characters drawn into the world of karuta.
@aliciahaddick.com gives their review of the legacy sequel to the hit Chihayafuru series.
@aliciahaddick.com gives their review of the legacy sequel to the hit Chihayafuru series.
Chihayafuru: Full Circle is a rare legacy sequel that works | scrmbl
An all-original sequel to a beloved story just to allow its adaptat...
scrmbl.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Chihayafuru: Full Circle brings the franchise back as a TV drama, following new characters drawn into the world of karuta.
@aliciahaddick.com gives their review of the legacy sequel to the hit Chihayafuru series.
@aliciahaddick.com gives their review of the legacy sequel to the hit Chihayafuru series.
On December 21, the 21st installment of the M-1 Grand Prix manzai comedy competition took place in Tokyo with duo Takurou winning a long-awaited first prize after years of participation and refining routines.
Manzai duo Takurou claws M-1 victory nine years in the making | scrmbl
On December 21, 2025, the 21st installment of the annual M-1 Grand ...
scrmbl.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
On December 21, the 21st installment of the M-1 Grand Prix manzai comedy competition took place in Tokyo with duo Takurou winning a long-awaited first prize after years of participation and refining routines.
Kick off your holidays with our final playlist update of 2025! We're capping things off with amazing new tracks from DURDN, Eisei To Karatea, Ichi Takashi, KIRINJI, TEMPLIME & Eiichi Kyo, and VOLTA & ariiol feat. yeil
scrmbl selection 22 December, 2025 - DURDN, KIRINJI, TEMPLIME & Eiichi Kyo, and more | scrmbl
Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distri...
scrmbl.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Kick off your holidays with our final playlist update of 2025! We're capping things off with amazing new tracks from DURDN, Eisei To Karatea, Ichi Takashi, KIRINJI, TEMPLIME & Eiichi Kyo, and VOLTA & ariiol feat. yeil
Maltine Records recent 20th anniversary event at Shibuya's O-East was a wild celebration that brought internet music IRL for a 20 hour party full of energy and a strong sense of community.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report!
Patrick St. Michel gives his report!
20 years online, 20 hours IRL: Maltine Records anniversary party “CITY” | scrmbl
For an internet label, Maltine Records knows how to throw one hell ...
scrmbl.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Maltine Records recent 20th anniversary event at Shibuya's O-East was a wild celebration that brought internet music IRL for a 20 hour party full of energy and a strong sense of community.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report!
Patrick St. Michel gives his report!
As a rare major film made by and about trans people in Japan, Blue Boy Trial is a landmark work that reframes a pivotal 1960s legal case.
@aliciahaddick.com speaks with director Kasho Iizuka about how it came to life.
@aliciahaddick.com speaks with director Kasho Iizuka about how it came to life.
Creating a transgender-led film in Japan: Behind the production of Blue Boy Trial | scrmbl
Blue Boy Trial is a revelation, but just as much for its production...
scrmbl.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
As a rare major film made by and about trans people in Japan, Blue Boy Trial is a landmark work that reframes a pivotal 1960s legal case.
@aliciahaddick.com speaks with director Kasho Iizuka about how it came to life.
@aliciahaddick.com speaks with director Kasho Iizuka about how it came to life.
New week, new music!
Our selection of hand-picked new tracks that deserve your attention from the past week includes 2beef, 7co, abaraya, Regallily, Saori Hayami, and yama!
Our selection of hand-picked new tracks that deserve your attention from the past week includes 2beef, 7co, abaraya, Regallily, Saori Hayami, and yama!
scrmbl selection 15 December, 2025 - 7co, Saori Hayami, yama, and more | scrmbl
Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distri...
scrmbl.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:55 PM
New week, new music!
Our selection of hand-picked new tracks that deserve your attention from the past week includes 2beef, 7co, abaraya, Regallily, Saori Hayami, and yama!
Our selection of hand-picked new tracks that deserve your attention from the past week includes 2beef, 7co, abaraya, Regallily, Saori Hayami, and yama!
Akiba Maid War is what happens when you take an anime’s nostalgic take on the early Akihabara culture and throw in a good amount of drama from The Godfather.
@thewritersitb.bsky.social gives a rundown on the genre blending series.
@thewritersitb.bsky.social gives a rundown on the genre blending series.
The chaotic blend of otakuness & yakuza violence in Akiba Maid War | scrmbl
Akihabara has seen better days. The neighborhood nestled deep withi...
scrmbl.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Akiba Maid War is what happens when you take an anime’s nostalgic take on the early Akihabara culture and throw in a good amount of drama from The Godfather.
@thewritersitb.bsky.social gives a rundown on the genre blending series.
@thewritersitb.bsky.social gives a rundown on the genre blending series.
Making a visit to Tokyo's popular Mt. Takao?
Check out these local spots that can turn your hike into a full day trip with some pre or post-climb relaxation!
Check out these local spots that can turn your hike into a full day trip with some pre or post-climb relaxation!
Not just hiking: The other side of Mt. Takao, Tokyo’s favorite day trip | scrmbl
Only 50 minutes west from the clamour and chaos of Shinjuku Station...
scrmbl.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Making a visit to Tokyo's popular Mt. Takao?
Check out these local spots that can turn your hike into a full day trip with some pre or post-climb relaxation!
Check out these local spots that can turn your hike into a full day trip with some pre or post-climb relaxation!
From Hikakin to Naniwa Danshi and even Crayon Shin-chan, YouTube FanFest 2025 revealed how the platform has become Japan’s central cultural stage.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report on the jam packed event and posits the platform's importance.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report on the jam packed event and posits the platform's importance.
YouTube FanFest Japan 2025 exhibits the platform’s status as Japan’s cultural mainstage | scrmbl
Midway through YouTube Fanfest Japan 2025, Crayon Shin-Chan appears...
www.scrmbl.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
From Hikakin to Naniwa Danshi and even Crayon Shin-chan, YouTube FanFest 2025 revealed how the platform has become Japan’s central cultural stage.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report on the jam packed event and posits the platform's importance.
Patrick St. Michel gives his report on the jam packed event and posits the platform's importance.
The Chatterboxes explores miscommunication between deaf residents and Kurdish immigrants in a changing Japan, blending social insight with sharp comedy.
We look at the latest from director Ken Kawai in our monthly film spotlight!
We look at the latest from director Ken Kawai in our monthly film spotlight!
The Chatterboxes is an inclusive tale for a distinctly-modern multicultural Japan | scrmbl
The question of how to adapt and embrace a diverse, changing Japan ...
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December 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Chatterboxes explores miscommunication between deaf residents and Kurdish immigrants in a changing Japan, blending social insight with sharp comedy.
We look at the latest from director Ken Kawai in our monthly film spotlight!
We look at the latest from director Ken Kawai in our monthly film spotlight!
Uncover Racing Lagoon, Square’s forgotten Japan exclusive 1999 street-racing RPG with a unique story and world, killer soundtrack, and era-defining style.
Racing Lagoon is the stylish 90s street-racing RPG that time forgot | scrmbl
Throughout the 90s, Square was the leading name in RPGs in any corn...
www.scrmbl.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Uncover Racing Lagoon, Square’s forgotten Japan exclusive 1999 street-racing RPG with a unique story and world, killer soundtrack, and era-defining style.
We're back once again with our hand-picked new music selection for your listening pleasure!
Check out new tracks from Caeca, HACHI, Inu, sidenerds, Trooper Salute, and uilou!
Check out new tracks from Caeca, HACHI, Inu, sidenerds, Trooper Salute, and uilou!
scrmbl selection 8 December, 2025 - Caeca, Inu, Trooper Salute, and more | scrmbl
Despite the ease of access that streaming has brought to the distri...
www.scrmbl.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:57 PM
We're back once again with our hand-picked new music selection for your listening pleasure!
Check out new tracks from Caeca, HACHI, Inu, sidenerds, Trooper Salute, and uilou!
Check out new tracks from Caeca, HACHI, Inu, sidenerds, Trooper Salute, and uilou!
Swallowtail Butterfly follows young people pushed to the margins as they search for identity, community and a future in a Japan shaped by economic decline.
We take a look at one of Shunji Iwai's best films in our latest classic film spotlight.
We take a look at one of Shunji Iwai's best films in our latest classic film spotlight.
Swallowtail Butterfly's economic and immigrant anxiety resonates just as strongly nearly 30 years later | scrmbl
Shunji Iwai’s Swallowtail Butterfly opens with a thesis statement. ...
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December 4, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Swallowtail Butterfly follows young people pushed to the margins as they search for identity, community and a future in a Japan shaped by economic decline.
We take a look at one of Shunji Iwai's best films in our latest classic film spotlight.
We take a look at one of Shunji Iwai's best films in our latest classic film spotlight.