Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates announced Monday that it will split into two entities: One named Smile-Up that will be focused on compensating victims of sexual abuse by its founder Johnny Kitagawa, who died in 2019, and the other a talent agency that will continue working with upcoming artists. …
Read More »Japanese Pop Mogul Abused Hundreds of Boys, Investigation Finds
The late founder of one of Japan’s most powerful talent agencies assaulted and abused hundreds boys as far back as the 1950s and up through the 2010s, according to the findings of a new internal investigation. Johnny Kitagawa, who died in 2019, was the founder and president of Johnny & …
Read More »Lay Zhang, Amber Liu, MC Jin Set for Inaugural MetaMoon Music Festival
Some of Asia’s most popular performers are headed to Brooklyn this November for a new music festival celebrating Asian excellence. EXO’sLayZhang, f(x) star Amber Liu, Chinese soul singer Tia Ray, and Hong Kong-based punk artist Tyson Yoshi are among the headliners for the inaugural MetaMoon Music Festival, which will bring …
Read More »Music and Anime Make Magic at Crunchyroll Expo
Japanese culture thrived at Crunchyroll Expo 2022, with creators, musicians and legions of fans packing the San Jose McEnery Convention Center last week. There were cosplayers, anime screenings and extensive collectibles, but perhaps the most notable event was the live performances of Japanese bands like SiM, Burnout Syndromes, and Atarashii …
Read More »Moon Prism Power Turn Up: Meet the IRL Japanese Girl Group Based Off 'Sailor Moon'
From Blackpink to Twice, K-pop’s been getting most of the shine when it comes to the biggest girl groups in the world, but a new Japanese act debuting this week is hoping to become the biggest girl group in the universe. The group’s name is SG5, and the five members …
Read More »Coachella 2019: Top International Acts to Watch
When Coachella kicks off this weekend, it will boast one of the most globally-minded and gender-diverse lineups in its storied 20-year history. This year’s festival bill features artists from Chile to Japan to Nigeria, many of whom are rarely seen stateside. Here are 10 of most must-see international acts at …
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