Travel News

Is Japan Right to Declare War on Floppy Disks?

13/09/2022samura

“Where does one even buy a floppy disk?” a rhetorical Taro Kono asked a room full of reporters.

Ironically, the answer is Japanese. In fact, anyone who’s shuffled along the basement aisles of an Akihabara retro store, perused the shelves in a Tokyo Hard Off, or fumbled around in a Japanese office desk will tell you as much.

But I appreciate Kono’s point. I also fall right in line with the sentiment — it’s about time the government rid itself of antiquated technology.

The digital affairs minister posed the question as part of his opening gambit to “declare war” on

7 Questions With Jazz Hip-Hop Artist Sen Morimoto

12/09/2022samura

Tokyo Weekender recently asked Japanese American musician Sen Morimoto seven questions ahead of his Japan tour, which begins this week.

Involved in production and songwriting while also playing various instruments, Morimoto is a multi-talented individual. Closely tied with jazz, pop and hip hop, he previously collaborated with the likes of American singer and songwriter Kaina (stylized in all caps), Japanese rapper Aaamyyy and hip hop group Pivot Gang.

His saxophone-infused debut album Cannonball! was co-released with media giant 88Rising. Its a follow-up, Sen Morimoto in 2020 was released on his own label, Sooper Records and won critical acclaim from publications

Missing Twinsburg teen seen leaving Atlanta airport Saturday with unidentified male

11/09/2022samura

The FBI has joined a Twinsburg family’s search for their 17-year-old daughter who went missing Tuesday morning and was last seen at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta with an unidentified male.

The Atlanta FBI held a news conference Saturday afternoon seeking information on the whereabouts of Emma Linek, who sometimes goes by Zari or Zarina Holmes.

Eleanor Linek, the teen’s mom, told Beacon Journal news partner News 5 Cleveland that they took her to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and watched her go through security to her gate for a flight to Boston, where she attends a therapeutic boarding school.

Beyond the Label: Chubu’s Best Local Craft Beer

11/09/2022samura

For our latest projects, Chubu Weekender, we went around the region to find the best local brews for die-hard or casual fans of craft beer. Attractive designs and delicious: Why settle for anything less?

Toyama: Johana Beer

Located in Toyama Prefecture’s Nanto City, Johana Beer makes some of the most creative concoctions — both in terms of design and flavor — in the country. From herbal and spicy tipples like Earl Gray with notes of bergamot to the invigorating citrus flavors of Tropical Pink and Great Blue (using grapefruit and lemon respectively), Johana Beer aims to make any kind

List of 7: Overseas Artists Singing in Japanese

10/09/2022samura

Foreign bands and artists coming to Japan know that learning just a little bit of Nihongo can go a long way. During live shows, simple expressions such as “arigatou” or “Nihon wa saikou” can often send fans wild. For some acts, though, that isn’t enough. They like to go even further by recording whole tracks, or at least parts of them, in the local language. From Nat King Cole to BTS, we look at some of those overseas artists singing in Japanese.

1. Nat King Cole

One of the most important jazz artists of all time, Nat King Cole delighted

Conspiracy Theories Crop Up About Queen Elizabeth’s Death

09/09/2022samura

Update 1:21pm CT: The Royal Family announced this afternoon that Queen Elizabeth II passed.

The original article appears below.

Overnight, Buckingham Palace released news that Queen Elizabeth II is so ill doctors recommend she remain under constant medical supervision. Much of her royal family is reportedly by her bedside and others are traveling to be with her.

News of the 96-year-old monarch’s poor health inspired well-wishes from around the world.

Conspiracy theorists are also following the story with great interest. Most aren’t particularly concerned about the queen’s well-being, however. They’re floating a number of theories about what’s “really” going on

Surround Yourself With Luxury and History at FUFU Resorts

09/09/2022samura

There’s no such thing as visiting Kyoto or Nara too many times. In recent years, the two cities, located only an hour’s train ride away from one another, have seen a massive change in their landscapes, with one notable change being an increase in accommodation options. There are plenty of new places to see and stay when in the area, including two new FUFU hotels, FUFU Kyoto and FUFU Nara, for those with a enchant for luxury.

These two additions to the FUFU lineup promise nothing short of FUFU’s signature first-class service plus prime access to the history, culture and

High New Songs from Japan: August 2022 |Tokyo Weekender

08/09/2022samura

August noticed a slew of high-quality rap tracks. Probably even sufficient for the entire 12 months. Tokyo Weekender was spoilt for selection, lastly selecting Sorane, Mezz & Dr. Pay and Novel Core. Other than rap, we had our socks knocked off with top-of-the-line new rock tracks in years from newcomers Mattress and reversion home from Yosa.

Mattress — “Kare Wa”

As somebody who grew up in the identical place as The Smiths and New Order, being impressed with a modern-day indie or rock band is a uncommon incidence. But Tokyo-based newcomer Mattress has managed to do exactly that. “Kare Wa”