Author Archives: philipbrasor

Media Mix, Aug. 28, 2011

Posted on August 28, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, which is about the retirement of comedian Shinsuke Shimada. The story continues to develop, and while nothing particular has been added to the case that I didn’t already outline in the column, some of the … Continue reading →

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September 2011 albums

Posted on August 27, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here are the album reviews I wrote for the September issue of EL Magazine, which was distributed in Tokyo on Thursday. Goblin -Tyler, the Creator (XL/Hostess) Blackenedwhite -MellowHype (Fat Possum/Hostess) Though they are American and their rap-rhetoric is tonally reminiscent … Continue reading →

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Media Mix, Aug. 21, 2011

Posted on August 21, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, which is about the controversy over remarks that actor Sosuke Takaoka made several weeks ago regarding South Korean TV dramas. A good deal of the column refers to an article in Shukan Post that outlines … Continue reading →

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Notes on Summer Sonic 2011

Posted on August 16, 2011 by philipbrasor

While inching my way into the bottleneck that always forms on the platform of Kaihin Makuhari Station Saturday morning as Summer Sonic ticketholders make for the exit, I heard two Japanese guys in back of me trading voiceless labiodental fricatives. … Continue reading →

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Media Mix, Aug. 7, 2011

Posted on August 7, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, which is about the various schemes to influence public opinion with regard to Japan’s nuclear energy policy. As I pointed out at the end, the press is mainly using the word “manipulate” to describe what … Continue reading →

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August 2011 movies

Posted on August 2, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here are the movie reviews I wrote for the Aug. issue of EL Magazine, which was distributed in Tokyo last week. The movies are opening here between late July and mid-August. Edge of Darkness Mel Gibson’s first lead role in … Continue reading →

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August 2011 albums

Posted on July 27, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here are the album reviews I wrote for the August issue of EL Magazine, which was distributed in Tokyo yesterday. James Blake (A&M/Universal) Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar/Hostess) The pendulum swings eternal in pop, bringing old styles back into fashion and replacing … Continue reading →

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Media Mix, July 24, 2011

Posted on July 24, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, about the end of analog TV broadcasts, which takes place today at noon. In the column I touch on satellite broadcasting as an example of a standard system that might have made more sense than … Continue reading →

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Media Mix, July 17, 2011

Posted on July 17, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, which is about a comment made by comedian Sanma Akashiya that he may stop appearing on TV after he turns 60. My feelings about Sanma as a comic are mixed. I can appreciate his quick … Continue reading →

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Media Mix, July 10, 2011

Posted on July 10, 2011 by philipbrasor

Here’s this week’s Media Mix, which is about how express delivery companies now represent the spirit of Japanese service as well as the virility of Japanese men. Though the column dwells mainly on the role that Yamato and Sagawa have … Continue reading →

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