japanamerica

A novel project to introduce fans of Japan and Japanese popular culture to NY-area Japanese and Japanese Americans. Details here and below. Dress up, dance. Discuss. 'Hear, hear (sans irony)!'

Yoko Ono can't slow down JOURNEYWOMAN: YOKO ONO "Yoko Ono's public persona is one part mercurial, two parts mysterious. She is known for speaking her mind and making bold gestures as an artist and activist. She also has a reputation for being willfully opaque behind her ever-present sunglasses- especially when confronted by the literal minded. Ono has spent a lifetime facing down vitriolic accusations, but no one can accuse her of sitting still. I interviewed her in New York just before she flew to London, where she was due to present a peace prize, give a speech or three, and premiere some of her latest work. Roland Kelts: I feel like I’ve traveled a lot, but when I look at the many journeys you’ve taken across borders of culture, sex, politics, art and spirit- let alone time and space- I’m humbled. Yoko Ono: The most interesting journey I have made was not the physical one, but the mental and spiritual. Right now, I am still busy making the journey. It’s not the time yet...

Aging Japan --Daniel Grunebaum's story on Japan's aging pop stars and their aging fans (ouch): The New York Times/IHT 'Nostalgia also may play a role in the current prominence of aging talents in Japan’s entertainment industry. Roland Kelts, media commentator and author of the book “Japanamerica,” said Japanese baby boomers were seeking reassurance from aging stars in the way Western fans have for years. “There’s a point at which rock and pop stop being celebrations of youth, rebellion and forward-thinking,” he said, “and start becoming celebrations of themselves — a way of confirming that they the entertainers, and we the fans,” are still relevant.'