TW Vol.3 Out Now: Meeting Our Heroes & Exploring Japan’s Cultural Legacies
There is an old adage that warns: “You should never meet your heroes.” The fear, of course, is that the human reality will fall short of the larger-than-life figure you have built up in your mind. But every so often, an encounter completely upends that expectation. For me, our interview with Ken Watanabe for this […] The post TW Vol.3 Out Now: Meeting Our Heroes & Exploring Japan’s Cultural…
This autumn issue brings an array of extraordinary individuals who are shaping Japanese culture in unique and impactful ways. We begin with the legendary Ken Watanabe, whose career spans Japanese and Hollywood cinema as well as Broadway. Watanabe describes his illustrious career as a "bonus given to me by God," a sentiment that adds profound depth to his performances.
Next, we explore the remarkable career of Masayoshi Sukita, a photographer who has captured iconic images over the past 50 years, including those of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and T. Rex.
In the world of fashion and art, we meet Masafumi "Bebetan" Watanabe, the creative force behind streetwear pioneer Bedwin & the Heartbreakers. Bebetan reflects on his roots in subculture and the enduring influence of his two-decade-long journey in style.
Designer Jakarie Whitaker of Hikari no Yami shares his philosophy-driven approach to avant-garde fashion, bridging New York and Tokyo. Artist Tomoko Sawada uses self-portraiture to delve into the complexities of appearance and identity, while Manami Okazaki uncovers the craftsmanship and historical significance of traditional Japanese tattooing.
Our exploration extends to illustrator Ema Gaspar, who brings whimsical plant characters to global fashion campaigns, and Wahei Aoyama, who champions overlooked Japanese artists on the world stage. We also journey to the scenic Isumi region of Chiba and the coastal retreat of Seven x Seven Itoshima, before concluding with jazz trumpeter Takuya Kuroda as he reflects on two decades spent in New York and the discipline of consistently showing up for his craft.
Written by urgent.news from Tokyo Weekender's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
