Roland Kelts's Blog, page 82
October 12, 2010
As Japan Ages, Pop 'Idols' Aren't as Spry as They Used to Be
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.'
September 21, 2010
Haruki Murakami talks travel in Paper Sky
Mark Twain pals around with Haruki in CaliforniaHARUKI MURAKAMI: NOMADIC SPIRIT
"From the beginning, Haruki Murakami wanted to get away. He left Kyoto for Kobe, Kobe for Tokyo, Tokyo for Europe and America. I met him eleven years ago and was instantly drawn to the man behind the art. Like Haruki, I am a writer who wanted to escape. For me, the destinations were reversed: I left America for Europe, then Japan. These days we arrange visits around our itineraries. I landed in Tokyo three days...
Haruki Murakami and me talk travel for Paper Sky
Mark Twain pals around with Haruki in CaliforniaHARUKI MURAKAMI: NOMADIC SPIRIT
"From the beginning, Haruki Murakami wanted to get away. He left Kyoto for Kobe, Kobe for Tokyo, Tokyo for Europe and America. I met him eleven years ago and was instantly drawn to the man behind the art. Like Haruki, I am a writer who wanted to escape. For me, the destinations were reversed: I left America for Europe, then Japan. These days we arrange visits around our itineraries. I landed in Tokyo three days...
September 18, 2010
Yoshiki and X Japan invade the US
Today the barriers to translation may not be as great, as social-networking tools have made it easier for bands to communicate directly with their fanbase. (While he professes no interest in Facebook or MySpace, Yoshiki finally opened a Twitter account during the run-up to X Japan's U.S. concert debut at Lollapalooza in early August—and garnered more than 12,000 followers in less than 12 hours.) Another reason for optimism lies in a larger cultural shift, wherein Japanese artists have proved ...
September 12, 2010
September 11, 2010
"The past is never dead. In fact, it's not even past."-Wi...
"The past is never dead. In fact, it's not even past."-William Faulkner
"The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past."-Will...
"The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past."-William Faulkner
September 10, 2010
Resurfacing w/my peeps in New England, 2010
My peeps @ the beach
Larry Kelts (jazz-dad) and me at the beach.
Kaori Saeki (mum) and me back in Boston.
Trevor and Twig taking it easy.
