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Socially-conservative Japan seems to be in no rush to follow its neighbors in East Asia and roll out the pink carpet to the LGBTQ community or recognize same-sex marriages. But where the Japanese entertainment industry is slowly heading, courts and municipal authorities are following.

The untroubled July arrival of the country’s first same-sex dating reality show “The Boyfriend,” on streamer Netflix, may be another sign that normalization of queerness in Japan is on the way.

The show takes nine men to a beach house in order to find love — or at least friendship. For a month, they live together and take turns working shifts at a coffee truck, forging relations with other housemates and learning about themselves along the way.

“It’s no different from the familiar reality shows we’ve seen before. The only thing that felt odd or questionable was that, while there have been plenty of heterosexual reality shows,...

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine aren’t returning for season 2 of Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith?! What? Is this some sort of contract negotiation standoff? Even after the series’ 16 Emmy nominations including Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a drama?

Hardly, according to co-Creator and EP Francesca Sloane and the show’s director and EP Hiro Murai.

“We’re just trying to make the best version of season 2 possible,” Sloane tells Crew Call, “That’s why we’re being so coy about it.” That is whether Glover and Erskine are really not returning.

Donald Glover, Maya Erskine

Well, then is the gist of future Mr. & Mrs. Smith seasons to be like an anthology series ala Fargo? Sloane was a producer on that Noah Hawley created series. “Maybe,” she tells us.

“We wanted the ending to leave on this nod to a’ 70s cinema cliffhanger,” Sloane says, “If we tell you too much,...

The Boyfriend offers refreshing authenticity with unforced relationships among men, breaking new ground in Japan's dating show scene. Stylishly dressed cast members create a chill vibe, opting for realistic interactions over drama, and showcasing emotional vulnerability. Polite and caring interactions between cast members set The Boyfriend apart, highlighting real-life situations and raw emotions.

Netflix's The Boyfriend has been a trailblazer since its premiere - due to its authenticity, it feels genuinely groundbreaking and sweet. Viewers can watch the unforced relationships among nine men unfold. The Boyfriend is the first ever same-sex dating show in Japan. Its debut has been quite revolutionary in comparison to other shows like The Ultimatum: Queer Love. Japan is one of the few wealthy countries that has yet to legalize same-sex unions. Therefore, The Boyfriend will be a huge step towards normalizing queer relationships.

The Boyfriend is nearly perfect, and it is pretty easy to ignore a few flaws.

Netflix launches Japan's first same-sex dating show, The Boyfriend, exploring relationships and self-discovery among diverse cast members. Premiering on July 9, the show follows the Terrace House format and aims to challenge societal views on same-sex unions. The Boyfriend will release episodes weekly for four weeks, featuring cast members from various countries and backgrounds.

Netflix is launching a brand new dating show, The Boyfriend, Japan's first same-sex romantic series, which could change how the country views these unions. Historically, Lgbtqia+ shows have been hilarious, iconic, and dramatic. From Love Island to The Ultimatum: Queer Love, dating shows have an uncanny way of luring people in. The Boyfriend will have handsome cast members living in a beach house called the "Green room." The show is filmed in Tateyama - a city near Tokyo that is well known as a "beach town."

The Boyfriend will highlight Japanese men coming to terms with their sexuality,...

The following mentions self-harm and suicide.

The Japanese reality show Terrace House ended abruptly due to the tragic suicide of cast member Hana Kimura in 2020. Despite speculation, there has been no official word on the return of Terrace House after the cancellation. With Terrace House gone, there are plenty of other less problematic shows that reality show fans can use to fill the void left behind by the canceled series.

Netflix has become infamous for canceling shows after just one or two seasons, based largely on the completion ratethe percentage of viewers who complete a season. However, that metric can't be blamed for every dropped series. Take, for example, Terrace House, the Japanese reality show whose cancellation was out of Netflix's hands.

Co-produced with Fuji TV, Terrace House ended in 2020 before all the episodes of its season had airedGiven that the series ended during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic,...

Ashihara Hinako, a 50-year-old Japanese manga artist, has been found dead near Tokyo. Japanese media report that the police are treating the matter as a possible suicide after finding a note at her home on Monday.

Ashihara was the author of the “Sexy Tanaka-san” manga, which was initially published by Shogakukan. Nippon Television began airing a 10-part live-action adaptation in October of last year, starring Kinami Haruka in the lead role.

The story depicts a 40-year-old woman accountant who has a secret life as a belly dancer. When her secret is discovered by a co-worker, the two polar opposites manage to bring the best out in each other.

“Don’t miss this rom-com that is guaranteed to leave you in stitches constantly, with an occasion[al] dash of tears,” says the blurb for the show on Ntv’s content catalog.

Ashihara, however, was not amused and earlier in January used X...

Despite the challenges of fame and public scrutiny, some relationships from Terrace House were able to survive, while others fell apart. Couples like Tsubasa and Shion and Chikako and Taishi broke up, while Anna and Wez's relationship status remains unknown. The only successful couple from Terrace House is Noah and Seina, who got married, had a baby, and continue to thrive in their careers as models and influencers.

For many searching for love, Terrace House provided an opportunity to realize this dream, but not all couples stayed together. In fact, like many other reality dating series, few couples could stand the test of time and distance. Love brought starry-eyed couples together onscreen as they shared their first kisses and embraces with the world. While some Terrace House housemates were better than others, both problematic and seemingly perfect couples flourished.

Despite the pressure of being in the limelight and public scrutiny,...

The following features a discussion of cyberbullying and suicide. It also contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Episode 7, "Buzz," now streaming on Hidive.

Oshi no Ko gets much acclaim for its social commentary on the showbiz industry, exposing the dark truths behind the shimmering facade the industry is trying to sell. It starts by showcasing the harsh reality of being an idol, especially when it comes to maintaining a perfect public image. A single scandal can sabotage their entire careers, and even if they do manage to avoid the public's watchful eyes, success isn't always guaranteed. There remains the problem of tough competition within the industry, as well as poor compensation due to the saturated market. Recent episodes shed light on yet another source of toxicity in show business -- reality television and cyberbullying.In his pursuit to unveil his biological father's identity, Aqua joins the reality TV dating show LoveNow.

Contains discussions of Depression, Bullying, and Suicide

Contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Episode 6The hit anime Oshi no Ko is confronting important issues like cyberbullying and depression by basing its darkest moment off a real-world tragedy that rocked Japan three years ago. The anime produced by Studio Doga Kobo and based on the manga of the same name by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, has already stood out from the crowd this season by presenting an unromantic perspective of the Japanese entertainment industry. But its latest episode goes even further by offering a dark look at how shows can fail to protect their stars from harassment after filming is done.

Episode 6 of Oshi no Ko continues the Dating Reality Show arc, focusing on one of the participants, Akane. Akane struggles to make her presence known among the much more charismatic personalities around her. Facing pressure from her agency and seemingly running out of options,...

The following article contains discussions of suicide.

Oshi no Ko episode 6 recently finished airing, and here’s everything to know about when episode 7 is set to release. Episode 6 was the darkest the show has ever been since its premiere, and with how dramatic of a turn it created, it makes the anticipation for next week’s episode even greater.

What Time Oshi No Ko Episode 7 Releases

As with previous episodes, Oshi no Ko airs exclusively on Hidive, which can be accessed on through Hidive's app, website, or through an Amazon Prime account. Episode 7 airs on Wednesday, May 24. The new episode will be simulcast in western territories at 8 Am Pst and 11 Am Est, so Hidive subscribers can watch it then.

Related: 10 Best Anime to Stream in April 2023 & Where to Stream Them

What Happened In Oshi No Ko Episode 6?

Rather than focus on Aqua or Ruby, Oshi no Ko episode 6, “Egosurfing”, shifted...

The following article contains discussion of self-harm and suicide. It also contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Episode 6, "Egosurfing."

Oshi no Ko is a drama series that explores the insidious underbelly of the entertainment industry, mostly as it pertains to the tragedy-plagued Hoshino family. Now, aspiring actress Akane Kurokawa has also experienced the pitfalls of fame, and it nearly destroyed her.

Akane was introduced in Oshi no Ko's 6th episode as Aqua's fellow actress on a reality dating show, only for online trolls to unite against her after ill-advisedly slapping co-star, Yuki Sumi. Although Yuki understands that Akane's actions are a bid for screentime and forgives her almost immediately, Akane faces overwhelming backlash, leading to a dire warning about the very real consequences of online harassment and the dangers of being a public figure in the digital age.

Related: Oshi no Ko: How Aqua Subverts the Analytical Genius...

The following features a discussion of suicide and self-harm. It also contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Episode 6, "Egosurfing."

The most recent episode of Oshi no Ko allegedly draws from the real life suicide of Hana Kimura.

A report from Anime Senpai has linked the experiences of the character Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no No episode 6, "Egosurfing," to the suicide of Hana Kimura, a Japanese professional wrestler who took her life after appearing on a reality TV show. The episode in question followed Akane as she received excessive online harassment after a misunderstanding in an episode of the fictional reality show "LoveNow." Her attempted suicide in the episode's climax tragically reflects the death of the real-life Kimura, who took her life after receiving nonstop online harassment.

Related: Why Oshi no Ko Works Best as a Dark Drama

The episode explored the pressures of performing on a reality TV show, establishing...

Global streamer Netflix has expanded its slate of unscripted entertainment programming in Japan.

The company says it has 15 shows in the comedy, reality television and documentary genres in different stages of development. Of these, seven will launch on the platform in the current calendar year.

Upcoming shows include: dating series “Love Village,” “The Future Diary,” and a second season of “Love is Blind: Japan,” which is now casting and will play next year. Japanese documentaries include: “LiSA Another Great Day,” which celebrates the titular artist’s career as one of the top singers of wildly popular anime theme songs; “Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki,” featuring former-idol-turned-actor Toma Ikuta’s immersion in the world of New Kabuki; and “Tokyo Crime Squad: The Lucie Blackman Case.”

The update was announced in a blog posting by Kobayashi Mitsuko Koyabashi and Goto Taro, managers of live action creative, Japan. Their messaging attempted to straddle the local and the universal.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Japanese reality TV show, Terrace House, is its long running format, which allows viewers to really get to know the various housemates. In the case of the series' fourth and longest season to date, Opening New Doors, 49 long weeks were spent inside the lavish mansion in the mountainous Kuraizawa region of Japan.

Related: 10 Best Shows Like Terrace House, Ranked

Of the 19 housemates to join the show, some lasted as few as seven weeks while others lasted as many as 34. Since the show concluded in the summer of 2018, the housemates have continued to chase their dreams, come of age, and pursue ultimate happiness.

Terrace House: Opening New Doors is the fourth and longest season of the Japanese reality TV show, thus far. Comprised of six parts spanning from the fall of 2017 to the summer of 2018, the series follows six strangers at a time who live together in the picturesque mountain town Karuizawa, Japan, as they learn to cohabitate, pursue their biggest dreams, and attempt to find genuine romance.

Related: 10 Best Shows Like Terrace House, Ranked

With 49 long weeks spent inside Terrace House, roughly 20 housemates passed through, some staying for much longer than others. With vastly different passions, personalities, and professions, these are the most popular housemates on social media.

Until it was mired in tragic controversy during the most recent 2019-2020 season, Terrace House proved to be one of the most popular reality TV shows on the air. The format of the unscripted reality series focuses on six strangers living together in a picturesque Japanese location as they search for romance, pursue their ultimate goals, learn how to cohabitate with others, and find ultimate happiness in the process.

Related: Terrace House: Aloha State: 10 Best Housemates, Ranked

Of course, the familiar format of the show has been employed in countless reality TV programs dating back to the early days of The Real World. For more shows like Terrace House, here are the absolute best of its ilk.

A Tokyo District Court on Wednesday fined a man found to have posted abusive social media messages about deceased pro-wrestler and “Terrace House” cast member Kimura Hana. He was ordered to pay JPY1.29 million.

The reality show was a Fuji Television production that Netflix carried as an original production. Kimura Hana appeared in the 2019-2020 season.

Kimura’s mother, Kimura Kyoko brought the suit and sought damages of JPY2.94 million. The man’s name was not revealed by the court in its verdict announcement.

According to the suit filed by Kimura Kyoko, after her daughter’s death by suicide on May 23, 2020, the man posted on Twitter that “Everyone is happy about your death, thank you” and that “The program (“Terrace House”) has been canceled due to your suicide. So who’s been causing trouble right to the end. Go to hell.”

Kimura Kyoko initially approached Twitter requesting the man’s IP address,...

A man has been charged by Tokyo prosecutors over online abuse of Kimura Hana, a female pro-wrestler and star of reality TV show “Terrace House” who died last year. But a broadcast ethics probe found that local broadcaster Fuji Television Network had not violated her human rights.

Kimura is understood to have died by suicide in May last year after receiving online abuse about her appearance and personality. The show, which involved six young people sharing living quarters, aired within Japan on FujiTV and on global streamer Netflix elsewhere. It was canceled after Kimura’s death.

A spokesman for Tokyo Prosecutors’ Office said they had made a “summary indictment,” concerning public insults, against a man from Osaka in his twenties who has not been named. A December police report to prosecutors said that the man: “posted messages on a social media account of the victim, including ‘You have such an awful personality.

After going all out during an awards season in which the company was uniquely well-situated to run the table, Netflix is rolling into March with a release slate that doesn’t suggest the dawn of spring so much as it does a garage sale. Which isn’t to say that there aren’t any good movies dropping on the platform this month, only that few of them seem poised to make a big splash, and the ones that might (the Eric Andre prank comedy “Bad Trip” comes to mind) haven’t been made available to critics yet. That’s also true of the many international titles that will be made available to stream over the next few weeks, some of which seem promising (we have our eyes on the Olga Kurylenko “Taken” riff “Sentinelle”), but none of which have made an impression on the festival circuit.

Other Netflix Originals of...

Police in Osaka, Japan have begun a legal case against a man who is alleged to have cyberbullied Kimura Hana, the reality TV star who died earlier this year, apparently by suicide.

Kimura, a professional wrestler, was one of six cast-members of “Terrace House,” which played locally on Fuji Television and globally on Netflix. The show was subsequently canceled.

Police on Thursday referred the case to prosecutors in Osaka. They allege that the man, who has not been named, posted anonymous and particularly malicious, threats to the star.

The 22-year-old Kimura was repeatedly the target of cyberbullying, triggered by an altercation with a male cast member on the show. She was also vilified for her appearance and comportment.

Before her death, Kimura said online: “I receive nearly 100 honest opinions every day and I cannot deny that it hurts my feelings.” She also posted a photo of herself on Instagram together with an apology.

A series of suicides in the Japanese entertainment world, including reality TV star Kimura Hana in May, actor Miura Haruma in July and actresses Ashina Sei and Takeuchi Yuko in September, have raised questions about not only their specific tragedies, but also conditions in Japanese society as a whole that may have contributed to an upsurge in suicide deaths during the pandemic.

Understanding the mindset of the victims almost too well is Matsubayashi Urara, who starred in the 2017 Ogata Takaomi drama “The Hungry Lion” as a teenager who kills herself after a sex video goes viral and vicious social media bashing begins. Matsubayashi has also produced and stars in this year’s “Kamata Prelude,” a four-part omnibus that examines sexual harassment in the Japanese film industry. “Just imagining the act of killing myself makes my legs tremble,” she tells Variety. “But I have seriously agonized about suicide and actually thought of doing it.

It’s hard to imagine that the definitive studio movie about Trump-era authoritarianism would come from the guy behind “Taken 2” and “Taken 3,” but that sure didn’t stop him from trying. Of course, you should never doubt the delusional self-confidence of a man who changed his last name to “Megaton,” just as you should never put your faith in a filmmaker who’s basically the Mr. Brainwash to Luc Besson’s Banksy.

Here’s the thing about “The Last Days of American Crime” — you don’t have time for this shit. None of us do. And that’s not just because Olivier Megaton’s agonizingly dull Netflix feature is 149 minutes long (a crime unto itself). While there’s never really a good moment to introduce a bad movie into the world, . We’re all for escapism where you can get it — this critic has streamed an ungodly amount...

Following the death of Terrace House star Hana Kimura, production of the latest season of the show has been canceled. The actor and professional wrestler died last weekend. She was 22.  Japanese broadcaster Fuji Television announced the cancellation of the Netflix reality show in a statement on Wednesday. "We would like to express our sincere condolences for the death of Hana Kimuar, who appeared on the program," the statement read, per Buzzfeed News. "We have decided to cancel the production." According to the publication, the late actor died of an apparent suicide, "after months of abuse she reportedly faced online." However, the official cause of her...

Fuji TV’s Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020 has been canceled following the death of pro wrestler and star Hana Kimura.

The Japanese broadcaster announced the news Wednesday evening in a statement via the show’s website. “We would like to express our sincere condolences for the death of Hana Kimura, who appeared on the program. We also deeply mourn the bereaved families,” the statement reads. “Regarding ‘Terrace House Tokyo: 2019-2020,’ we have decided to stop recording, broadcasting, and distribution on Fod in the future. We take this issue very seriously and would like to continue to earnestly respond to it.”

A cause of death has not been confirmed for Kimura, but several Japanese media outlets report it was an apparent suicide, with cyberbullying a possible cause.

The last post on Kimura’s Instagram account depicted her and a cat, with the caption “goodbye.” She also tweeted an alarming message earlier on Friday.

“Terrace House: Tokyo” has been canceled following the death of cast member and pro-wrestler Hana Kimura.

Japanese broadcast network Fuji Television Network announced the cancellation of the reality TV franchise’s current season — which was on production hiatus due to the pandemic — via a statement on the show’s website Wednesday.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences for the death of Hana Kimura, who appeared on the program.

We also deeply mourn the bereaved families,” the statement reads. “Regarding ‘Terrace House Tokyo: 2019-2020,’ we have decided to cancel the production. We take this issue very seriously and would like to continue to earnestly respond to it.”

Also Read: Hana Kimura, Pro Wrestler and Star of Netflix's 'Terrace House,' Dies at 22

Kimura’s death was announced by Stardom Wrestling on Saturday with this statement: “We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away.

Last winter break I discovered Terrace House, a popular Japanese reality show on Netflix. The premise is simple, the show stars three girls and guys around their early to late 20’s all living in a gorgeous mansion together in Japan. From CEO entrepreneurs, aspiring fashion models, workaholic manga artists, or just part timers figuring out their next move, Terrace House consistently features a wide variety of housemates each with a diverse background and world view. And unlike other reality shows, Terrace House lacks filler. It’s completely void of any post-event reactions, interviews, or manufactured drama; simply put, the show follows the lives of the housemates as they hang out with each other, go on dates, and progress in their respective career fields. And instead of each episode ending with a group elimination vote, Terrace House members simply leave when they feel like it’s the appropriate time in their lives.

A particularly horrible week brings about even more sad news as Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura has reportedly passed away at the very young age of 22 years old. Known for competing in various wrestling promotions in Japan and for appearing on the Netflix series Terrace House, Kimura's death was confirmed by her organization Stardom Wrestling with a post on social media. "We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," the post writes. "Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends."

A cause of death hasn't yet been given for Kimura's passing, but the young wrestler turned Netflix reality star appears to have been the subject of cyber bullying in the days leading up to her death. Because of this, it is believed she committed suicide because of the harassment. On Instagram, Kimura...

Hana Kimura, a Japanese pro wrestler and star of Netflix’s Terrace House, has died at age 22. Her death was confirmed by Stardom Wrestling, a promoter of women’s wrestling in Japan. No cause of death was given.

Terrace House is a Japanese reality television series, now in its fifth year. It follows three men and three women as they temporarily live together in a house in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. The show recently resumed airing episodes after production was shut down by the global pandemic.

The last post on Kimura’s Instagram account depicted her and a cat, with the caption “goodbye.” She also tweeted an alarming message earlier on Friday. “I don’t want to be a human anymore. It was a life I wanted to be loved. Thank you everyone, I love you. Bye.”

Kimura won her first title at the Jwp Junior plate in 2016; and...

It's a sad day for the world of entertainment and wrestling. Hana Kimura, who was best known as a professional wrestler and a star on the Netflix reality TV show Terrace House, has passed away. She was 22 years old. On Friday night, Stardom Wrestling confirmed her death with a sentimental message on Twitter.  "Stardom fans, We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away. Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends," their statement read on social media. In closing, they wrote, "We appreciate your support during this difficult time." At this time, Hana's cause of...

Hana Kimura, a pro wrestler and cast member of the Netflix reality show “Terrace House,” has died, Stardom Wrestling announced Friday. She was 22.

“We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away,” the wrestling organization tweeted Friday night. “Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.”

The cause of Kimura’s death is unknown at the moment, but BBC reported that she had posted alarming messages on her social media account this week along with images of self harm.

In addition, Newsweek reported that the budding Japanese wrestling star had been the victim of cyberbullying.

Also Read: Amber-Lee Friis, Miss Universe New Zealand Finalist, Dies at 23

Several fans took aim at those who have “mean tweeted” her, with one fan writing, “This f—in idiot @dx6N0KFrvv6fPzm has been harassing...

Updated: Hana Kimura, a Japanese professional wrestler who was also a cast member on the most recent season of Netflix’s reality show “Terrace House,” has died, Variety has confirmed. She was 22.

Stardom Wrestling, the organization Kimura was part of, issued a statement on the news on Friday.

“We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away,” it wrote. “Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.”

Stardom fans,

We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away.

Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.

We appreciate your support during this difficult time.

— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) May 23, 2020

A cause of death was not immediately clear. However, the most recent update...

While fans from all over the world wait for Part 4 of Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020 to make its triumphant return to Netflix, we’ve compiled a list of the five worst and five best housemates from the past seasons (excluding the original Boys × Girls Next Door) to tide you over.

Related: Terrace House: 3 Couples Who Are Still Together (& 5 Couples Who Have Broken Up Already)

Since debuting in the early 2010s, the Japanese reality show has made numerous headlines for its unique take on the genre. Instead of scenes filled with oversexed roommates, Terrace House mainly sees its cast partaking in casual dating, group outings, dinner prep, and roundtable discussions on how to find love and career success. But it’s Terrace House’s subtle nuances that have helped the show to garner such a worldwide fan base. So without further ado, check out the five best and five worst Terrace House housemates below.

(Welcome to The Quarantine Stream, a new series where the /Film team shares what they’ve been watching while social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.) The Series: Terrace House Where You Can Stream It: Netflix The Pitch: Three men and three women from different walks of life move into a plush minimalist house together in Japan. Sometimes they date, […]

The post The Quarantine Stream: ‘Terrace House’ is the Voyeuristic Escapism We Need Right Now appeared first on /Film.

Netflix's hit reality series Terrace House is halting production of its current season in Japan in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"We are suspending production of Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020, giving top priority to the health and safety of our cast and staff," the show tweeted Monday from its official Twitter account.

Fans of the hit series were quick to both lament and endorse the move. "Nooo, I'm so sad, but it's a good decision to protect the crew and participants' health," said one Twitter follower. Others were surprised to hear that the ...

I’ve only seen two other Sion Sono’s films before I watched “Strange Circus.” “I’m Sion Sono”(1985) is the earliest film from him that I’ve known. I was amazed and floored by the sheer energy of the film. Sono goofs around with his friend and practically shouts throughout “I’m Sion Sono”; what a way to introduce yourself to the world of cinema! The other one I’ve seen is “Tag” (2015) featuring Reina Triendl (fans of the reality television show “Terrace House” might be surprised by her performance in this film). That’s the first time that I’m aware that Sion Sono isn’t merely content of being weird or provocative. He is also interested in the nature of narrative and how that relates to our self-identity and sexuality. And he also has an astute eye on Japanese psyche, especially their particular way of fetishizing young girls’ bodies.

For the better part of a decade, observers of Japan’s conservative film industry have predicted that its repeatedly utilized formula would begin to fail. That is to say, audiences would tire of the continued churn of films adapted from legacy content, such as manga and television programs.

It hasn’t happened. Not only that, one could argue that things have never been better with ticket sales setting a box office record in 2019, jumping 17% over the year before to $2.4 billion.

That does not mean that the industry lacks intrigue. In recent times, it has overcome tragedy and even showed signs that some change could be afoot.

A check of the box office top 10 for 2019 reveals predictable results: Anime productions distributed by Toho dominated, with Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering With You” topping the list with a gross of $129 million.

“In the past, the stars were actors and actresses. But nowadays the stars are anime characters,...

(Welcome to Pop Culture Imports, a column that compiles the best foreign movies and TV streaming right now.) The best foreign movies and TV streaming now are a grab-bag of movies and TV from all over the globe. Well, two continents, to be specific. But vastly different genres and levels of prestige. From French anti-war masterpieces, […]

The post Pop Culture Imports: ‘La Grande Illusion,’ New Seasons of ‘Elite,’ ‘Terrace House,’ and More appeared first on /Film.

Labor Day is around the corner and following the start of the new month, Netflix will unveil a fresh slate of titles to binge. Revisit the terror in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” or keep up with the adventures of Princess Bean in “Disenchantment Part Two.” Additionally, “Good Boys” fans can re-watch “Superbad,” which hits the streaming service Sept. 1.

Netflix seems to be preparing for Halloween early with a solid list of horror and thriller titles joining the service next month. Along with “American Psycho,” “The Last Exorcism” and Season 3 of MTV’s “Scream” starring Willa Fitzgerald and Kiana Ledé will be available in September as well as new series “Serial Killer With Piers Morgan.”

Scroll through the list below:

Sept. 1

300

68 Kill

American Psycho

Dante’s Peak

Elena

For the Birds

Igor

Loo Loo Kids: Johny & Friends Musical Adventures: Season 1

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.

[Editor’s Note: The following contains minor spoilers from “Legion” Season 3 through Episode 5, “Chapter 24.”

Before Lauren Tsai played a time traveler on “Legion,” she packed in several careers in her 21 years. A newcomer to the acting world, Tsai is also a model and illustrator, but is probably best known as a reality star for her run on the Japanese-language Netflix/Fuji TV series, “Terrace House.”

During the time that Tsai appeared on “Terrace House: Aloha State,” she held her first gallery opening in Hawaii and then eventually left the show to pursue modeling in Japan. “I did my first solo gallery show when I was on the show. I put so much of myself into that, and it was terrifying to have my work out there,” she said in an interview with IndieWire. “That was the first time I ever showed my work publicly.”

Some reality stars – such as David Giuntoli and Jamie Chung – have parlayed their reality fame into acting careers,...

To many, the Fourth of July holiday and weekend means indulging in a long sleep, enjoying a beach day, and treating yourself to happy hour. But others, who prefer to cozy up at home, may be in need of a list of shows to start bingeing now that they have a few more out-of-office hours.

Already finished with the new season of “Stranger Things”? That was fast! In that case, a Fourth of July binge might mean finally starting Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s London-based comedy “Fleabag” that everyone in your life can’t stop talking about, or maybe it means you’ll sign yourself up for a voyage to “Love Island,” which just released five seasons on Hulu.

For those in the mood for something more serious, however, Netflix isn’t lacking in the historical miniseries department — “Chernobyl” and “When They See Us” both tell the gripping stories of two very...

In the few short years since breaking out as a fan favorite on the massively popular Japanese reality series “Terrace House,” Lauren Tsai has leveraged her impressively broad skillset to rewrite what audiences may have come to expect of a post-reality TV career.

Tsai’s latest turn, a starring role on the third and final season of the FX-Marvel drama “Legion” as the time-traveling mutant Switch, follows on a successful modeling career in Tokyo, illustration gigs for brands like Marvel and “Mortal Kombat” and a design collaboration with Marc Jacobs.

That breadth of work is reflective of the 21-year-old’s vast ambition, an omnivorous desire to try her hand at as many things and pursue as many opportunities as possible that’s served as her animating ethos even before “Terrace House.”

Also Read: 'Legion' Final Season Trailer: David Is the 'Magic Man,' Lenny Is the Mad...

Netflix has released its monthly list of what will be available to stream on the platform, with March additions including the Idris Elba comedy “Turn Up Charlie,” the second season of the Ya dramedy “On My Block” and the third season of “Queer Eye.”

“Turn Up Charlie,” an eight-episode series starring Elba as a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor who reluctantly becomes a ‘manny’ to his famous best friend’s problem-child daughter, is set to debut on Friday, March 15. Other Netflix originals premiering throughout the month include new seasons of “Patriot Act,” “Terrace House” and “Arrested Development” and “Santa Clarita Diet.” Amy Schumer will also debut her second Netflix stand-up special “Growing” on March 15.

As for non-Netflix exclusives, subscribers can catch “Apollo 13,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Winter’s Bone” beginning March 1, as well as Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” follow-up “Christopher Robin,” Cate Blanchett’s “Blue Jasmine” and...

Horror pics are making a return across the board as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime update their streaming platforms for the spooky season.

“The Shining” will kick off Netflix’s horror film slate, followed by “Truth or Dare” with Lucy Hale and Tyler Posey, “The Haunting of Molly Hartley,” and the Netflix original “The Haunting of Hill House.” Non-horror fans can also look forward to the addition of several big movies, including “Blazing Saddles,” “The NeverEnding Story,” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” Additionally, “Marvel’s Daredevil” is returning for a third season alongside Season 2 of “Making a Murderer” and “Big Mouth.”

Hulu is upping its horror game with titles such as “American Psycho,” “Anaconda” starring Jennifer Lopez, and “The Blair Witch Project.” The films will also appear alongside some more lighthearted content, including Season 5 of “Black-ish,” Season 9 of “Bob’s Burgers,” and Season 16 of “Family Guy.”

Rounding out the list,...

Halloween is on the horizon, and Netflix is getting ready by adding a host of new horror flicks to the streaming platform this October.

“The Shining” will be available starting Oct. 1. Later in the month, “Truth or Dare” with Lucy Hale and Tyler Posey, along with “The Haunting of Molly Hartley” and the Netflix original “The Haunting of Hill House” will be added. For non-horror fans, several stand-up comedy specials are joining the slate including Kevin Hart’s “Laugh at My Pain” and Adam Sandler’s “100% Fresh.”

A number of new show seasons are also premiering, including the second seasons of “Making a Murderer” and “Big Mouth,” as well as the third season of “Marvel’s Daredevil.” Netflix is also acquiring a host of other films such as “She’s Out of My League,” “The NeverEnding Story,” “V for Vendetta,” “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” and the “Blade” franchise.

IndieWire has championed many of the foreign-language offerings available on Netflix, from Brazil’s dystopian “3%” and Japan’s reality show “Terrace House” to Belgium’s “Hotel Beau Sejour” and the twisted German thriller “Dark.” Our stance on how to experience these shows aurally for optimum enjoyment has never changed: choose the original language audio with English subtitles.

Naturally, most people who want to experience foreign content authentically prefer subtitles, which is why it’s both jarring and frustrating to turn on one of these series for the first time on Netflix and hear out-of-sync dubbed dialogue. Going through the process of changing the settings to subtitles can be annoying as well.

Read More:The Best Netflix Foreign Language Shows Worth Bingeing, Part 1

Despite people’s assertions that they prefer subtitles, however, Netflix claims it knows viewers better than they know themselves. In an eye-opening Variety story, Netflix reveals some of the secrets of its operations,...

Even though Netflix has started to cancel its underperforming series in earnest, that doesn’t mean it lacks for programming. In fact, its slate of offerings is fuller than ever, which makes it difficult for viewers to choose when faced with an embarrassment of bingeable riches.

Netflix’s foreign series, however, rarely get promotion amidst all of the other American shows that have been produced. Although IndieWire has previously provided handy lists of foreign-language series a couple of times, including other imports, that is only a hint of all offerings available.

Read More:tv Imports: The Best Foreign Netflix Shows to Binge, Part 1

By now, you’ve already seen Brazil’s excellent dystopian series “3%” or the unforgettable “Chewing Gum” starring Michaela Coel, but what’s next? In an effort to continue helping viewers discover new or lesser-known foreign TV shows, we’ve compiled another list of those series worth bingeing below:...

1. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” Season 1 (available January 13)

Why Should I Watch It? Netflix has sunk quite a sum into this ambitious adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” Quite unlike the film version starring Jim Carrey, Netflix’s serialized adaptation will incorporate Lemony Snicket as a character (just he was in the book). Patrick Warburton plays the titular author recounting the tale of three Baudelaire children who are taken under the wing of the evil Count Olaf (Jim Carrey) when their parents encounter an unforeseen tragedy. And from what we’ve seen, Snicket’s warnings of the story’s grim nature as well as his general incorporation only make the show itself more endearing. This is a children’s story too dark for some children and made with adult expectations in mind.

Best Episode? We’ve yet to screen all the episodes from Season 1, and the...

Netflix is prepping its entry into Japan on September 2 and in the process deepening its ties to local players. Following a deal for original content with Fuji Television, Netflix has now partnered with leading mobile provider SoftBank to offer a “fully-integrated Netflix experience.” Part of that will include SoftBank selling Netflix subscriptions, while a content partnership is also being considered.

Netflix is setting up shop in a market where it will compete with Hulu, which is owned locally by Nippon TV, and streaming services offered by Ntt Docomo and SoftBank’s own Uula. SoftBank President Ken Miyauchi said Uula will continue, but the focus will be on Netflix, according to the Japan Times.

Miyauchi also told the paper that the partners may jointly create content, but details are as-yet unclear. Netflix Chief Streaming and Partnerships Officer, Greg Peters stressed that the company is focused on spreading stories and unique consumer experiences globally.

Japan’s SoftBank Corp will offer Netflix subscriptions to its 37 million mobile phone customers when the global streaming service launches in Japan on September 2.

The two companies have also announced that they are planning to work together on local content, although no details were provided.

Netflix is launching a three-tier pricing structure when it launches in Japan next week: “basic”, with single-stream standard definition for $5.30 (Y650) plus tax; “standard”, with high-definition streaming on two devices for $7.80 (Y950) plus tax; and “premium”, with 4K high-definition on four devices for $11.90 (Y1,450) plus tax per month.

SoftBank customers will be able to sign up for the service at SoftBank shops, the SoftBank website and call centres, with the Netflix monthly fee added to their regular bills. SoftBank will also start pre-installing the Netflix app on its smartphones from October 2015.

The announcement was made by Netflix Japan president Greg Peters and SoftBank’s head of mobile operations, Ken Miyauchi...