With Tokyo International Comedy Festival finding its foothold, stand-up comedy isn’t just visiting Japan anymore — it’s becoming part of the culture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/09/11/stage/tokyo-international-comedy-festival/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #stage #tokyointernationalcomedyfestival #comedy #bjfox #patrickharlan #tokyocomedybar #standup #shibuya #shibuyaward #tokyo

Shibuya, Tokyo's coolest ward, is offering international entrepreneurs free space, a good address and a wide range of support services. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/06/18/shibuya-foreign-startups/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #startups #shibuyaward #entrepreneurs #investments

“My vibe is kidnapped.” Atsuko Okatsuka’s upcoming special, "Father," mines comedy from gender expectations, failing as an adult and family drama — just in time for Father's Day. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/05/30/stage/atsuko-okatsuka-comedy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #stage #atsukookatsuka #comedy #tokyocomedybar #yuriecollins #shibuyaward #tokyo #standup #disneyplus #hulu

Fresh bread, international schools and a hint of bouillabaisse — is Tokyo's Hiroo neighborhood the ultimate expat dream, or a curated mirage? https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/04/13/issues/perfect-day-hiroo-tokyo/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #issues #hiroo #nishiazabu #shibuyaward #minatoward #expats #foreignresidents #embassies #realestate

The 11th edition of the annual blues, jazz and roots festival will also be its last, at least in its current form, but the core concept of the event will live on. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2024/10/11/music/peter-barakan-live-magic-finale/ #culture #music #peterbarakan #musicfestivals #livemagic #worldmusic #ebisu #shibuyaward #tokyo

While Tokyo's Harajuku remains a popular district, some say it has lost its shine from the late 80s and early 90s. Local efforts are looking to get its creative juices flowing again. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/05/02/harajuku-change/ #business #harajuku #shibuya #tokyo #tokyu #shibuyaward #buildings

A new landmark complex will make its debut in Harajuku next week, with the aim of becoming a new creative and cultural hub for individuals in the iconic fashion town. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/04/09/companies/harakado-preview/ #business #companies #harajuku #shibuya #tokyo #tokyu #shibuyaward #buildings

This year, Shibuya is cancelling Halloween. But if it aspires to 'icon' status, it shouldn't be turning people away. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2023/10/30/japan/shibuya-halloween-cancelled-mistake/?utm_content=buffera6b50&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #commentary #japan #tokyo #shibuya #shibuyaward #halloween #kenhasebe #drinking #alcohol #localgovernment

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward was prepared for a potentially raucous Halloween weekend on Saturday, but measures to deter costumed revelers from gathering in the trendy area — including a ban on street drinking — appeared to be relatively effective. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/29/japan/society/tokyo-shibuya-halloween-celebrations/?utm_content=buffera28f9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #japan #society #kenhasebe #tokyo #shibuya #localgovernment #halloween #drinking #shibuyaward #alcohol

Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe is aiming to transform his hometown into something more mature and sophisticated — akin to London, Paris or New York. But he faces a host of challenges. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/26/japan/society/shibuya-mayor-ken-hasebe/?utm_content=buffer0090d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #japan #society #kenhasebe #tokyo #shibuya #localgovernment #halloween #drinking #shibuyaward #alcohol