Japan's influence continues to ripple across the globe, impacting everything from entertainment and cuisine to social justice. From blockbuster video games to innovative (if slightly underwhelming) culinary concepts and hard-hitting documentaries, the Land of the Rising Sun is making its mark. Let's dive into a few recent examples.
The Rise of Monster Hunter and Assassin's Creed
The Monster Hunter video game series, a long-time favorite in Japan, has exploded in popularity internationally. But how did they do it? What was the key to unlocking a global audience after years of success at home?
Meanwhile, Ubisoft is gearing up to release Assassin's Creed Shadows, an action-adventure game set in Japan. The game offers players the choice of two protagonists with distinct playstyles, allowing them to tailor their experience. Good news for players who prefer sticking to one character: you won't miss out on any substantial content!
Robot Chefs and Yakitori in London
Over in London, a restaurant called Yari Club is making waves with its novel approach to yakitori. The twist? A "robot chef" prepares the food. However, as Grace Dent points out in her restaurant review, the reality might be a little less futuristic than expected.
“I didn’t expect the robot chef to be simply a deep-fat fryer,” Dent writes.
“Real chefs can be a huge pain: pricey, sulky and fickle. But there are no such problems with the chef at Yari Club, because it’s a big stainless-steel box filled with hot oil."While the concept might be more "kitchen gadget" than revolutionary robot, it's certainly generating buzz and sparking conversation.
Justice and the Silver Screen
On a more serious note, Shiori Ito's documentary, Black Box Diaries, is nominated for best documentary feature at the Academy Awards. This powerful film offers a searing indictment of Japan’s justice system in its handling of sexual assault cases.
Despite the global recognition, Black Box Diaries isn't being shown in Japan, raising questions about the film's reception and impact within the country itself. The film's absence from Japanese screens underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding discussions of sexual assault and justice.
From the lighthearted novelty of robot-cooked yakitori to the weighty issues explored in documentaries like Black Box Diaries, Japan's cultural and social contributions continue to shape our world in diverse and meaningful ways.