KotobaInteractive
Journal

The Kotoba Interactive journal.

Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.

Glossary
3 articles
Yoshiki et Toshi de X Japan en concert, figures fondatrices du visual kei.
JapaneseArts12 min

Visual Kei and Rhythm Games: Japan's Music Scene

From flamboyant visual kei to the arcade cabinets of Taiko and beatmania, a journey through two pillars of Japanese music culture and their shared legacy.

Read
Vue nocturne de Tokyo illuminée, gratte-ciels et néons évoquant l’ambiance urbaine de la city pop.
JapaneseArts12 min

City Pop: The Global Revival of a Forgotten Sound

The story of Japanese city pop, the bubble-era sound resurrected by YouTube and TikTok. From Takeuchi Mariya to Matsubara Miki, a worldwide revival decades later.

Read
Salle de karaoké avec écran et microphone.
JapaneseSociété10 min

Karaoke: From Japan to the World, the Art of Singing Together

History of karaoke, from its invention in Japan to noraebang culture in Korea and KTV in China. How a machine changed our evenings.

Read