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April 8, 2015
Feature: Ask the Culture Connoisseurs! Music, Books, and Films to Enrich Long Winter Nights, Vol. 3
Entertainers Recommended by Experts Vol. 3
What kind of music, books, and films do these leading figures, who are always at the forefront of their fields, recommend?
This time, a total of 25 experts, from singer JUJU and actor Yusuke Iseya to OPENERS' regular contributors, have generously shared their most cherished works, which they would rather keep to themselves, exclusively for OPENERS readers.
In this third installment, we feature actress Miwako Ichikawa, architect Makoto Tanijiri, fashion journalist Yoshiko Ikoma, musician/writer/music instructor Naruyoshi Kikuchi, and travel journalist Naoko Terada. Why not take this opportunity to discover some wonderful works you haven't encountered yet?
Miwako Ichikawa
Actress
──Your resolution for 2011?
I plan to read a lot of books.
(C)Maki Ogasawara
MUSIC
'WWII Transcriptions'
Nat King Cole Trio
Music & Arts Program
This New Year's, I find myself wanting to listen to this kind of romantic music from this era.
BOOK
'Ryunosuke Akutagawa: Chikuma Japanese Literature Vol. 2'
Author | Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Chikuma Shobo
Thinking of the New Year, the short story 'Mikan' (Mandarin Oranges) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa comes to mind.
MOVIE
'The Lovebirds'
Director | Nicholas Stoller
Général Universal Entertainment
I've recently become quite fond of an actor named Jason Segel, who appears in the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother' (which is also hilarious!). I haven't seen this movie starring him yet, but I plan to watch it over the New Year. Apparently, it's silly and funny. I heard he also wrote the script, which makes me even more excited.
(C) 2009 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Makoto Tanijiri
Architect
──Your resolution for 2011?
To communicate the appeal of architecture to society more effectively.
MUSIC
'NEWOLD'
Trio The Bass
Avex
I'm an artist I like so much that I feel like I'm promoting them on their behalf.
BOOK
'Slam Dunk'
Author | Takehiko Inoue
Shueisha
No matter how many times I read it, I still cry.
I want to read all the volumes at once.
MOVIE
'Herb & Dorothy'
Director | Megumi Sasaki
Theater Image Forum and others, currently showing nationwide.
I feel that the importance of believing in what you love is conveyed here.
Yoshiko Ikoma
Fashion Journalist
──Your resolution for 2011?
This is a key year, said to mark the transition from Pisces to Aquarius. It's a shift from an era prioritizing materialism to one that values spirit and intellect. Amidst this surge of spiritual power, I'm focusing on ethical fashion, the COOL JAPAN project, pro bono work, fashion x art, and craftsmanship, among other things. I aim to cherish each project and approach their planning and execution with spirit!
MUSIC
'AISHA.EP'
AISHA
Ariola Japan
I recently discovered a half-Japanese, half-American diva who makes you wonder if she's the next Hikaru Utada! She effortlessly sings everything from gospel to hip-hop, and her look is funky and stylish!
Her future is promising.
BOOK
'How to Make a Living from Social Contribution'
Author | Yoshiaki Takei
Diamond-sha
This year, the top popular job destination for American university graduates is the education NPO 'Teach For America.' In Japan too, the number of young people who want to build a career through social contribution is rapidly increasing! This book is a must-read for beginners in social contribution who are interested in this field.
MOVIE
'Godard & Socialism'
Director | Jean-Luc Godard
France Eigasha
Focusing on small histories rather than grand narratives. Godard's unique perspective has once again created a new story and visual world. I particularly want to draw attention to Patti Smith's excellent performance.
(C) France Eigasha
Photo by Masahiro Sanbe
Naruyoshi Kikuchi
Musician / Writer / Music Instructor
──Your resolution for 2011?
At my own pace.
MUSIC
'Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1'
Glenn Gould
Sony Records
When I get tired of sake and switch to Western liquor, open the window, and gaze at the sky while listening to this, it feels like I'm undergoing an exorcism.
BOOK
'2001: A Space Odyssey'
Author | Arthur C. Clarke
Hayakawa Publishing
It would be even better if you watched the movie too, but anyway, 10 years have passed since the 2001 envisioned in the 60s.
(C) Hayakawa Bunko SF Cover Illustration
MOVIE
'Russian Ark'
Director | Alexander Sokurov
Kinokuniya Company Ltd.
You'll understand when you watch it, but there's no foreign film that suits the Japanese New Year better than this. Enjoy it with your otoso (New Year's celebratory sake) and osechi (New Year's food).
Naoko Terada
Travel Journalist
──Your resolution for 2011?
As a travel journalist, I want to further pursue the theme of 'intelligent travel' and engage in work that offers deeper insights and inspires a motivation for travel. Personally, I aim to maintain my body and mind for a cheerful life.
MUSIC
'Salena Sings J-Ballad'
Salena Jones
Pony Canyon
The veteran Salena Jones delivers evergreen J-ballads like Yutaka Ozaki's 'I Love You' and Southern All Stars' 'Itoshi no Ellie' with her exquisite silk voice. Whether it's a late, lazy morning, a drive, or a late night, this album fits seamlessly into any holiday situation, offering a fresh and comfortable sense of luxury.
BOOK
'Until We Meet Again (Volumes 1 & 2)'
John Irving
Shinchosha
Master John Irving's novels are long and complex. You have to commit to them. That's why this epic work, spanning over 1000 pages in two volumes, is perfect for the New Year. Set in the stark atmosphere of Northern Europe, the narrative that traces back through time is Irving's forte as a storyteller. You might get bored halfway through, but the overwhelming emotion you feel after overcoming that is a special 'New Year's gift' only for those who finish it!
MOVIE
'The Five'
Director | Takashi Igarashi
Libero
Another youth drama from the late Edo period. This film recreates the historical event of five young men, including Hirobumi Ito, who would later become the first Prime Minister, secretly traveling to England, entrusting their hopes for Japan's future. It's deeply moving to witness their pure loyalty to Japan and their pride as Japanese, not just their ideals. The casting is also superb. It's a must-watch for the New Year to renew your aspirations.