Anime

2005: A Year in Review
2005 was the year we have been waiting for: the renaissance for anime. Read on as the entire NHRV staff comments on many sensational surprises of that year.

2006: A Year in Review
In five years time when anime viewers look back on 2006 to reminisce about the year that was, there will inevitably be one anime not more than millimeters from the tips of people’s tongues, even then. Read here to see what our staff thought were the titles that defined the year of 2006.

2007: A Year in Review
2007 was a rather strange year in many respects, and that goes for anime as well. The tradition continues with our third annual installment of our look back at the year that was.

2008: A Year in Review
I think everyone has a slightly different view on anime in 2008 but if there’s one thing we, here, at The Nihon Review all agree with is that this year lacked an out-and-out masterpiece. Take a look at what we thought about a year in anime filled with controversy and sequels.

2009: A Year in Review
2009 was a strange year for anime, which is a polite way of saying it was a dour year. Arguably, the two most influential anime of the year owe quite a bit to what might be the most influential anime of the latter part of the decade.

2010: A Year in Review
Sometimes it’s difficult to give a clear retrospective on the year that’s gone by in the moments after it’s just finished. What were the anime that we regarded as notable in 2010?

2011: A Year in Review
2011 has been one of the better years in recent memory. Despite there being a decrease in the quantity of anime being made for the fifth consecutive year, the quality of anime, particular at the highest tier, has been eye-catching.

The History of Anime
An in-depth look at the history of anime, from it’s earliest beginnings until modern times.

Music

Coming Soon!

Japanese Culture

Noh Drama
Noh is a traditional Japanese dramatic art form that has existed for many centuries. This article by Kuma goes in-depth with a look at the history, style, and meaning of Noh.

A Trip to Japan
Kurier explores Japan in a two week expedition, learning and experiencing more than many ever will in the land of the rising sun. This 3-part editorial is an in-depth look at what he had done and what he had seen.
Japan: A Questionnaire
An overview of the trip, with questions from various members of The Nihon Review community.
Part One: The Ogaki Chronicles
The first half of Kurier’s trip: from the airport to Ogaki!
Part Two: The Omiya Chronicles
And lastly, Tokyo!

Japanese and American culture through Shall We Dance
Japanese and American societies are both modern industrial societies and yet they are different in many key places. Kuma analyzes these differences through a comparison of the Japanese and American versions of the film, Shall We Dance.