Japan supernatural

Yumi Stynes in conversation with Fuyuko Matsui at Art After Hours.

Image: Fuyuko Matsui Regeneration of a breached thought 2012 (detail), single-channel projection; 2:58 min (still) © Rolex (Japan) Limited. Photo: courtesy the artist

Yumi Stynes chats with Japanese alternative rock goddesses Shonen Knife as they take a quick break from touring the country with Regurgitator. Famously one of Kurt Cobain’s favourite bands, in 2019 the trio charged ahead towards their 4th decade of international touring and recording with their 19th studio release Sweet Candy Power.

Image: Atsuko Yamano, Risa Kawano and Naoko Yamano of Shonen Knife

Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the strange world of spooks, folklore and old-school horror with live readings of uncanny Japanese tales with Arisa Yura and Terumi Narushima. Co-produced with the Japan Foundation, Sydney.

Image: Arisa Yura as Mayu Kanamori in Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, 2015

Adam Liaw interviews Sydney-based Japanese-style tattoo master Horisumi, AKA Kian Forreal about the popularity of otherworldly motifs in Japanese tattoo culture.

Image: Kian Forreal (Horisumi) at work tattooing, 2019.

Adam Liaw interviews cosplay champion and academic Emerald King about the fantasy world of cosplay, and the supernatural characters and symbolism within.

Image: Emerald King as Lady Rokujo Asakiyumemshi, 2009.

Delving into the fantastical world of manga and animation, Adam Liaw talks to ACMI’s director of film Kristy Matheson about one of the most famous animation houses in the world, Studio Ghibli.

Image: Kristy Matheson