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Sword Art Online Integral Domain new SAO movie 2028 announcement

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Japan Now! New Sword Art Online Movie “Integral Domain” Announced for 2028 (7/6)

japanup_akane 07/06/2026

For over a decade, Sword Art Online has been the gateway anime that introduced millions of Western fans to the idea of living inside a video game. However, ever since the epic Alicization arc concluded in 2020, one question has haunted the fandom: what happens to Kirito and Asuna next? Japan just answered with the reveal of Sword Art Online Integral Domain. Quick Answer: A brand-new original Sword Art Online movie, titled Sword Art Online the Movie -Integral Domain-, will hit Japanese theaters in 2028. It tells a completely original story set after the Alicization arc, with a story concept…

Motoori Norinaga, the scholar who defined mono no aware

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JAPANESE SAMURAI / Motoori Norinaga

japanup_akane 07/02/2026 Samurai

1730 – 1801 本居宣長 Motoori Norinaga The Scholar Who Unearthed the Sensibility of Japanese Culture . If you have ever felt a bittersweet ache at falling cherry blossoms, you already understand mono no aware. This uniquely Japanese sense of beauty was named and defined by one scholar: Motoori Norinaga. Motoori Norinaga, born in 1730 in what is now Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture, is remembered as the scholar who illuminated the emotional core of Japanese culture—mono no aware, the deep sensitivity to the beauty and sorrow of human experience. His life traces the path of a boy captivated by books who…

Japan heatwave 2026: extreme summer heat warning

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Japan Now! A “Once in a Decade” Heatwave Is Coming(7/2)

japanup_akane 07/02/2026

Summer in Japan is always hot, and most travelers plan for it. However, on July 2, 2026, Japan’s weather agency issued a rare official warning: a “once in a decade” level of extreme heat is expected to hit large parts of the country starting July 8. If you are traveling in Japan this month, this Japan heatwave 2026 alert is one you should not ignore. Quick Answer: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued Early Warning Information on Extreme Weather on July 2, 2026. From around July 8 (July 9 in the Tokai region), temperatures in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kinki, and…

Carine Lantignac, a French artist living in Japan as a foreigner

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I LIVE IN JAPAN / Carine Lantignac / Artist and Cultural consultant

japanup_akane 07/02/2026

Jun 2026 (VOL.224) Carine Lantignac What is it really like to live in Japan as a foreign artist? In this I Live in Japan interview, French artist and cultural consultant Carine Lantignac shares 13 years of life in Tokyo, raising three children and building Mapponica, her art maps made from traditional Japanese paper. What do you do in Japan? I have been going through different phases of adaptations following my family needs, being the prime physical carer of my children I had to constantly find the most suitable solution. I have three children and a Japanese husband, so caring. My…

JapanUp magazine 225 July 2026 cover, Japanese beer special issue

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JapanUp! 225 – July 2026

miwako3 07/01/2026

HAVE YOU READ OUR LATEST ISSUE?🤓 July issue is available on our website. Check it out NOW!

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Japan Now! BE:FIRST Drop New Song “Missing” at FNS 2026 (6/30)

japanup_akane 06/30/2026

For years, BE:FIRST has been one of the most talked-about boy groups to come out of Japan’s BMSG label. However, on July 1, 2026, they did something that pushed them into an entirely new spotlight: they performed the brand-new song “Missing” on national television for the very first time, on the same night they covered a beloved Japanese summer classic.This BE:FIRST Missing performance instantly became one of the night’s biggest talking points. Quick Answer: At the 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer (FNS Kayousai), the BE:FIRST Missing premiere came at the 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer, where they also performed Keisuke…

Julie Mitrovic, a French coach living in Japan as a foreigner

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I LIVE IN JAPAN / Julie Mitrovic / Coach & Facilitator

japanup_akane 06/30/2026

May 2026 (VOL.223) Julie Mitrovic What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m a coach and facilitator working with women navigating major life or career transitions. I help them reconnect with themselves and move forward with clarity and confidence, using a blend of somatic coaching and Positive Psychology. I support them in those in-between moments where the old version no longer fits, but the new one hasn’t fully emerged yet. After 10 years working in Admin and HR, I wanted to deepen my impact, so I started a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Grand Opening of a Massive New Store in Little Tokyo! 📚｜Books Kinokuniya

Hiratsuka 06/30/2026

⭐ Now with 2 Downtown locations! Your ultimate hub for Japanese culture is stepping up its game Kinokuniya Los Angeles is thrilled to announce its relocation and Grand Opening this June 2026, right here in Little Tokyo! Our brand-new store is more than double in size, expanding into a massive 405-tsubo (approx. 14,400 sq ft) space. On top of that, our shopping mall location has officially become a permanent, independent branch: Kinokuniya Los Angeles THE BLOC. With two convenient locations now serving the Downtown LA area, we look forward to making your book-loving lifestyle richer and more vibrant than ever.…

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JAPANESE SAMURAI / Masaoka Shiki

japanup_akane 06/29/2026 Samurai

1867 – 1902 正岡子規 Masaoka Shiki A Literary Figure Who Revitalized Modern Haiku and Opened New Paths for Language from His Sickbed . Early Life and the Formation of His Literary Interests Masaoka Shiki was born in 1867 in what is now Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. His real name was Masaoka Tsunenori. From an early age, he loved reading and grew up immersed in Chinese poetry and classical Japanese literature. After the death of his father, he was raised by his mother and grandmother. Although the family was not wealthy, he was fortunate to grow up in a culturally rich…

Tendon tempura rice bowl from Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS at Mitsuwa Del Amo

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Opens in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

Carlos Jr., the popular tempura specialist known for its crispy tendon (tempura rice bowls), is now open in the food court at Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo. This express location offers the convenience of food-court service, plus exclusive items like the Spam tempura musubi. The new udon and tempura combo and the bento box are already proving to be big hits. Stop by and give it a try on your next Mitsuwa shopping run. Update (July 2026): Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS is now running a free drink campaign. Like their Instagram post and show it at the register to get one…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

TAKUMA IZAKAYA’s Daily Special Bento Is a Santa Monica Favorite

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

A local favorite, the daily special bento box at TAKUMA IZAKAYA is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Chef Takuma rotates the menu each day, with hearty options like ginger pork (shogayaki), tsukune chicken meatballs, and garlic shrimp bento. They are made fresh in limited numbers each day, so they tend to go fast. TAKUMA is also taking orders for special celebration bento boxes for events. With World Cup-related events possibly in the works, be sure to follow their Instagram to catch the latest daily specials and announcements. TAKUMA IZAKAYA 2627 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-586-7469santamonicatakuma.comInstagram: @takuma_santa_monica

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Japan Now! Samurai Blue Stun Brazil with an Early Lead, Then Fall to a Last-Gasp Goal (6/29)

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

For 90 minutes in Houston, it looked like Japan might pull off the upset of the World Cup. Facing five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32, the Samurai Blue did not just defend. They struck first, led for nearly half the match, and pushed the favorites to the very last seconds. In the end, it took six minutes of stoppage time for Brazil to escape with a 2-1 win. Quick Answer: On June 29, 2026, Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 in Houston. Japan’s Kaishu Sano scored first in the 29th minute, but Casemiro…