World's Largest Legoland Opens to Tourists in Shanghai
The Legoland resort, which opened Saturday, is the first in China. It is the largest Legoland in the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks.
The resort was developed in conjunction with the Shanghai government by Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group.
Among the main attractions in the resort is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features sights from across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's the Bund waterfront. There's also a boat tour through a historical Chinese water town built with Lego bricks.
Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Legoland characters. Tickets range from $44 (319 yuan) to $84 (599 yuan).
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The Mainichi
a day ago
- The Mainichi
Oasis sends fans 'Supersonic' as long-awaited reunion tour starts in Cardiff
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) -- Oasis ended a 16-year hiatus on Friday with a punchy, powerful trip through one of Britpop's greatest songbooks, kicking off a reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales to a crowd ecstatic for the band's 1990s hits. And was there brotherly love between the famously feuding Gallagher siblings? Definitely maybe. Liam's swagger is undimmed Fans traveled to the Welsh capital from around the world for a show that many thought would never happen. Guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and his singer brother Liam, the heart of Oasis, had not performed together since their acrimonious split in 2009. One fan banner summed it up: "The great wait is over." After a montage of headlines about the sparring siblings was capped with the words "the guns have fallen silent," Oasis appeared on stage to a deafening roar, opening with the apt "Hello" and its refrain of "it's good to be back." The brothers had a brief hand-in-hand moment but largely kept their distance onstage. Noel, 58, focused on his guitar while a parka-clad Liam, 52, snarled into the microphone with a swagger that has not dimmed in the 31 years since the band released its first album, "Definitely Maybe." A crowd of more than 60,000 in the Principality Stadium was treated to a well-paced two-hour set that drew heavily on the first album and its 1995 followup, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory," alongside a smattering of later tracks and fan-favorite B-sides. Songs like "Supersonic," "Roll With It" and "Rock 'n' Roll Star" sounded as thunderous as ever and sparked mass sing-alongs. "Put your arms over each other like you love each other," a tambourine-clutching Liam exhorted the crowd before launching into "Cigarettes and Alcohol." There was poignancy on "Live Forever" when an image of Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash on Thursday, was projected above the band. Noel took his turn on lead vocals for several songs, including the touching "Half the World Away," and the show ended with encores featuring some of Oasis' most enduring tracks: "Don't Look Back in Anger," "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova." The brothers shared a half-hug as they ended the final song. Multicolored, sometimes faintly psychedelic, projections formed the main technological accoutrement to a show where the focus was squarely on the songs. There was little banter, though Liam paused between songs to check the audience was having a good time. "Was it worth the 40,000 pounds you paid for the ticket?" he quipped at one point, referring to the scramble for seats that saw some fans pay hundreds to see a show. From the roar of response, it was. "Absolutely incredible -- best gig I've ever been to in my life," said Nathan Price-Gearey as fans poured out of the stadium. "It was massive," said Millie Anderson, another satisfied concertgoer. "When they played 'Stand by Me,' I started sobbing my eyes out." 'Very, very special' The show in Cardiff kicked off a 19-date Live '25 tour in the U.K. and Ireland. Then come stops in North America, South America, Asia and Australia, ending in Sao Paulo on Nov. 23. The streets around the stadium filled before the concert with fans who gathered in groups to sing along to the band's hits and snapped up Oasis-branded bucket hats at 35 pounds ($48) each. "It's very, very special -- emotional," said 44-year-old Rob Maule from Edinburgh, Scotland, who came with three childhood friends. "For us, it's a generational thing. It's a chapter of our lives. And then the second generation, as people are taking their kids. It's really special." Vicki Moynehan came from Dorchester, in southwest England. She said her life has changed since she bought her ticket almost a year ago. "Seven months pregnant -- ain't gonna stop me," she said. Sing-along rock choruses Founded in the working-class streets of Manchester, England, in 1991, Oasis was one of the dominant British acts of the 1990s, releasing eight U.K. No. 1 albums. The band's sound was fueled by sing-along rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher -- a Beatles and glam rock-loving musician with a knack for memorable tunes -- and younger brother Liam. Then and since, the brothers have often traded barbs -- onstage, in the studio and in interviews. Liam once called Noel "tofu boy," while Noel branded his brother "the angriest man you'll ever meet. He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup." After a backstage bust up at a concert in France in 2009, they long resisted pressure to reunite, even with the promise of a multimillion-dollar payday. Now they have agreed on a tour that sees them joined by former Oasis members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Gem Archer on guitar, bassist Andy Bell and drummer Joey Waronker. 'An absolute unbelievable blast' The announcement of the U.K. tour in August sparked a ticket-buying frenzy, complete with error messages, hourslong online queues, dashed hopes and anger at prices that surged at the last minute. The ticketing troubles sparked questions in the U.K. Parliament and an investigation by Britain's competition regulator. It has threatened Ticketmaster -- which sold around 900,000 Oasis tickets -- with legal action. No plans have been announced for Oasis to record any new music, and the tour is being presented as a one-off. Music writer John Aizlewood said that it's an opportunity for Oasis to "tend the legacy" of the band, and remind people of the power of the Oasis brand. "There should be a sense of huge joy and life affirmation about these shows. And I think if they can just play it right, then that can be a massive burnishing of their legacy," he said. "(There is) this enduring love for Oasis -- and love means money." Fans were determined to enjoy the moment.
Japan Today
2 days ago
- Japan Today
Julian McMahon, actor who appeared in 'Fantastic Four' films and TV show 'Charmed,' has died
FILE - Julian McMahon arrives at the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Julian McMahon, an Australia-born actor who performed in two 'Fantastic Four' films and appeared in TV shows such as 'Charmed," 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Profiler,' has died, his wife said in a statement. McMahon, 56, died peacefully after a battle with cancer, Kelly McMahon said in a statement provided to The Associated Press by his Beverly Hills, California-based publicist. 'Julian loved life," the statement said. 'He loved his family. He loved his friends He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.' McMahon played Dr. Doom in the films 'Fantastic Four' in 2005 and 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,' which came out two years later. Along with 'Charmed,' 'Nip/Tuck,' and 'Profiler,' he also had roles in the TV shows 'Home and Away,' 'FBI: Most Wanted' and 'Another World,' according to IMDB. Actress Alyssa Milano, who appeared with McMahon on 'Charmed,' mourned his death on social media, saying 'Julian was more than my TV husband.' 'Julian McMahon was magic,' Milano said. 'That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.' © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
2 days ago
Kataoka Folding Screens: Japanese Tradition Made to Order
Ornate folding screens called byōbu have been part of Japanese interior décor since the sixth century. Today, Kataoka Byōbu, a specialty shop in the Mukōjima neighborhood of Tokyo's Sumida, uses traditional techniques paired with contemporary know-how to create original renditions of the decorative items that reflect modern tastes. The shop, founded in 1946, nestles in a residential area just a stone's throw from the Tokyo Skytree. Run by third-generation head Kataoka Kōta, it has drawn attention in Japan and abroad for its made-to-order services. While in high school, Kataoka spent time studying in the United States and was impressed by how fellow exchange students from other countries eloquently shared about their own cultures. He says that the experience opened his eyes, convincing him that folding screens were a tradition Japan could take pride in. This led him to join the family business, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who founded the shop, and his father. Since taking the reins in 2024, he has embraced Japan's uptick in foreign visitors as an opportunity to share the ancient charms of Japan's traditional folding screens 'More and more, people around the world are incorporating aspects of Japanese culture into their daily lives,' he explains, beaming. 'That includes using byōbu to add a touch of art to living spaces.' Kataoka Byōbu nestles in a quiet residential neighborhood. The first floor is the shop's showroom, and the second floor houses its workshop. (© ) Kataoka Byōbu head Kataoka Kōta says every person on his small, seven-member team plays a vital role in spreading the appeal of folding screens, from experienced craftsmen on down. (© ) Byōbu , which are Chinese in origin, have been used in Japan since the Nara period (710–94), initially to protect against drafts in sleeping quarters and as room dividers. They took on a more decorative role starting in the Muromachi period (1333–1568), with screens coming to display pictures in artistic styles ranging from modest ink paintings to ornate scenes depicted on gold-leaf backgrounds. Many of the masterpieces that have survived to the present were commissioned by samurai and aristocratic families as well as Buddhist temples. Hina dolls displayed in front of a folding screen. (© ) As there is little call for folding screens in modern homes though, demand has shrunk, with many producers closing their doors forever. Today, Kataoka Byōbu is the sole shop of its kind in Tokyo. Its main business is making screens for traditional doll manufacturers and other businesses specializing in seasonal decorations, an industry that itself is feeling the pinch of Japan's changing demographic landscape. Recognizing the shifting winds, the shop under began accepting general orders. It launched its made-to-order service whereby customers can purchase byōbu of their own design for special occasions like wedding anniversaries. As its customizing business has grown, the shop has also seen an uptick in orders from companies and local governments. A fashion display incorporates a special-order folding screen made by Kataoka Byōbu. (Courtesy Kataoka Byōbu) Photos and other images can be used to customize folding screens. (© ) A traditional-style work by a contemporary artist. (© ) Freedom of Expression Kataoka says that foreigners interested in traditional Japanese culture are another growing segment and now account for some 30% of the shop's sales. Motifs like pine trees and Mount Fuji are popular made-to-order designs. He and staff take orders directly at the store or interact online using texting apps to meet customer requests for aspects like size and color schemes, shipping the final creations nearly anywhere in the world. A folding screen ordered by a foreign customer featuring a Japanese maple in autumn and gold leaf. (Courtesy Kataoka Byōbu) Kataoka Byōbu's workshop. (© ) Kataoka enjoys meeting a wide variety of customer requests, declaring that 'the process of creating an original folding screen from scratch is a thrill.' Starting with a basic budget, the staff work closely with customers to come up with a design. Once this is finalized, artisans go to work in the store's second-floor workshop, preparing the frame, washi that serves as the canvas, and other parts. With larger, more intricate works, it can take up to three months to finish a screen. The finished products are checked carefully against the original design. (© ) An artisan at Kataoka Byōbu uses a traditional technique to smooth the surface of the folding screen in preparation for printing. (© ) Kataoka Byōbu has poured energy into spreading understanding of the traditional artform in Japan and abroad, including collaborations with foreign artists in exhibitions. Kataoka says that nothing brings him more pleasure than introducing people to the world of byōbu . 'I encourage everyone to drop by the shop while visiting the Tokyo Skytree and see the amazing skills of our artisans firsthand.' Kataoka Byōbu has a small museum showing tools and how screens are created. (© ) Kataoka Byōbu Address: 1-31-6 Mukōjima, Sumida, Tokyo Hours: weekdays 10:00 to 17:00; closed weekends and national holidays Getting there: one minute from the front exit of Tokyo Skytree station on the Tōbu Line; five minutes from the A4 exit of Honjoazumabashi station on the Toei Asakusa Line; six minutes from the A3 exit of Oshiage station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line Website (Japanese only): (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo © .)
