logo
Book review: Mai Ishizawa's The Place Of Shells is a profound debut about grief and loss

Book review: Mai Ishizawa's The Place Of Shells is a profound debut about grief and loss

Straits Timesa day ago
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Mai Ishizawa's The Place Of Shells is a hauntingly profound journey into the emotions associated with death and disaster.
By Mai Ishizawa, translated by Polly Barton
Fiction/Sceptre/Paperback/160 pages/$32.93
Worlds collide in Mai Ishizawa's powerful yet heartbreaking debut, The Place Of Shells, which immediately catapulted her into the literary stratosphere as she scooped up both the Gunzo New Writers' Prize and the prestigious Akutagawa Prize.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair
Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair

Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • Straits Times

Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Ayumi Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs. Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 I Am Ayu - Singapore Singapore Indoor Stadium July 5 Queen of J-pop Ayumi Hamasaki finally performed her first solo concert in Singapore on July 5 – and what an entrance she made. As the red curtains rose, more than a dozen dancers in striking gold costumes were seen centre stage. The 46-year-old superstar then emerged, looking radiant in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a sceptre. The near-10,000-strong capacity crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium went wild as she opened the show with three rock-influenced numbers – Inspire (2004), Duty (2000) and Microphone (2010). Hamasaki, or Ayu as she is known to her fans, debuted in 1998. Her rise to fame – from a flashy street-wise 'ah lian' to a polished pop princess to now the empress of pop – captivated a massive audience in Japan and beyond. At the concert, Hamasaki's widespread appeal was evident. Many concertgoers were dressed in leopard-print outfits – her signature – or T-shirts bearing her iconic 'A' logo. There were also fans who flew in from China. The singer-songwriter had kicked off her Asia tour – her first in 16 years – in Shanghai in November 2024. She later travelled to other Chinese cities – Chengdu, Ningbo and Guangzhou – and ended the tour in Japan's capital Tokyo in December 2024. Her sequel tour, or as she titled it, started in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei, as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker Asia Malaysian commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast Singapore Overlooked 'glass child', the sibling of a special-needs kid Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs. Through expressive choreography and dynamic visual projections, one could sense a trajectory of life's highs and lows. There were moments of despair, betrayal, misunderstanding and distance, as well as courage, hope and love. For instance, during Endless Sorrow (2001), Hamasaki's wrist was bound to a pillar surrounded by despondent dancers. The scene poignantly conveyed the anguish of being caught in grief and inner turmoil. Then, as she performed her iconic 1999 hit End Roll, a song about accepting change and letting go of the past, she ultimately 'died' in the arms of her beloved. But the mood lifted when she reappeared on stage in a bride-inspired ensemble. Her heartfelt delivery of lines like 'We are on this journey to be happy', from the 2002 ballad Voyage, had the audience singing along and waving their light sticks. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki opened the show in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a scepter that exuded power. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Now a mother of two and having faced challenges like the loss of hearing in one ear, Hamasaki's songs felt more powerful and authentic than ever. However, the transitions between sets felt awkward and confusing. The audience experience would also have been greatly improved if there were lyrics projected on-screen in romaji and with English translations. As the 2½-hour show entered its second half, it transitioned to 'concert mode'. Dressed in a red hip-hop-inspired outfit, Hamasaki performed alternative dance-rock hits Evolution (2001) and Startin' (2006). It was not until the encore that she addressed the concertgoers in fluent English, confessing her nervousness about their reaction to her debut solo show in Singapore. She had performed at the MTV Asia Music Awards here in 2002, when she was named Most Influential Japanese Singer in Asia. She described their warm response to her solo gig as 'beyond her imagination' before exclaiming: 'I'm the happiest person in the world now.' The crowd was captivated by her unique blend of commanding vocals and an endearingly anime-like speaking voice. J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki's performance blends iconic songs with theatrical flair. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI After an emotional rendition of My All (2008), an ode to unwavering love and gratitude, she exited the stage in tears. Many in the audience were inspired by her energy and resilience. For 47-year-old hairstylist Satoko Enomoto, who has lived in Singapore for six years, the concert exceeded her expectations. This was her first Hamasaki show. 'I was amazed by how Ayu's music still feels timeless yet fresh. It reflects her ability to honour the past while constantly innovating, always remaining stylish, strong and inspiring,' she says. 'I believe that's what makes her truly special and allows her to connect with fans across different generations.'

Singer Jay Chou shares photos with Initial D co-star Edison Chen
Singer Jay Chou shares photos with Initial D co-star Edison Chen

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Singer Jay Chou shares photos with Initial D co-star Edison Chen

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Jay Chou (right) shared on Instagram photos of him and Edison Chen posing in front of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara's pictures in London. Taiwanese singer Jay Chou bumped into his former co-star, Canadian actor Edison Chen, while both of them were recently in London. And their rare joint appearance together took fans down memory lane. The two are best known for starring together in Hong Kong street racing film Initial D (2005). Chou, 46, played the lead Takumi Fujiwara, while Chen, 44, took on the role of Ryosuke Takahashi, leader of racing team Red Suns. The film, based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, also starred Japanese actress Anne Suzuki as well as Hong Kong actors Anthony Wong and Shawn Yue. Edison Chen (left) and Jay Chou in Hong Kong street racing film Initial D (2005). PHOTO: SHAW ORGANISATION Chou shared on Instagram on July 4 two photos of him and Chen posing in front of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara's pictures. They were attending an exhibition of Nara's artworks in London. The Mandopop star also shared two movie stills of him and Chen in Initial D, and a fictional conversation between their two characters in the film. Ryosuke Takahashi: Would you like to join my team? Takumi Fujiwara: Sure! Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker Asia Malaysian commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast Singapore Overlooked 'glass child', the sibling of a special-needs kid Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds Ryosuke Takahashi: You transfer 300 yuan via WeChat first! Takumi Fujiwara: ………… 'Transfer 300 yuan via Wechat' was a meme from a video clip which went viral online. A netizen claimed to have received a voice message request from Chen, which turned out to be a prank by someone else. Chou's post has attracted more than 296,000 'likes' and shared more than 226,000 times as of July 6 afternoon. The singer completed the Hong Kong leg of his Carnival World Tour on June 29. He then headed to Britain to watch the ongoing 2025 Wimbledon Championships in London with his wife, Taiwanese-Australian model-actress Hannah Quinlivan. Chen, who is also in London watching the tennis competition, was previously in Taipei in December 2024 to attend Chou's concert at the Taipei Arena. Chou recently sparked speculation that he could have a role in Hong Kong director Stephen Chow's new movie Women's Soccer, after the singer shared on social media on July 2 a photo of them together. Chou was seen in the picture stepping on a football and mentioning Chow's movie Shaolin Soccer (2001) in the post.

Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four star, dies at 56
Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four star, dies at 56

Straits Times

time5 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four star, dies at 56

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Julian McMahon achieved leading-man status when he began starring in the FX series Nip/Tuck in 2003. NEW YORK - Australian actor Julian McMahon, known for playing the promiscuous plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy in American medical drama Nip/Tuck (2003 to 2010), as well as the egoistical evil scientist Dr Victor Von Doom in two Fantastic Four movies (2005 and 2007), died in Florida, United States, on July 2. He was 56. His death was confirmed by his wife Kelly, who said in a statement that the cause was cancer. McMahon began acting in Australian soap operas in the early 1990s and first found success in the US on the NBC soap opera Another World in 1993. After switching to prime-time television, his breakout role came when he played the half-human, half-demon Cole Turner on three seasons of the WB supernatural series Charmed (1998 to 2006). McMahon achieved leading-man status when he began starring in the FX series Nip/Tuck in 2003. His performance as a self-destructive playboy contrasted with Dr Troy's strait-laced best friend, Dr Sean McNamara, played by American actor Dylan Walsh. On the show, the pair ran a plastic surgery practice, first in Miami and later in Los Angeles, and frequently sparred over the morality of their profession. McMahon's cocky, confident characterisation allowed him to deliver some fan-favourite lines, such as, 'She's a troublemaker and her shoes are cheap.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July launch Singapore TTSH to demolish century-old pavilion wards, keeping one as heritage marker Singapore Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at NDP 2025 World 'Formed to give you back your freedom': Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds Asia HIV surge in the Philippines amid poor sex education, policy gaps Tech Graduates are not screwed if they study engineering: James Dyson in response to Economist article Business When a foreign wife failed to turn up for a $10m divorce In 2005, McMahon went from playing a sex-addicted surgeon to portraying the maniacal Dr Doom in the first of two Fantastic Four theatrical releases, the 2005 movie, Fantastic Four, and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer. Dr Doom, a megalomaniacal villainous tycoon from the Marvel comic book series Fantastic Four, which was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and debuted in 1961, wears a threatening silver mask to hide his scarred face. Julian McMahon played the maniacal Dr Victor Doom in two Fantastic Four movies (2005 and 2007). PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX Julian McMahon was born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, one of three children. His father was Mr William McMahon, a former prime minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, and his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, was a socialite and philanthropist. McMahon's survivors include his wife Kelly and a daughter Madison. He married Brooke Burns, an American model and game show host, in 1999. They divorced in 2001. He and Dannii Minogue, an Australian singer, were married in 1994. They divorced a year later. McMahon embraced his father's legacy by playing the prime minister of Australia on the Netflix show The Residence (2025), a comedy murder mystery set at the White House that debuted in March. He also starred in the psychological thriller The Surfer (2024) with American actor Nicolas Cage. Promoting the film at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, earlier in 2025 was one of McMahon's last public appearances. McMahon returned to Australia several times throughout his career to star in films there. Among them was the horror movie Bait (2012), about a group of shoppers who are hunted by 3.6m great white sharks after being trapped at a grocery store that has been flooded by a tsunami. The shark thriller also featured Singapore-based actors Adrian Pang and Qi Yuwu. McMahon played the team leader Jess LaCroix in CBS police procedural drama FBI: Most Wanted (2020 to 2025). While he made a surprise exit from the show in March 2022, he paid tribute to the special agent on Instagram, writing that he and the character 'did some good work, some might even say great, and we had some fun along the way'. NYTIMES

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store