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Japan Today
18 hours ago
- General
- Japan Today
Japanese pop star Ado wants to know if Americans actually eat one of Japan's favorite 'Western foods'
By Casey Baseel, SoraNews24 For several decades, beef teriyaki has been one of the most popular menu items at Japanese restaurants in the U.S. It's flavorful and hearty, and doesn't use any ingredients with tastes or textures that would startle the average American diner. What can be surprising for American beef teriyaki fans, though is when they come to Japan and find out that the dish doesn't really exist here. Sure, Japan has beef, and Japan has teriyaki, but the latter isn't used as a seasoning for the former in the sauce's country of origin. Of course, this sort of situation, where one country mistakenly thinks something is a staple food in another culture but it really isn't, isn't something that only happens in America. As a matter of fact, J-pop mega star Ado recently took to X to ask her followers if something that's widely seen by Japanese people as an archetypal example of yoshoku ('Western cuisine') is something that she'd be able to find in the U.S. To clarify, Ado isn't asking about hamburgers, as it's common knowledge that there are burger joints all across the U.S. Instead, she's talking about a patty made of ground meat, onion, egg, and breadcrumbs that's eaten with a knife and fork. A hamburger steak, as hamburg is also sometimes called, can be accompanied by rice or bread, but the bread is always a thick slice or a dinner roll served on the side, not a bun, and hamburger steak isn't eaten as a sandwich. ▼ A Japanese hamburger steak/hamburg Image: SoraNews24 Hamburger steak is extremely easy to find in Japan. Pretty much every casual chain diner like Denny's or Gusto has it on the menu, and even some beef bowl chains, like Matsuya, offer hamburger steak set meals. Then there are all the restaurants that specifically specialize in hamburger steak. But as many commenters quickly explained in their replies to Ado, hamburger steaks aren't nearly as big a thing in the U.S. as they are in Japan. 'I don't think I've ever [eaten] a hamburg steak outside of Japan…America doesn't have them super often.' 'There are some in Little Tokyo, although I don't remember exactly where,' 'I don't think I've seen them at a restaurant.' 'Some Japanese restaurants in major cities have them.' 'Only in Japanese Restaurants.' The closest analogy in American cuisine, others offered, is Salisbury steak. However, many pointed out that Salisbury steak isn't an exact match, as it's often covered in a gravy unlike any sauce used for hamburger steak in Japan, and sometimes topped with sliced mushrooms as well, or may have things like diced mushroom or bell pepper within the patty itself. One commenter boiled the differences down to 'We do have Salisbury steaks, which are smaller, and worse.' Others theorized that America's version of the hamburger steak is meatloaf, but that has a different texture and flavor, as it's baked while hamburger steak is flat-grilled, often being finished on a hot iron plate at the table as it's served. Some commenters also mentioned loco moco, the patty for which bears a strong resemblance to Japanese hamburger steak, but it's more of a local Hawaiian food than something you'll regularly find across America's other 49 states (and, incidentally, is said to have been originally popularized by a Japanese-American chef). Considering that Japan loves both hamburger streaks and hamburgers, and sees both as culinary imports, Ado might be surprised to find out that America's tastes are so overwhelmingly tipped towards hamburgers that a hamburg will be hard to find. As alluded to by a couple of commenters, though, in a case of food ideas ping-ponging back and forth between cultures, hamburger steaks are starting to establish fanbases among American restaurant-goers who see them as a kind of Japanese food, so maybe they'll actually become a more common part of the American diet in years to come, and maybe even Japan's hamburger steak sushi will one day catch on over on the other side of the Pacific. Source: X/@ado1024imokenp Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best hamburger steak sushi?【Taste test】 -- One Piece singer Ado announces partnership to bring her music to the U.S., rest of the world【Vid】 -- Our Japanese Reporter Eats Donut Burger in Search of 'Real' American Hamburger, 'I never want to eat that again' External Link © SoraNews24
SoraNews24
4 days ago
- General
- SoraNews24
Japanese pop star Ado wants to know if Americans actually eat one of Japan's favorite 'Western foods'
It sure seems like Americans would like it. For several decades, beef teriyaki has been one of the most popular menu items at Japanese restaurants in the U.S. It's flavorful and hearty, and doesn't use any ingredients with tastes or textures that would startle the average American diner. What can be surprising for American beef teriyaki fans, though is when they come to Japan and find out that the dish doesn't really exist here. Sure, Japan has beef, and Japan has teriyaki, but the latter isn't used as a seasoning for the former in the sauce's country of origin. Of course, this sort of situation, where one country mistakenly thinks something is a staple food in another culture but it really isn't, isn't something that only happens in America. As a matter of fact, J-pop mega star Ado recently took to Twitter to ask her followers if something that's widely seen by Japanese people as an archetypal example of yoshoku ('Western cuisine') is something that she'd be able to find in the U.S. Do they have 'hamburg' (hamburger steaks) in America? I'd like to try them. — Ado (@ado1024imokenp) July 23, 2025 To clarify, Ado isn't asking about hamburgers, as it's common knowledge that there are burger joints all across the U.S. Instead, she's talking about a patty made of ground meat, onion, egg, and breadcrumbs that's eaten with a knife and fork. A hamburger steak, as hamburg is also sometimes called, can be accompanied by rice or bread, but the bread is always a thick slice or a dinner roll served on the side, not a bun, and hamburger steak isn't eaten as a sandwich. ▼ A Japanese hamburger steak/hamburg Hamburger steak is extremely easy to find in Japan. Pretty much every casual chain diner like Denny's or Gusto has it on the menu, and even some beef bowl chains, like Matsuya, offer hamburger steak set meals. Then there are all the restaurants that specifically specialize in hamburger steak. But as many commenters quickly explained in their replies to Ado, hamburger steaks aren't nearly as big a thing in the U.S. as they are in Japan. 'I don't think I've ever [eaten] a hamburg steak outside of Japan…America doesn't have them super often.' 'There are some in Little Tokyo, although I don't remember exactly where,' 'I don't think I've seen them at a restaurant.' 'Some Japanese restaurants in major cities have them.' 'Only in Japanese Restaurants.' The closest analogy in American cuisine, others offered, is Salisbury steak. However, many pointed out that Salisbury steak isn't an exact match, as it's often covered in a gravy unlike any sauce used for hamburger steak in Japan, and sometimes topped with sliced mushrooms as well, or may have things like diced mushroom or bell pepper within the patty itself. One commenter boiled the differences down to 'We do have Salisbury steaks, which are smaller, and worse.' Others theorized that America's version of the hamburger steak is meatloaf, but that has a different texture and flavor, as it's baked while hamburger steak is flat-grilled, often being finished on a hot iron plate at the table as it's served. Some commenters also mentioned loco moco, the patty for which bears a strong resemblance to Japanese hamburger steak, but it's more of a local Hawaiian food than something you'll regularly find across America's other 49 states (and, incidentally, is said to have been originally popularized by a Japanese-American chef). Considering that Japan loves both hamburger streaks and hamburgers, and sees both as culinary imports, Ado might be surprised to find out that America's tastes are so overwhelmingly tipped towards hamburgers that a hamburg will be hard to find. As alluded to by a couple of commenters, though, in a case of food ideas ping-ponging back and forth between cultures, hamburger steaks are starting to establish fanbases among American restaurant-goers who see them as a kind of Japanese food, so maybe they'll actually become a more common part of the American diet in years to come, and maybe even Japan's hamburger steak sushi will one day catch on over on the other side of the Pacific. Source: Twitter/@ado1024imokenp Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Follow Casey on Twitter as he continues to lament the closing of the Butchers hamburger steak restaurant in Jiyugaoka.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'They scream the choruses': How Japanese anime songs became Gen Z's latest musical obsession
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, music from Japanese animations is booming on Spotify and at gigs and club nights – especially among young people, who are drawn to its bold hooks and big emotions. Around 20,000 rapturous fans have packed out London's O2 Arena on a summer night. Pulsing light sticks pierce the electrified air; on the stage, the enigmatic J-pop diva Ado (who performs in shadowy silhouette) launches into a song that the entire crowd knows: Kura Kura, taken from the Japanese animation series Spy x Family. The track is stylistically unpredictable yet immediately catchy: it ricochets between a 1960s-style pop groove, jazzy riffs and hyper-dramatic rock opera – a modern example of an anime music anthem, in a scene that is increasingly taking on a life of its own. Japanese animation, or anime, has a legacy that stretches back to the early 20th Century, and a creative scope that spans seemingly endless stories and styles, from pirate sagas to sci-fi warfare; sorcery to sports action; martial arts mythology to star-crossed romance. The music used to soundtrack it is similarly adventurous. Songs vary significantly in their genres and tempos (often shape-shifting within a single track), but they also share common qualities: they elevate the visual action and deeply seal our bond with it. In the digital age, vividly evocative, insistently snappy themes are key to the viral impact of iconic Japanese animated series/films/manga comic adaptations – One Piece, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop, Attack On Titan and Naruto, to name a few. "Anisongs", as they are known, are now a major musical force, particularly among younger people. According to a recent study by anime streaming platform Crunchyroll and the National Research Group, anime is almost as big as Beyoncé with Gen Z-ers, with 54% of them globally being anime fans. Meanwhile Spotify reported a 395% increase in global streams of anime music between 2021 and 2024, as well as 7.2 million user-generated anime playlists on its site (at the time of writing). A Spotify spokesperson also tells the BBC that users under the age of 29 account for nearly 70% of global anime music consumption. "Anime music has evolved into a global cultural force and Gen Z is really at the heart of that movement on Spotify," Sulinna Ong, Spotify's Global Head of Editorial, tells the BBC. "We're seeing fans connect with the music beyond the screen as the shows offer listeners a window into musical styles they may not otherwise have discovered. Our editors' curated playlists are built to help fans discover the full range of anime-inspired sounds. And as more artists take influence from the space, the sound is continuing to grow in bold and unexpected ways." This global boom isn't limited to 21st-Century releases; as it's now easy to tune into anime's expansive catalogue, decades-old anthems – like the original rousing theme to pirate fantasy One Piece, called We Are! and sung by Hiroshi Kitadani – are winning new devotees. Anime music's hooks are composed for enduring effect; the melodies and lyrics (easily translated online, or released in multilingual versions) typically spark a tantalising headrush of sensations: affinity with favourite characters or narratives; adrenaline; escapism; nostalgia. As Satoshi Uto, Crunchyroll's director of music acquisition, tells the BBC: "The OPs and EPs [opening and end credit songs] are critical to fans' emotional connection with anime." An example of a smash hit anisong is Japanese singer-songwriter Lisa's 2019 track Gurenge, which is the intro to anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This elegant power ballad with explosive rock flourishes has inspired countless tributes, from TikTok influencers (such as young British piano talent Joe Jenkins) to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony (where it was included as an instrumental symphony). It is also sentimentally character-driven, as Lisa explained in a Billboard Japan interview: "I tried placing myself in the shoes of the protagonists, who keep forging ahead, despite their tragic pasts." The reasons for the boom The timing of audience spikes does suggest that the pandemic era played a pivotal part in the mainstream awakening to both anime and its atmospheric tunes; this form's fantastical themes, emotional intensity and free-ranging sounds may have represented a heady escape from lockdown constraints. In a 2022 article, The Hollywood Reporter noted, that "anime might just be the world's most Covid-resistant form of popular entertainment", referencing a study that showed global demand for anime content grew 118% between 2020 and 2022. "You're looking at a massive spike in the availability of anime to new fans [based on a growing array of online platforms], and the time they had on hand to watch it," explains Jonathan Clements, author of books including the British Film Institute's Anime: A History. "And in the years since, a bunch of young fans have become consumerist teens with a love of anime. For young fans, anime music offers a gateway to Japanese pop culture and beyond. It also has lifted up a new wave of stars onto a worldwide platform. Examples include the vibrantly catchy J-pop duo Yoasobi, whose 2023 track Idol, taken from the manga comic adaptation Oshi no Ko, became the first anime song to top the Billboard Global Chart; hip-hop act Creepy Nuts, whose viral smash Bling-Bang-Bang-Born, which is the intro for anime Mashle: Magic And Muscles, is a surreal bop blending quickfire rap and Latin licks; and melodic rockers Radwimps' soaring anthems for Makoto Shinkai's fantasy-dramas (Your Name; Weathering With You; Suzume). Ado's catalogue contains numerous anime themes, and her worldwide breakthrough was fuelled by the blockbuster success of One Piece Film Red, in which she sang tracks including the exhilarating electro-pop banger New Genesis, in character as the antihero Uta. "When I first heard the demo for New Genesis, it felt like the world had opened up and a warm ray of light had shone through," Ado tells the BBC. "The character, Uta, is full of human touch in a good way," she says, adding that this song slickly captures the protagonist's complexity: "She is able to express feelings of joy and happiness, but also anger, hatred and sadness in a very simple relatable way." Keeping up with this prolific scene can feel dizzying, but it regularly yields thrilling discoveries, and its blend of bold hooks, gripping storytelling and persuasive nostalgia seems to bring generations together more than most music – as I've found as a Gen X woman, geeking out alongside my Gen Alpha son. "Someone to look out for is [anime soundtrack composer] Kensuke Ushio, whose attention to detail and realism is truly astounding," says Clements. "On [2024 coming-of-age drama] The Colours Within he had to come up with the sound of the in-film garage band, carefully crafting electronic pop inspired by the early days of New Order. He even went as far as recording ambient sound in Japanese church halls, to ensure that the on-screen rehearsal sessions had the right room tone." Anime music in the live arena Anime music also increasingly translates to real-life realms, whether it's international concert tours from veteran composers such as Joe Hisaishi, the maestro famous for his work on the films of Studio Ghibli, or contemporary hitmakers including Ado and Yoasobi, or inclusive meet-ups and club events like those hosted by UK "diversity-led anime and gaming collective" Anime & Chill. "For Gen Z specifically, anime hits differently," says Anime & Chill founder Eneni Bambara-Abban. "This is a generation raised on global internet culture, where J-pop, K-pop and anime AMVs [anime music videos] are part of the same online ecosystem. "Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have also given anime songs a second life – clips go viral, people remix them, and suddenly, a theme from a niche show becomes a global anthem. We see it all the time at our events… the crowd knows the lyrics, they scream the choruses and they feel it." She emphasises the "emotional imprint" of these songs: "Anime music isn't just background music – it's the heartbeat of the [work]." More like this:• The anime that captures millennials' greatest fear• Why Gen Z is nostalgic about 'indie sleaze'• The animation that showed me the meaning of life Notable too is how Western musicians are getting in on anime culture. Back in 2003, French electronic duo Daft Punk re-imagined their Discovery album as an anime feature: Interstella 5555 (supervised by legendary artist Leiji Matsumoto); it seemed like a quirky curiosity at the time. But nowadays, a surge of western musicians reference anime in their own material, whether it's US hip-hop stars like Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion, or alt-pop heroine Billie Eilish name-checking characters in their lyrics and song titles, or London indie rapper Shao Dow who writes personal tracks based around famous anime series, and tells the BBC: "I use anime as a vehicle to explore ideas within my life". He adds that One Piece's teenage captain Luffy provided early creative influence: "I would look at this character who'd scream about being the king of the pirates, and people would laugh, but he'd keep doing it. Even though it's a cartoon, that positive energy inspired me: he's pushing forward with this dream." Perhaps that's the ultimate power of anime songs; you can grow up with this music, but you never really grow out of it. -- If you liked this story sign up for The Essential List newsletter, a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Visa-Free Travel For Indians: Why The Philippines Deserves A Spot On Your Radar
Sometimes, the best travel stories come from places you never quite had on your list. The Philippines is one of those. This island nation has always had the stuff of daydreams - emerald rice terraces, powdery beaches and Spanish-era streets that still echo with stories. But for Indian travellers, it stayed just that: a daydream. Complicated visa processes and limited direct flights meant it often lost out to easier options. That has changed. Thanks to a recent move by the Embassy of the Philippines in India, Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access for short-term stays, which means that island trip you have been putting off? It just got a lot more doable. Here Are 5 Things To Do In The Philippines That Belong On Your Travel List: 1. Soak Up The Sun In El Nido, Palawan El Nido feels like it belongs in a postcard your cousin sends and never stops talking about. Jagged limestone cliffs. Hidden lagoons. Water so clear it could be a mirror. Take a traditional banca boat to explore the Bacuit Archipelago, snorkel with schools of neon fish, or do absolutely nothing on Nacpan Beach. El Nido does not need selling—it sells itself. 2. Walk Through History In Intramuros, Manila History gets a serious glow-up in Intramuros, the walled city in central Manila. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is a maze of cobbled alleys, 16th-century churches, and stone forts that have seen everything. Walk around San Agustin Church, stop by Fort Santiago, or try a bamboo bike tour if you are up for mixing heritage with a little cardio. 3. Feel The Pulse Of Cebu City Cebu City is where history and hustle shake hands. Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, wander through local markets, and join a street food crawl that ends with grilled everything. From centuries-old churches to vibrant nightlife, Cebu proves that heritage and high energy do not have to be opposites. 4. Hike Through Living History At The Banaue Rice Terraces The Banaue Rice Terraces are not just scenic—they are ancient engineering marvels carved over 2,000 years ago and still used today. A trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site means jaw-dropping views and genuine encounters with local communities. Fuel up with a plate of pinikpikan and soak in a side of the Philippines that is quiet, earthy, and grounded. 5. Island Hop Through The Visayas Photo: Pexels The Visayas are not one island. They are a mood. From the postcard-perfect sands of Boracay to the underwater playgrounds of Bohol and the mystical stillness of Siquijor, there is no shortage of detours. Whether you are into diving, history, hammocks, or all of the above, this is your build-your-own-adventure territory. What Indian Travellers Should Know Before Visiting The Philippines: 1. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Philippines? Plan your trip between November and April. This is the dry season, perfect for island hopping, beach lounging, and avoiding sudden monsoon surprises. 2. What Should I Eat In The Philippines? Start with Adobo (a slow-cooked meat stew), then work your way through Sinigang (tangy tamarind broth), Lechon (roast pig), Pancit (stir-fried noodles), and Kare-Kare (a peanutty pork and ox tripe number). If you are feeling brave, say yes to Balut. Just once. 3. What Are The New Visa Rules For Indian Citizens? Indian nationals can now enjoy visa-free stays for 14 or 30 days, depending on which criteria they meet. If you do not qualify for visa-free access, the e-visa option is still available. Either way, travelling to the Philippines has never been easier. 4. What Should I Pack For The Philippines? Stick to breathable, light clothing - it is tropical, after all. Throw in a pair of walking shoes, something casual for evenings out, and swimwear - lots of it. So yes, you now have fewer excuses and more reasons to go. Whether you are into island life, culture, food, or history with a side of sea breeze, the Philippines is finally not just worth the hype—it is ready for you.
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
Yoasobi's 'Idol' Japan's Top Song for Second Consecutive Year
Japan Data 'Idol' by Yoasobi was the Japanese song that generated most royalties in fiscal 2024, topping the ranking for the second year running. 'Idol' by Yoasobi generated the highest royalties through distribution in fiscal 2024(April 2024–March 2025), according to data from JASRAC, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers. The hit song, which was released in April 2023 as the opening theme for the TV animation Oshi no Ko, topped the ranking for the second consecutive year. It has racked up a total of 900 million streams in Japan since its release, as well as performing strongly worldwide. Ayase of Yoasobi, who wrote the song, commented, 'I'm just so happy that it was listened to so many people after it was released, and deeply grateful that it continued to be loved for so long, going over into a second year.' 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts was second in the ranking, followed by Ado's 'Show' in third. Top 10 Japanese Musical Works by Royalty Distribution (FY 2024) Song Artist 1 'Idol' Yoasobi 2 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' Creepy Nuts 3 'Show' Ado 4 'Kawa no nagare no yō ni' (Like the Flow of the River) Misora Hibari 5 'Tensai bakabon' (Genius Bakabon) Idol Four 6 'Toshishita no otoko no ko' (Younger Boy) Candies 7 M. League Official Anthem Kawase Mikihiko and Satō Yōko 8 One Piece instrumental soundtrack Tanaka Kōhei 9 'Genki o dashite' (Cheer Up) Takeuchi Mariya 10 'Specialz' King Gnu From left, 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts (© Sony Music Labels Inc.) and 'Show' by Ado. (© Universal Music). In fiscal 2024, music royalties rose by 5.4% from the previous year to ¥144.5 billion, marking a new record high. Interactive streaming, such as via music subscription services and YouTube, was the driving force behind the rise, increasing by 15.7% year-on-year to ¥56.4 billion. This area has been growing since around 2015, but the embrace of online activities across society during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted use of subscription services and video streaming. Revenue from performances, including live concerts, also made headway, rising by 9.7% to ¥26.0 billion, mainly because of the higher number of events that were held. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: From left, the 'Idol' single cover [© Akasaka Aka, Yokoyari Mengo/Shūeisha, Oshi no Ko Production Committee] and Ayase of Yoasobi [courtesy JASRAC].)
