Kick Off The New Year With New Inspiration!!! (ZAN! #15)
a whimsical art exhibition, a moving memoir, and finally catching up on ghibli!!
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Happy New Year, lovely readers of ZAN!!!
For the last few weeks, I’ve been visiting family in Taiwan with my husband (his first time!). Needless to say, I’m feeling re-inspired by Taiwan’s vibrant cities, drool-worthy food, and everyday beauty.
I’m excited to kick off the year with five new recommendations of music, movies, books, and more. Let’s get into it!
🌟 FIVE ZÀN THINGS
🎨 The Doraemon Exhibition (Taipei)
While in Taipei, my husband and I stumbled upon an art exhibit that ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
At the heart of this exhibit is Doraemon, the beloved Japanese robot-cat who can solve complex problems in a pinch with his unlimited array of gadgets and gizmos.
The exhibition features 28 artists’ interpretations of Doraemon, including paintings by Takashi Murakami (below) and a 10-foot tall Doraemon figure by Sebastian Masuda.
Don’t miss Ryota Kuwakubo’s “The Bell and the Sun - Secret Gadget Museum,” in which a model train takes viewers on a shadowy journey by casting light on household objects. It filled my heart with whimsy and wonder unlike anything else.
The exhibition, which was previously displayed in Singapore, is now located at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, where it will be housed until April 7. Check it out if you can!
🎵 Crush - wonderego
On my plane ride back to New York, I found myself listening to a reliable favorite album of mine — From Midnight to Sunrise, by Korean singer Crush. Little did I know that Crush had actually released a new full-length album in November. Whoops.
Clocking in at a whopping 19 tracks (nearly an hour’s worth of material!), Crush’s new album wonderego boasts his signature R&B sound, with layered vocals and a 2000s pop spin. It’s impossible to NOT dance while listening to “Hmm-cheat,” the album’s single (below).
While the album does have its eclectic, slightly dragging moments (forgivable for an album of this length!), wonderego makes for a highly enjoyable listening experience. Be sure to pay attention to the powerhouse collabs — “No Break,” featuring veteran Korean hip hop group Dynamicduo, is a highlight.
🎥 The Boy and the Heron
I know! I know! The Boy and the Heron has been released for a few weeks now (here in the US, at least), so this is certainly overdue. But my travels have left me with no opportunity to check it out until now.
Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron ended up being much more intense than I had initially bargained for. With a stunning soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi, this movie left me spinning with its fantastic visuals, stirring story, and depth of emotion.
I opted for the English dubbed version (which I rarely do), because I was bursting with curiosity at Robert Pattinson’s voicing of the Grey Heron. And wow, are you KIDDING me? His performance was absolutely jaw-dropping. I can’t wait to rewatch it just to hear him again.
I would typically link the trailer here — but I recommend watching it without viewing the trailer first, if you can. I think it gives away a little too much visually. Just go experience it yourself!
📖 Ly Tran - House of Sticks
For some reason, 2023 was the year that I discovered how much I love memoirs. A special shoutout to Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang, first recommended in ZAN! #6, for opening my eyes.
I’m excited to recommend another memoir that has left me speechless: House of Sticks, by Ly Tran.
From the first page, I was captivated by Tran’s earliest memories of her family fleeing Vietnam. As they go on to build a life in New York City, Tran paints a vivid picture of her tense home life, mental health struggles, and educational journey.
Tran’s writing about herself and her family displays deep understanding, compassion, and candor, which will be a joy for any reader to experience. It certainly was for me.
🎵 Ado
I first found the singer Ado through Spy x Family, an anime that my husband and I are obsessed with. (I don’t know if it warrants its own recommendation slot on ZAN!, as it’s ridiculously popular, but yes, I recommend it with all my heart.)
After hearing the first four incredible intro/outro songs, we were convinced that things couldn’t get any better — that is, until we heard Song #5, “Kura Kura,” by Ado. WOW. What. A. Voice.
Upon googling Ado, I was embarrassed to find that she’s garnered many hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. I also learned a new term: Ado is a utaite, or a singer who is known for covering vocaloid songs in particular.
Make no mistake. Unlike vocaloid, Ado is a real, human woman — but she chooses to represent herself through a cartoon avatar (the dark purple one above). She even obscures her identity at live concerts.
At just 21 years old, her voice already displays incredible range and expression, with stunning control over her instrument — including a formidable metal growl. (For proof, check out her cover of “Unravel,” from Tokyo Ghoul.) Ado is certainly one to watch.
🙇🏻♀️ Now, it’s your turn!
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Until next time,
Rebecca
I loved Boy and the Heron as well! Even though it was one of the more intense and deep Miyazaki films, I enjoyed it and the music so much and can't stop listening to the music.