DEC 2023 by FUSION MAGAZINE

FUSION MAGAZINE

PERSPICIATIS UNDE OMNIS ISTE NATUS TEAM JERRY CORIA RIE YAMADA MONICA MAY RACHEL PETERSON JUNKO NAKAMURA AKITA YASUNARI

JAMES.C MATT SHULTZ AMANDA HARDY DAVID LANCER RICHARD CHANVEZ MIZUKI KURWA

CHIEF EDITOR JERRY

CORIA

MARKETING JOEY MACLAREN MIKE ROGERS

CINDY MENDEZ LARA ROLLINS

KEANU REEVES ACTOR OF THE YEAR

CONTACTS EMAIL

INFO@FUSIONTVMEDIA.COM

KEANU REEVES Keanu Reeves has been through a lot, so read this exclusive interview to find out what he’s been up to, what he’s currently working on, and what to expect from John Wick 4.

DECEMBER 2022

RISIN 38 The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.

HARRY STYLES

Let’s take a look back at Harrys latest album

CELINE

When it comes to winter fashion, Celine has taken nostalgia to a whole new level this season.

JAMES CAMERON - AVATAR 2

An exclusive interview with the members of the cast of Avatar 2, as well as all the information you want on the movie and the reasons why it is the movie that has sold the most copies.

MIKURU ASAKURA FIGHTER OF THE YEAR 24

FEATURED SKY-HI

KANA-BOON

THE BEST OF 2022 IN MUSIC

Here, for the first time, is the best of what SKY-HI has to offer musically and in terms of what he has planned for 2023.

This year during ROCK IN JAPAN FEST, we were able to speak with KANA-BOON in an exclusive interview for the first time.

It’s the end of the year that really matters when it comes to recommending the finest songs, so we’ve done that for you here by selecting a few of the tunes that will inevitably become earworms.

KANA-BOON THE EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR

JERRY CORIA

PHOTOGRAPHY

SONY MUSIC

FOR THE FIRST TIME US DEBUT FUSION: We are very excited to have you as a Fusion TV featured artist. How did you feel about performing at the Rock in Japan Festival? KANA-BOON: We had an extremely great time and it was such an exciting experience! The Rock in Japan Festival is one of the biggest rock festivals in Japan, so we were very honored to perform on this stage, and we had such a great time with the audience! FUSION: What was going through your mind when you heard you’d be performing at The Rock in Japan Festival? What did you do to prepare for the setlist? Were you following what fans wanted from you? What kind of songs did you choose for the festival? KANA-BOON: We got very excited and happy when we found out that we would be performing at The Rock in

Japan Festival. We’ve been playing at this stage every year since 2013, but in the last couple years (2020 and 2021), this festival has been called off due to the pandemic. So this year, the festival was held, so we were so full of energy to make the audience more excited with our performance. As for the setlist, the four of us made it together. Of course, we made a well balanced setlist with our most popular songs, like “Silhouette,” and “StarMarker” as well as some new songs to make fans happy and excited at the festival. We created a setlist that we would enjoy performing but also for the fans to enjoy, too. FUSION: What does it mean to you to perform at such a significant live festival? How much inspiration do you get from that? KANA-BOON: Live concerts are very important for us. We give our energy to the

audience but we are also getting energy from the audience, and we use that energy on the stage. We give the audience 100% of our energy, but the audience is always giving us back more than we give to them! So playing these concerts is essential for us as a band. FUSION: Let’s talk about the fans in America. I understand that because of the pandemic, it has been difficult to travel outside of Japan, but do you have any hopes to travel outside of Japan for performances? Is that something you might be considering for the future? KANA-BOON: We would love to go overseas and to America for sure!! We promise to go to the USA someday!! We understand that we have many fans in America and all over the world. I have received many messages from fans abroad via my personal Instagram account. We’ve been meeting many fans

through the Japanese anime “Naruto,” and we would like to take care of those fans as well. It is a bummer that we can not have live concerts in the US right now, but we have decided to go to the US whenever we can, because we know that many people abroad like the theme song of “Naruto”, “Silhouette”. We don’t really have any specific dates to go to the USA, but please be ready for us to come and have live shows in America! FUSION: Let’s talk about the song of yours that many people first heard, the song called “Silhouette”. The song was a big success in America. So what was the inspiration to create the song, “Silhouette”? We want to hear more about the song! KANA-BOON We made the song “Silhouette” in 2015. It was a while ago now, but the song was the theme song of Japanese anime, “Naruto.” We’ve been reading the “Naruto” cartoon books since we were little boys and it’s our favorite Japanese anime. We think that we must be the biggest fans of, “Naruto” amongst all the artists who have covered theme songs for the series. We hope Naruto fans accept our songs and those fans understand the meaning of those songs.

FUSION: Your song, “Silhouette” was featured as one of the main songs of “Naruto.” How did you feel when you found out that you were covering the theme song of “Naruto” for the first time? KANA-BOON: MAGURO (Vo/Gt.) When we made the theme song for “Naruto”, “Silhouette” for the first time, it was before Masami joined Kana-Boon. All of us gathered and watched the opening animation movie of “Silhouette” at Sony Music Company, and we were very impressed. I almost cried when I watched the music video for the first time! Did I cry? HAYATO (Gt.) Yes, you cried. MAGURO(Vo/Gt.)How about you, Masato? HAYATO(Gt.) Yes, I cried, too. MAGURO(Vo/Gt.) How about you, Takahiro? KOIZUMI(Dr.) Yes, I cried tons. TAKAHIRO(Vo.) How about you, Masami? MASAMI(Ba.) I wasn’t there yet. But

later on, I was happy to play the theme song of “Boruto,” together in this band . We cried a lot because we were extremely happy! FUSION: What is Kana-Boon looking forward to now? Are you working on anything new or anything to share with Fusion viewers? KANA-BOON: Right now, in Japan, we are covering the theme song of “Boruto”. “Boruto” is the next generation of “Naruto.” The title of the song is, “Kirarirari.” We performed the new songs at our recent concerts. After this summer, we will be working on new songs, including a new anime song. FUSION: What kind of artists from America do you like? KANA-BOON: We like the Foo Fighters and my favorite is Dave Grohl. My guitar looks like Dave’s guitar. Grohl has been a huge inspiration for how I play guitar. My second favorite is .I listened to their songs often when I was in high school. I like pop punk bands. I listen to their songs at home all the time, and I also watch their music videos.

FUSION: My dream is for you to come to America so I can introduce all of you to some of my friends, like AFI, Rancid and Bad Religion. I would love for you to meet them! KANA-BOON: Are you serious? Really?! Damn, incredible! We would love to go to L.A!! KANA-BOON: Speaking about the Rock Festival in Japan, what did you take away from the festival? How was the energy? Can you talk a little bit more about the festival itself? I saw your set, the show was sold out, the crowd was full! When you see the big crowd, how does it make you feel? What goes through your mind? KANA-BOON: Thank you for watching our live show, Jerry. We had our concert with thousands of fans and there were many people who came and watched our set at

the festival. We think that when we play to an audience, we try to connect to each audience the same way. We want to give every audience the best quality show we can, it doesn’t matter if we perform in a live house with 100 people or a big stage with thousands of people, like we did today (at The Festival). We’ve set our standards high for our live concerts. So today was no different, we put on the best show that we could. FUSION: The fans in America would really like to know, would Kana-Boon consider being on the front cover of Fusion magazine? We want to talk about The Rock in Japan Festival

WE MADE THE SONG

SILHUOETTE IN 2015 IT WAS A WHILE AGO

BUT NOW THE SONG IS VERY POPULAR

and we want to talk about KanaBoon! KANA-BOON: Thank you so much for choosing us for the front cover of Fusion magazine! We are very happy about it. We have so much to say to all the fans in America, and we love you! Can’t wait to meet all of you at our concerts in the USA, for sure!! FUSION: What can we expect next from Kana-Boon? What’s next, besides “Naruto?” Is there anything else you’re working on now? Anything you would like to share with fans? KANA-BOON; We are going to have a summer vacation for 2 weeks. I, personally, am going to a hot spring, I I love being in the hot tub. We will have our own summer vacations separately and in the fall, we will get together again for our concerts and music festivals. We will refresh ourselves, then we will have more energy for exciting performances when that time comes! FUSION: Is there anything you would like to share or advice for

KIRARI RAI LIMITED EDITION

BRIGHT AND DAZZLING

HONEY & DARLING

MOST RECENT ALBUMS

KANA-BOON

Photography by: SONY MUSIC KANA-BOON is widely known for their music on Naruto, this has given them wings to expand to the overseas

those people who are trying to get performing in a band? Any tips for fans in America? KANA-BOON: First of all, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself when playing music. That’s the highest priority. There are many challenges and those challenges we may not be able to overcome on our own. But we are fortunate to have our fans, and those fans support and help us during the challenging times. When we have challenges, we are able to keep carrying on, thanks to all the support from our fans who are there for us. Like I said,

holding the feeling high of enjoying the experience of playing music, being in a band, enjoying playing music comes first, and success might come after. We hope those people who want to be in a band or writing music,please keep remembering this point. FUSION: What special messages would you like to give to all fans in America, Canada and Mexico? KANA-BOON: Thank you so much for meeting us, we are very happy. We would never have met you if we didn’t do either music, anime songs or

doing the band. We are thankful for all of the circumstances that happen for us to meet everyone, it’s a miracle! We would like to continue making this miracle bigger and feeling closer to fans on a daily basis. We hope our music reaches your ears and hearts. In the next few years, we hope it’s possible for us to go to your country and have concerts. We promise that day will come. Please look forward to the date we have concerts together in the future and continue to enjoy your life now. We live in different countries but we are always connected with each other. Please send me a message via DM on my personal instagram account.

2022 BEST

IN MUSIC The best of the best music is here with we choose this year’s final picks and we heard your votes and popular demand here is this years final artists that made it our selection

OUR BEST PICKS FOR THIS 2022

ARE HERE

GASLIGHT INJI The song “GASLIGHT” is very popular. It’s the kind of song that demands to be played over and over, and that’s exactly what Twenty Minutes Later did when we heard a sample of the song on TikTok. We played the clip on repeat while we waited for it to be made available. Then we broadcast the song far and wide, because we think INJI is a rising star and you should listen to her music now and again.

“THE MUSIC THAT YOU WILL PLACE ON REPEAT”

TIËSTO AND CHARLI XCX – HOT IN IT eleased this year Charli XCX became a pop sensation and a cash cow for her label Hot in Without Charli’s stunning blunt weapon of a voice, this song would be a rather basic slab of Eurodance sex hokey-cokey (“rocking it, dropping it,” etc.). She’s been very thoroughly denatured of flesh and blood, so she goes through the motions of her retribution kiss-off with metronomic precision, barely able to escape Tiësto’s unrelenting cymbals. However, it ends up being unexpectedly realistic, ablaze with the obsession of revenge against an ex and Charli’s threatening sexuality.

#18 KENDRICK LAMAR – N95 N95 is all power; it twists and writhes like no other Kendrick Lamar single before it, sounding like Humble from 2017 with the excess fat trimmed away. A jagged, electric bass line, accentuated by Lamar’s yell of “bitch, you ugly as fuck!”, roils in the song’s guts, threatening to break its surface like a tectonic event, as with so much of Mr. Morale.

DAVID GUETTA – I’M GOOD We shouldn’t be surprised by David Guetta; the song is catchy as all get out, and it has all the makings of a huge hit. It’s a great example of the genre of mindless dance-pop party anthems, in which we are encouraged to throw our hands in the air and dance like it’s 2009–2012.

REPEZEN FOXX– XOXO Everyone from TikTok and YouTube and Instagram has placed this song on their stories and even created a dance for this song; it has become a very popular hit song; the song is a fun yet very entertaining with a lot of enjoyment to any who listens to it; and if you haven’t heard it yet, you should stop what you’re doing and go search for it on YouTube right now.

BEYONCÉ – VIRGO’S GROOVE The pivot point of Beyoncé’s Renaissance is Virgo’s Groove. Even though it was released approximately two years after the rest of the 2020s disco resurgence, it completely annihilated the competition. Not even a collaboration between Dua, Kylie, and Jessie could have produced a song as lavish, brilliant, and incredibly rich as this one. With its shiny surfaces and endless grooves, Virgo’s Groove perfectly evokes a swanky nightclub complete with velvet sofas, mirrored dance floors, and huge balconies, and all the mystery and enchantment of a Donna Summer song at its pinnacle. While Beyoncé’s vocals are pushed to uncharted territory throughout Renaissance, Virgo’s Groove showcases her ability to effortlessly vary cadence and tone. Virgo’s Groove is the center of a new period in Beyoncé music, from which all the other songs on the album radiate.

HARRY STYLES – AS IT WAS For Harry, this last year has been challenging. Repudiation at the box office, including spitting on Chris Pine... It’s cruel to tell someone to “stick to the day job,” yet few people today can do what it says on the tin as well as modern-day Styles. As It Was sits in the narrow space between A-Take ha’s on Me and Vampire Weekend, and it sounds like the backseat of an expensive automobile filled with bruised peach pain and refined languor. That he can make you believe he means it when singing lyrics like “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was” is arguably the exact definition of a brilliant actor.

POST MALONE – I LIKE YOU (A HAPPIER SONG) The third single from Post Malone’s fourth studio album, Twelve Carat Toothache, is titled “I Like You (A Happier Song),” and features Doja Cat. Gunna, Fleet Foxes, Kid Laroi, The Weeknd, and Roddy Ricch were just a few of the artists who contributed to the album. The lyrics appear to be inspired from actual life situations.

THE WEEKND – MOTH TO A FLAME Abel has many songs ready to go for his upcoming album, “Moth To A Flame” being one of them. He recently stated that he is waiting on “a couple people that are important to the story” before he can call the project complete. The Weeknd scrapped his “After Hours Tour” in favor of a stadium tour titled “After Hours Til Dawn,” which will launch in the summer of 2019 in support of the album.

SZA– SHIRT or a song that was first previewed on social media in 2020, “Shirt” features some surprisingly light vocals that let SZA’s messiest confusions float free, unhindered by the hungry concerns that fuel them. She sings, “In the dark right now / Feeling lost, but I like it / Comfort in my sins, and all about me / All I got right now / Feel the taste of resentment / Simmer in my skin,” and the rumbling sub weighs down this fever dream like a cartoon’s surprise anvil, bringing our attention back to the gravity of her words.

I H KY SEXCLUSIVE

FUSION: ,THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SKY-HI. PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF FOR ALL THE VIEWERS WATCHING AROUND THE WORLD. SKY-HI I am SKY-HI. I am a musician, rapper and I also run a management label company, BMSG. I am an artist, producer and CEO. FUSION: You used to be in the band AAA. You are a solo artist now, how is that going? SKY-Hi I started doing music when I was about 14 years old. I made songs with my friends and I played the drums. I started making tracks and rapping when I was 16. It has become more natural to create music by myself, I haven’t really changed very much about what I am doing since I was 17 years old. FUSION: This is not the first time that you’ve performed at The Rock in Japan Festival. Would you like to come back to play this festival again? SKY-Hi The Rock in Japan Festival has a very rich history;they use “ROCK” in their name! I’m a pop singer and rapper, so the Rock Festival didn’t accept me for a while. The Rock in Japan Festival accepted me this year. During my performance, the audience and I were all excited together, and the crowd was peaceful. So, I’m really glad that I kept making music and got the opportunity to play this festival. I would like to push myself more next year, I will do my best!! FUSION: What is the best part of Rock in Japan Festival? SKY-HI; The backstage area at this festival was great. Obviously, the set up of any stage is awesome at all the festivals. At this festival, it’s very easy to get along with people backstage.

The Rock in Japan Festival is a very peaceful space. I’ve met many good friends through this festival. Some artists from my company are also getting offers for the Rock Fest. In my position as CEO and as an artist, I would like to keep making more connections. The backstage (at Rock in Japan) provides the best place for me to get to know people so this festival helps me a lot to make connections FUSION: Has your passion for music changed your mind as an artist? What’s given you inspiration recently? SKY-HI: It has a lot!! Having a portfolio career, there are more things that I would like to create as an artist and I can concentrate on my music more. I put all of my feelings into my music; when I am in a creative phase, I can’t even touch my iPhone, and I can not do anything. I feel the most alive when I’m on the stage, and I’ve been feeling it even more recently. I am happy that I can grow more as an artist as I get busier.I’ve gotten used to this kind of busy environment, because I have so much passion for my music, I think that motivates me to create more music. I am thankful that my passion for music has carried me this far in my life. FUSION: What is SKY-HI working on now? Is there anything we can look forward to? SKY-HI: Yes, I have various things I’ve been working on. These projects are pretty new, so I can not really share at this moment but they will be very unique and exciting! My motivation towards these new projects is as high as any of the top artists in the world! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! FUSION: Many viewers want to know if SKY-HI would be willing

to perform in Los Angeles? SKY-HI; Of course! 5 years ago, I had a performance in L.A, it was so fun! My manager lost their passport, so just my stylist, make up artist and I flew to L.A. We also stayed longer on the last L.A trip, so I met an American rapper and we made songs together. We did many things in L.A at the time. I really had a great time there! I was even wondering whether it was work or my private time because my manager was not around me. It was the very first time that I felt L.A vibes through my skin at the live show.There were roughly 500 fans gathered and dancing together.This is my memorable event in L.A., so I would love to go back to L.A. soon! FUSION: Are there any messages to the fans? SKY-HI: Those messed up parts of the world were revealed during the pandemic; in contrast, we became more resourceful with communication between humans. I think on some levels, humans became more harmonious and I would like to contribute what I can to this. We should start thinking about how to remove differences of fields and divisions between countries. I think it would be more fun to have concerts all over the place and create more songs instead of just thinking without acting. Let’s meet somewhere and let’s keep sharing music all together! Thank you!!

THE EXCLUSIVE WITH

KEANU REEVES

FUSION: You are here to promote John Wick as well, and you are working on the fourth installment of the series. There are horses, and there is still a lot of fighting and a lot of action, and there are some great actors involved in this film. How do you make a movie that is like action-packed because the trailer is insane? How does one feel about reliving this experience and having the option to do so? Keanu: after being in so many films we are now in the four movie from John Wick and having the opportunity to watch it once more, yep, I really like John Wick. I adore the character, and I think it’s an excellent choice for the part. I get to do so many crazy things you know, whether it’s beyond the horse or have a knife fight that’s like a snowball fight but it’s the world of John Wick that I think sepa-

rates it as well right it’s just a lot of fun it’s just like what’s going to happen I have no idea but it’s cool. I get to do so many crazy things you know, whether it’s beyond the horse or have a knife fight that’s like a snowball FUSION: are the action sequences this time around, and if so, do you think they are more over the top than they were in the prior flicks, or is it just me? Keanu: It is the most extreme example of I mean the director has a vision to try and make them interesting, so we have a great fight in the middle of a street in front of impressive scenery, and we go back on their horses, and we drive, and there are nunchucks, and there are swords, and there are arrows, and it’s just like crazy John Wick stuff.

FUSION: How difficult or simple was it to make John Wick 4? Keanu: I believe that the production of John Wick: Chapter 4 was the most difficult action film that I have ever created, but the fact that it was so challenging is precisely what makes it so enjoyable. FUSION: The question is whether or whether, now that you’ve directed the martial arts film The Man of Tai Chi, you’ll be primarily interested in directing instead. Keanu: I really hope so; I miss directing, and I’d want to do it again. But, since the last time I directed, “Man of Tai Chi,” it’s been a while since I discovered a narrative that truly inspired me to express it.

THE CONCLUSION OF JOHN WICK 3 TAKES PLACE ON A VERY TENSE NOTE; WHAT SHOULD THE AUDIENCE ANTICIPATE FROM JOHN WICK 4?? Keanu: How do I explain this yeah I mean it’s the director’s ambition everybody wants us to get bigger and like more and crazier and redo but how do I explain that you really have to see it I mean I would just say that the action sequences are longer they’re more involved they’re more complex but at the same time the energy of a John Wick fight scene is what’s key and that’s everywhere you know yeah how do I explain this yeah I mean it’s the director’s ambition everybody wants us so pretty much action in a very more detail scenario I love how this movies sync in very nicely together and I love how everything with martial arts is not only martial arts but its also a craft on its own and a pleasure to see this on the big screen

COMICS AND THE MAKING OF BERSERKER

YOU AND LAWRENCE FISHER GO WAY BACK, AND I WAS WONDERING IF YOU’VE KEPT UP WITH HIM IN BETWEEN JOHN WICK AND THE MATRIX.

WE KNOW YOU’RE A COMIC BOOK FAN, SO LET’S SPEAK ABOUT YOUR RECENT RELEASE, BERSERKER, WHICH HAS BEEN RECEIVING RAVE REVIEWS AND IS SELLING LIKE HOTCAKES.

Keanu: We have a long his-

Keanu: Music.I just had this concept, so I went to a

tory together, laurence fishburne. He’s older than me, so I looked to him for guidance as an artist and a guy, and I’ve told him that he’s a mentor of mine.

NOW THAT WE KNOW THERE WILL BE A JOHN WICK SPIN-OFF, CAN WE FIND OUT IF IT WILL OCCUR

general meeting and introduced myself to a production firm named Boom Studios. When they asked if I had any ideas, I answered, “Yeah, I have this idea.” They were kind of like, “Excuse me,” and then I was like, “Yeah,” and then they were like, “Do you want to make a comic?” and “Absolutely,” because I had originally thought it might be an idea for film, but then they were like, “We’ll start it as a comic book because I love comics and so you know i’ve never done it before.”

BEFORE JOHN WICK 4?? Keanu The filming of “Ballerina,” which actress Ana de Armas stars in and which is being directed by Len Wiseman, has already begun. The events of “Ballerina” take place between “John Wick chapter 3” and “John Wick chapter 4.”

LET’S HOP OVER TO CYBERPUNK’S VIDEO GAME UNIVERSE AND SEE HOW THINGS ARE GOING THERE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TIME THERE? Keanu Absolutely, the CD Project and red team was full of brilliant, original thinkers and doers. Having the chance to play as Johnny Silverhand was an honor, and the game itself was a lot of fun. Silverhand is a bit of a *******, but he has a decent heart, and I’m pleased gamers in this game recognize this and embrace him as a legitimate member of the Cyberpunk

WHAT IS BERSERKER? THE PHRASE BERSERKER, WHICH MEANS “A WARRIOR SPURRED BY INTENSE WRATH IN THE BATTLEFIELD,” ORIGINATES FROM OLD VIKING MYTHOLOGY, AND HENCE THE ACRONYM “BRZRKR” IS A PLAY ON THAT WORD. That few people enjoy the benefits of having everything they want is a common belief. The best of life is reserved for a lucky few. It’s only for the rare few that get to experience it. Sure enough, Keanu Reeves is taking a giant leap in that direction. Reeves, who has been in the film industry for decades, has now left his mark in the next frontier of entertainment: video games. The upcoming October release of Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a lot of buzz in part because Reeves stars in it. Yet Keanu Reeves is not among them. The Humble Giant has proven once again to be a quiet achiever. Fur-

JAMES CAMERON DISCUSSES THE EMERGING OBSTACLES IN THE MARKET THAT ‘AVATAR 2’ FACED BY AMANDA ■ PHOTOS BY DISNEY / 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

Please describe the production of this film.? James Cameron; All actors need is an emotional reality to play within, and they love that too because we’re not stopping to lay the Dolly track or to get tense. The actors are in a “Pure process,” which some of them have compared to “black box theater” (where there is no set, lighting, or anything else besides the people in the room). It’s a very creative sandbox, and the actors really enjoy it; either that, or they’re very good actors lying about it for years on end. Sometimes we’ll record for 12 minutes straight, with maybe 5-10 takes of various ideas, such as “hey why don’t you do this?”

FOR WHAT REASONS DO YOU BELIEVE PEOPLE GO TO THE MOVIES?? James Cameron: When you go to the movies, you know you’re being transported to a fictional fantasy world, but the more you can suspend your disbelief, the more fun it is. I think people want to suspend their disbelief; they don’t want to sit there and pick at it; they just want to spend whatever it is, like $16 or $18, to go have an experience they’re leaning toward believing in.

WHEN COMPARING THE PRODUCTION OF AVATAR 2 TO THAT OF TITANIC, HOW DIFFICULT DO YOU FIND THE FORMER TO HAVE BEEN? James Cameron: it’s not like we’re starting from scratch I mean we did we were doing water simula-

JAMES CAMERON tions back on Titanic but it’s taking it not just to the next level but up five levels you know we had to we if we started five or six years ago with our with our study of water and our quantification of it and how we how we create these simulations we had the future proof ourselves for 5 to 7 years down the line you know to be ahead of the curve now right now today as we’re as we’re finishing the film so I’d say water was the the biggest problem and that’s something we knew going in that was going to be our challenge but the beauty of it is if you can solve water for this movie which we’ve done which weta

has done we work with them to do it you never have to look back you never have to worry about it again you can do all water anytime until the end of time right so these tools become incredibly important to the effects industry at large

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF TAKING PICTURES UNDERWATER? James Cameron: The trick was to film extremely below and really at the surface of the water so that individuals appeared to be

Jerry COria swimming correctly and were, you know, carrying their own weight. This was the only way to pull it off successfully to get out of the water properly or diving in properly and it just looks like that it just looks real because the emotion was real you know cause these kids are having to learn how to be underwater they don’t know how to be underwater they were raised in the forest and so you know their fear factor probably helped although everybody was very very well trained and we used a very a very safe and systematic way to allow them to to dive they were all scuba trained but we dipped them in shallow water first to get them comfortable with the environment

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE VIEWERS WILL GO AWAY WITH AFTER WATCHING THIS MOVIE?? James Cameron: I don’t think the audience gives

you brownie points for making what they think of as photography look like photography it doesn’t work that way you don’t get extra you only get dinged if you don’t do it but you don’t get anybody it doesn’t make it a better movie in their minds what makes it a better movie is the people the characters the creatures the things they’re seeing the things they’re experiencing but if they can let go of their disbelief you know like that

JAMES CAMERON these guys go to this other planet and shoot it you know and in that handheld documentary style I feel like I’m really there you know it’s all working out a subliminal level it’s taking away the disbelief and if they believe in it and they invest in it now it’s up to the story and the characters to work on the audiences the heart and mind

DO YOU AGREE THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A MOVIE FRANCHISE THAT HAS THE SAME LEVEL OF POPULARITY AS THE AVATAR MOVIES IN RECENT YEARS? I would disagree slightly with you a lot of movies such as the Life of Pi film, Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, or Ridley Scott’s Prometheus great films being seen in 3D. It’s all the B-movies that have been converted to 3D where neither the filmmakers nor the studio bothered to let the author shoot in 3D, and I think that’s hurt the magic of filmmaking. On the other hand, we need to remember that when Avatar was released, there were only about 6,000 3D digital 3D screens in the world; today, there are a lot more, and we’re so advanced technologically that we can use 3D enabled digital screens. No one will watch a movie just because it’s in 3D; rather, they’ll see it for all the other reasons it was made. If they want to see it in 3D, they can, and if they don’t, it’ll still look great in 2D.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH KATE WINSLET AGAIN IN THIS FILM. James Cameron: it was such a change from working on Titanic you know where she was she was quite experienced at the time that she but she had never been on a film of that scale so it was all a bit bigger than her you know a bit overwhelming for her I’m she’s masterful job obviously but on this film you know she you know been around the block and done enough movies and you know she came in and she spent two or three days watching how it was all done and then basically started producing them the scenes but it was fun I welcome that and and it was a we found it both to be not only a great working relationship and the creation of a very

strong memorable character and she enjoyed all that but they’re almost like the freedom to be in a different body you know to just to have a tail and to have a way of walking a movie and Kate has quite a she’s got quite a presence in the film she’s not really like anybody else in the movie maybe nature is the closest because they’re both very strong kind of alpha characters and of course they clash for that reason and that was fun watching them watching them meet and clash was is one of my favorite, favorite parts of the film

HOW DID YOU AND JAMES CAMERON ONCE AGAIN COLLABORATE? Kate Winslet: Because I was one of the few people who understood all the underlying themes of the first Avatar film and found it to be

both powerful and emotionally moving, I was overjoyed when Jim said, “Look, we’ve got to do this.” I would have been foolish to say no, and Jim and I have talked over the years about finding another opportunity to work together.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE UNDERWATER, AND WHAT DIFFICULTIES DID YOU FACE? Kate Winslet: So, it’s a capture

it’s a performance that takes place underwater. First of all, there’s the obvious difficulty of staying calm under water for an extended period of time; second, there’s the difficulty of imagining coral reefs and picturing other Navy met cayena swimming around you; third, there’s the difficulty of acting with a child who is, in fact, a safety diver who is 35 years old and not a 9 year old girl; and finally, there’s the difficulty of acting with a child who is, in fact, a safety diver who is

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE ACTING WITH JAMES CAMERON AND THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS. Kate Winslet:

what I love though about Jim deciding to put the actors in the water is that Jim does have and I don’t know any other person in my life like this Jim does seem to have a sort of an inherent belief that humans can be capable of almost superhuman things sometimes as he is I mean we’ve all seen it but he also believes that everyone can push themselves just that little bit further than they ever believed that they were prepared to and I love seeing him encourage people to go that extra mile and try that try that new experience that they were afraid of or daunted by and luckily for me I wasn’t wanted by any of it but if it weren’t for Jim saying you know you could you could do all this water stuff if you want to I mean you could always get the stunt people to do it I’m like cover do you know me of course I’m going in the water so it really has been just it’s just been fantastic sort of mind blowing really

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE ACTING WITH JAMES CAMERON AND THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS. Kate Winslet: it is remarkable how much is being picked up in terms of your physical movements and how I mean we walk in a particular way you know the Avatars don’t they don’t walk like a regular human being there’s a there’s sort of a composure to it and a real strength and a grounded Ness they walk in a very fluid way with their legs they almost lead with their hips the shoulders are very upright it’s different you know not kind of like a slouchy

human who probably doesn’t think about how they’re holding themselves when they walk down the street and the tiniest adjustments to that Navi gate it’s really you can you see it immediately the difference from one take to a next I’d watch and I go oh God I forgot to do my walk and then you correct it and it makes the most enormous difference to the character so learning to appreciate the subtleties of movement has been has been really great actually

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Sam worthington: It’s a love story. I think it showed you in the first movie that it didn’t matter what race you were what planet you were from what color you were from love is love and I think it forges you know the first film and the battle that they undertook forged an unbreakable bond between them it gets tested just like any marriage it gets a tried just like any kind of relationship under duress but I think that leterrius Jakes world that’s the world that he found Sam worthington: jake’s a bit more of a warrior this time so I wanted to give him a bit more of an animalistic feel he’s not necessarily as human as he was ten years ago he has adapted so it gave me an opportunity to kind of put that feral nature into Jake to distance himself from being the guy in the wheelchair from the first film Sam worthington: I think we both didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into and that gave us absolute freedom in the first movie to just off each other and enjoy the ride I think that she’s now have several children I’ve had several children we’ve seen some side of the industry that we like and don’t like and then when we get back into this world it

just is like putting on a great new you know an old pair of gloves it’s easy I know that what Jim is trying to create is very truthful very emotional and grounded tales of the tribulations of a family and what it means to be in a family and putting them in the most dire situations in a in a in a you know smuggler’s intergalactic war filled with exploitation and you know the themes that are almost operatic and at the heart of it though is as I said a family unit a family trying to survive a family trying to get through the teenage years a family trying to marriage trying to hold itself together it’s very that was we’ve added that the most difficult thing I’ve ever done I’ve done been in this industry 20 years and that’s the hardest I’ve ever had to work it’s scary it’s intense it the time triples by three when you’re dealing with water on any movie but more so on this and you’re actually then having to make it look easy and seamless because the Navy and the met king you know learn to breathe underwater Zoe Zaldana: James Cameron had a lot more to deal with and he had a lot more pressure that fell on him and he was also putting on himself there’s three times as many characters more characters the world is bigger the

stakes are higher I can’t believe the creation of all this characters are created in his head I can’t believe he conceived this I can’t believe he brings this crew of brilliant minds and we all drink the kool-aid you know and then we’re like yeah man I’ll stay up I’ll spend time away from my family I’ll travel everywhere with you and I’ll try to figure this out because Pandora needs to come back to life again Zoe Zaldana: what inspires me and why I get teary is the fact that she is a creature that is living in a world where having to be a feminist doesn’t exist it doesn’t it doesn’t process through the minds of any males or any females I liked that cause I was never really playing the empowerment of her I was just playing harassments, I like to believe that we can finally one day get to be in a world where women don’t do not have to actively empower themselves you know so that’s what I love the most about her she’s marvelous to watch her as like it’s such a work of art you’re watching like a flower unfold and all the time you get with her on set and you do not recognize but you are talking to a woman that is 5’10 that has walked this earth for decades before you and has made her mark and her presence be known

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER TAKING ON A NEW OBSTACLE THIS IS A CHANCE FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD TO SEE A PROMISING NEW FIGHTER MAKE HIS DEBUT, AS HIS FIRST FIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE ON A MAJOR PLATFORM

P H O T O G R A P H Y: J E R R Y C O R I A A U T H O R : J E R R Y C O R I A & R I E YA M A D A

FUSION: For all the viewers watching this, let’s give them a little introduction about yourself ASAKURA : I am Mikuru Asakura, I am a fighter. FUSION:When did you know you have a passion for mixed martial arts and at what age did you realize that you knew this sport was meant for you? ASAKURA : I learned Sumo and Karate when I was a little child, around 8 years old. I fell into the wrong crowd when I was a junior high school student. Then I got into a fight, and ended up in the Juvenile detention center.This disappointed many people around me. I had to rehabilitate and get myself back on a better track, so I chose to do “MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)” based on what I’m good at ASAKURA: I was originally from a district where it was not safe. When I started fighting, it was like I was starting from the bottom, so each time I won, it was easy for me to go up. I was also seeking freedom. Generally speaking of the Japanese education system, we were encouraged to go to a good high school, good college, study hard, get employed at blue-chip companies, get married with someone and live happily. Everyone was forced into this path by parents and teachers. This didn’t feel right for me. I felt so strongly that I didn’t want other people to make decisions over my life. I was against this path, so I started fighting and riding a motorcycle, and I became a street punk FUSION: In your opinion, what are the challenges in being in this type of sport and how do you overcome those challenges? ASAKURA: “MMA” is like running a decathlon; “MMA” requires a combination of various skills. It is important to find the opponent’s weaknesses. We use strategies to focus on the opponent’s weaknesses during a match. In the Mayweather fight, I am going to go into the fight being aware of his strengths and weaknesses.

FUSION: Has there been any fears you have had in the past and how did you overcome them?

ASAKURA: my fear is that someone will change my life. I would rather die than have an ordinary life. FUSION: Each time you face a new opponent, how do you prepare and how do you study them?

I GREW UP FIGHTING IN THE STREETS

ASAKURA : I watch all of the opponent’s past fights. I then focus on strategies to expose the opponent’s weaknesses. The volume of my training for a fight is generally very small. FUSION: Has there been a time in your life where you felt nervous during a fight and if so how did you overcome that?

ASAKURA : I don’t really get nervous when I fight, but I am not good at making a speech in front of a large audience. I haven’t overcome that weakness yet! FUSION: Talk to us about your emotions, what goes through your mind when you step into the ring? What are you feeling when you see thousands of viewers watching you? What are your feelings at that moment? ASAKURA : I don’t really get nervous and I am more likely to feel excited at my match. I am in my own zone when I fight so it doesn’t really matter to me how many people are watching my fight. FUSION: What are your goals and ambitions that you wish to accomplish as a fighter? ASAKURA : I am an MMA fighter but I am going to have this boxing match(against Mayweather). As an MMA fighter, my goal is to continue fighting against strong opponents. FUSION: Now from what we understand, you have other family members that are in the fighting sport. Can you talk to us more about that? ASAKURA : I have a younger brother, only 1 year apart. When I was a street punk, between 16 and 19, my younger brother was a good child who was opposite from me. When I didn’t have any opponents left to fight against in my district, I lost my motivation. I thought my younger brother would be strong, was able to avoid all my punches, so we realized his talent as a fighter. I encouraged him to pursue the fighter’s path,and he did.

ASAURA: We trained closely together to push ourselves to be the best fighters we can be. Both of us participated in a big competition called, “Outsider” and we became champions as brothers. After that, we joined the biggest fighting competition called “RIZIN” and my brother became a champion. Both of us are outstanding at the “RIZIN” even now. FUSION: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to yourself and what would you do differently? ASAKURA : I wouldn’t really give any advice to my younger self, because I have no regrets for what I’ve done in my life. FUSION: Talk to me about the moments that you have lost, what do you do to balance yourself and stay on top of the fighting industry? ASAKURA : I don’t think I have ever lost myself. I don’t really spend a large amount of time training for a fight compared to what other fighters are doing. But I consistently train every day and it has become my routine.

I HAVE NO REGRETS FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE IN MY LIFE Consistency helps me to stay on top of the fighting industry in Japan. FUSION: Your fighting and your skills have been over the top. Have you always been like this or was this a skill,or something that you learned overtime? ASAKURA : I think I have been progressing as a fighter over the years. Speaking of “MMA”, we have to learn so many things. I think the average amount of information humans can take is limited. Sometimes, we obtain new knowledge without even noticing it. I spend more time studying fighting than training. I keep a lot of strategies and knowledge in my mind so that I stay at the top of my game. FUSION: From your fighting career in Japan, what fighter has been the biggest challenge and why?

ASAKURA : My fighting record at “RIZIN” is 10 wins and 2 loses. The New Year’s Eve match was against an opponent who I had already fought and lost to once before. I was going to retire if I lost the match against the same opponent again. It was a big turning point and I took a risk with my life at the New Year’s Eve “RIZIN” match. It would be a long way to win against the same opponent who I lost to once before. When I was 20 years old, I thought I would retire as a fighter when I became 30 years old. Now, I am not so sure. But at the time, I was determined to retire if I lost that match! FUSION: How do you balance your time from being an excellent fighter and also doing YouTube? ASAKURA : I have many team members that make my Youtube channel happen. Those members make their living from the channel. I try to think of ways to keep the numbers up on the channel. On the other hand, I am also a fighter, and other fighters only have one path to go as a fighter. Occasionally I don’t have enough time to do my training. When this happens, I do training in my head instead. I study several things and I try to summarize them in my mind. FUSION: I believe your strategy is to invite viewers and fans to see your videos. I think this is a great idea, was YouTube something you always wanted to do? ASAKURA : “MMA” isn’t well known in Japan; In the era of “ PRIDE’’, it was popular back then. Then “UFC” bought “PRIDE”. After that, “MMA” was very quiet in Japan for about 10 years, and Japanese fights didn’t really have a spotlight during that time. “RIZIN” was born 10 years later. “MMA” fighters weren’t really known

“there was no reason to reject this Mayweather match, and it was also such a big opportunity”

in society. Boxing and pro-wrestling were more popular. I noticed the awareness of “MMA” was not very much. It is important for a fighter to be strong, but also be able to draw an audience to come and watch the matches. Exposing “MMA” was needed in order to have many more people interested in the sport. This is one reason why I started doing my Youtube channel showing my various projects. I also wanted to have my own business with some of my favorite people. So becoming a Youtuber was my ideal job! FUSION: With YouTube, you must keep staying creative and making new content. Has that been a challenge for you? ASAKURA : No challenge for me because I am talented! I’ve always had a lot of fun creating my Youtube videos. FUSION: You are definitely an entrepreneur and a pioneer in this industry. We can really feel your fire and energy to grow and be the best of the best. How do you stay focused and what keeps you motivated to continue doing what you do with fighting and your YouTube channel? ASAKURA : Regarding Youtube and fighting, the two have a lot in common. I enjoy doing both, but everything is my responsibility. The number of viewers goes down if my Youtube is not fun, and I will face

the end of my career as a fighter if I am not strong enough. I like this circumstance that these two jobs led me into a place where I really can not escape. The motivation is more likely to fall if we don’t have these kinds of responsibilities. Everything that I am doing comes with responsibility, which makes it easy to remain motivated. FUSION:Let’s talk about the big topic, how was this fight with Mayweather created, was this something you wanted personally? ASAKURA : I didn’t create this match against Mayweather. The CEO of RIZIN contacted me, and said, “Why don’t you try to fight against Mayweather?” I am an MMA fighter so I was not interested in boxing rules, but as a fighter, there was no reason to reject this Mayweather match, and it was also such a big opportunity so I accepted this offer. FUSION: You are now in the middle of preparing for a big fight with Mayweather, how has the response been for you personally? ASAKURA : I am an MMA fighter and I’ve never thought that I am weaker than other fighters with my punches. I am very interested in how the strongest puncher, at the top of the world, fights against me as a man. When I accepted this match, I was thinking that I could build my skills which I kind of lack as a boxer. Personally, I think I can improve my boxing technique because I mostly win with kicks at my matches. If I can win matches with my punches, I will be a stronger, more wellrounded fighter. FUSION: How much training are you doing now to stay very competitive preparing for your opponent?

ASAKURA : I have been training for about 3 hours a day. FUSION: Is fighting Mayweather something you always wanted to do? And how do you want the world to see you? ASAKURA : I didn’t really want to fight against Mayweather. To the viewers around the world, I would like them to see my fighting spirit, coming from a Japanese fighter that was originally just street punk. At the interview held in Hawaii, when one of Mayweather‘s bodyguards pushed me, I was irritated a little bit, but I felt that retaliating was the wrong move. If I had touched him, I would be down to the same level as the bodyguard. After I finish the Mayweather match, I will have the bodyguard over to my own fighter’s association, to have a match with him. I would love to beat him badly! FUSION: RIZING 38 is going to be a very historic moment; what do you want viewers to know before your fight and what do you hope to accomplish? ASAKURA : I’ve never been in a boxing match, however I have confidence in my punches which are unusual and unpredictable. I think my fighting style will be different from those fighters that Mayweather had fought before. I would like the audience to expect this, and I would love to have the very first knockdown of Mayweather at this match! FUSION: Besides the fight that was held in Tokyo Dome this year, this must be the biggest show in Japan history. Is there any pressure that you feel knowing this? ASAKURA: I have no pressure. I do appreciate that everyone says I won’t be able to win. This makes me feel at ease. FUSION: Do you ever desire to fight outside of Japan? When you think about America, do you wish to fight in America?

ASAKURA : Of course! I have thought about having a match in “UFC”. FUSION: This will be your American debut, reaching 32 million viewers. What do you want the viewers to get from this special documentary? ASAKURA : I’m not sure how people from overseas see Japanese fighters, but I always think that I exist on the earth, and I don’t have any discriminations by nations or countries. I would like the overseas audience to see me as a friendly man. I am Japanese, but I would like people to see me as one human being. FUSION: We will be going behind the scenes to capture everything on Sep 25th in Saitama Arena, and we want the American fans to see how wonderful of a fighter you are. What message do you want to give to all the viewers in America? ASAKURA : Make sure to watch me take on Mayweather on this one in a lifetime match! FUSION: For someone that is watching and wants to someday join the fighting industry, is there any advice that you would give to them? ASAKURA : I think it is a good thing to not only focus on fighting. We receive a lot of information from our electronic devices, and most people give up before actually starting, but once you decide your challenge and move forward, people start helping and supporting, and unexpected things happen. I hope people keep challenging themselves. OUR MANY THANKS TO MIKURU ASAKURA FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW AND FOR BEING IN THE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR! Asakura Mikuru took on professional boxer Floyd Mayweather in a high-energy

three-round bout. It was incredible to watch him go toeto-toe with Mayweather, who has won numerous titles over the course of his career. Despite this, the fact that Asakura was able to last the distance despite having zero prior boxing experience speaks volumes about his skill as a fighter. Ultimately, I believe that Mikuru Asakura‘s future lies in Is very promising, but there isn‘t a whole lot for a fighter to do in Japan. As a result, we think he needs to expand his horizons by fighting in larger venues, such as the United States. We‘re excited to watch him develop into a formidable opponent, and we hope he does just that. Asakura Mikuru is currently hosting a well-known and popular television show called breaking down the show: determine the strongest fighter for one minute, which is a good place to start if you want to keep up with his many endeavors. Asakura Mikuru is a very active and busy man in the fighting scene; we will be sure to keep up with him in the future. You can watch him and all the exciting fights on Breaking downs YouTube channel. BREAKING DOWN CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@ BreakingDown_official ASAKURA MIKURU: https://www.youtube.com/@ mikuruasakura1 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ mikuruasakura/

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RIZIN

PHOTOS COURTASEY BY RIZING FF

LET’S TALK ABOUT RIZIN 38

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Rizin returned on September 25 at the Saitama Super Arena. There’s a wide variety of fights to choose from, and we’ll examine some of the more intriguing ones from both events, such as Floyd Mayweather’s return to his exhibition boxing tour and Kyoji Horiguchi’s return to fight in the main event. Floyd Mayweather came back to Rizin for a second time. When Mayweather first stepped into the ring for an exhibition, it was on Rizin’s New Year’s Eve event in 2018, when he was quickly knocked out by Tenshin Nasukawa. Now he’s back and taking on Mikuru Asakura, one of Japan’s most well-known martial artists. Mirkuru Asakura survived for a while, but he was knocked out in the nick of time as the fight entered the last round by a strong blow from Mayweather.

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It’s safe to say that Mikuru Asakura has more fans than any other fighter in the organization. Asakura is trying out boxing for the first time, despite his online fame (he has over a million subscribers on YouTube and hosted the show Breaking Down). Asakura, to put it mildly, did not hold back and threw some heavy blows back at FloyMawethater. Despite the result, we believe that Asakura Mikura gave his all and was competitive throughout the fight; this is in part due to the rigorous training he was getting from Manny Pacquiao, widely considered one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. n Mayweather’s own words he says Mayweather: “This event was a huge success, and I know a lot of people had a good time. After saying yesterday that boxing is as essential to my life as breathing, I feel like I played a very thrilling bout today. The crowd was pumped up, my opponent landed some solid blows, and all in all, I believe it was the finest match of the night. In spite of the fact that I am no longer “Pretty Boy” Floyd “MONEY” Mayweather

I just cannot do that—I am pleased that the Japanese public was able to see Floyd live. Much appreciation to the press and social media users who helped spread the word. I’d want to express my gratitude to the spectators, the sponsors, and everyone else who made this match possible.” as the press confrence when on Mayweather continued to

say “I have the utmost respect for Asakura Mikuru we were able to pump up the spectators. It was great joy for both of us to participate in the competition. We were able to meet the demands of the audience with his assistance. To maximize their potential for elation, we extended the standard 90-second excitement period to a full two rounds. To adjust to the time difference, I would have

WE WERE

ABEL TO PUMP THE CROWD

LET’S TALK ABOUT RIZIN 38

I barely slept for three hours last night, so I was up all night, and needless to say, I was a little rusty, but there’s no excuse since we still had a great time in Japan despite my jet lag in the Press conference, some of the questions that were asked after the fight were what were Asakura’s impressions after the fight and Asakura replied Asakura: Well, it was frustrating, and my head hurts. Asakura mentions that he came ready to fight and he also felt he has a good response: “Well, I felt like I was getting a good response, and I felt like I was ready to fight.”

other questions that came up at the press conference such as if after this fight if Asakura can talk about his future prospects and goals. Asakura mentions “I am an MMA fighter, so I would like to have MMA fights.” Other questions that were asked were whether or not Asakura is able to speak about the punch that knocked him unconscious, and this was the response that he gave to those queries.

WE JOKE AT TIMES UNTIL WE GET HIT WITH A BIG SHOT THEN IT‘S NOT JOKE ANYMORE

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Asakura: Well, I don’t recall. When I looked back at it now, I couldn’t figure out why I ended up falling after that. It was a mystery to me. But even at this late hour, I still have a lot of head pain. I believe that I may have been a bit preoccupied at the time. I thought that the first round finished with me staring at him, so I assumed that the following round would also conclude with me looking at him, but then he abruptly came in and struck me at the conclusion of the second round. I believe the move was a right

hook cross, and it was successful. quis porta odio, dictum et orci non, ornare posuere justo. Nunc et iaculis dictum porta purus, ac convallis orci ullamcorper non. Aenean malesuada eros mi, vitae commodo est faucibus vel. Nunc venenatis porta ipsum eget magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. When questioned whether he remembered what occurred after he was struck down, if he had any memory recollection of it, Asakura’s response was,

Asakura: No, the ground was distorted, and I thought I was going to stand up, but I probably couldn’t. Nevertheless, when questioned at the press conference that he was convinced that he could win the fight, but now that the fight was over how did Asaura Mikuru feel about it now that he confronted Mayweather in the ring? were the initial reactions?

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Asakura responded: Mayweather Well, his reaction speed was amaz-ing, and everything was on a different level. It is common knowledge that Floyd Mayweather enjoys entertaining the crowds and putting on a good show for them in terms of fighting, as well as providing them with what they have paid for; despite this, the question of whether or not he was serious about the fight and what he thought after the fight and this was his responds

Mayweather: I can get match data by confronting my opponent. For this match, I placed myself under pressure and studied responses. My opponent punched back hard. Every boxer starts strong. After the second round, his breathing slowed. Even if I don’t train 12 rounds, I try to practice two or three times a week, even in exhibi-tions. You ask whether I’m serious in contests. I initially applied minor strikes to check how he was doing, but he returned much harder ones, if I receive that type of message, I can do heavier punches to the body, If he kept playing like that, how long would the

contest last? Whether you agree with Mayweather remaining an undefeated champion after retirement or not, you have to admit that these two fighters put on a great show. Regardless of your opinion on the bout, you have to admit that Asakura Mikuru was greatly motivated by his encounter with Mayweather and that he will go on to become one of Japan’s most prominent boxers.

when asked jizzy about his intial toughts he mention the following; Jizzy, Overall, I thought the matches were excellent. I thought I was doing a good job of controlling the ring, and the first two rounds went well, but by the third, I was getting fatigued, and my hands fell, and he landed a nice strike. I’d have to watch the fight again to be sure, however. Even though Jizzy did not have a lot of time to practice for the major battle in Japan, he still made every effort to be as prepared as possible and to master all the techniques that his coach was teaching him along the road. When battling in a large arena for the first time, how did Jizzy feel? that was the next question that was being asked at the press confrence he spoke of his excitement and emotions and how much was happening and how this was an experience and how he wants to become better with the little training he’s had and how he wants to learn from the errors he made in his first match as his debut.

Moreover, jizzy was probed on his thoughts and opinions on his opponent in terms of fighting style. Jizzy mentions; He says that kouzi is a good fighter, that he has been in many fights and that he has been around for a long time, and that he respects him because of this, but that this was his first fight and that he is looking forward to fighting again, especially in Rizin fights, and that he will train harder to improve his skills as a fighter. The topic of whether or not Jizzy has a message for his Japanese fans arose following this first response and the subsequent press promotion, through which he gained a large number of followers. Jizzy says he is grateful for the chances he has been given in Japan, and he is inspired by the comments and suggestions he has received; he is also quite satisfied with his time spent in Japan overall. Last topic of press conference was whether or not Jizzy will fight at Rizin again and what he plans to accomplish in the future. jizzy said that he wants to undertake a boxing bout and be trained by his coach, yet he is open to having an MMA fight as well. From now on, as a fighter, Kouzi is now 33 years old.

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When questioned about his previous fight experience, Kouzi admitted that Jizzy had very excellent strikes, but was still very certain that he would win the battle because to his extensive background in the sport. Still, he had no clue how the battle would go or what would happen when the time came to face Jizzy. Kouzi also adds that this bout was more of a battle than a boxing contest, you know you’ve got yourself a good story. Like a fistfight, I imagined it. this led to several battles in which I participated.

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When questioned about his perspective on the future, Kouzi said the following: This time around, truly, the reason why he came out was because he wanted to spice up Super RIZIN. He also felt that jizzy was making fun of boxers in Japan, and that is what led him to become involved and fight at the rizin 38. It was because Kouzi wanted to prove to jizzy that Japan had a lot of strong fighters that he decided to get into the ring. Kouzi, who is now 33 years old and a fighter, wanted to demonstrate and demonstrate that he can be stronger, and well, comments on how he performed a fairly decent influence on today’s battle.

I’m going to keep on going, and even if it’s just a little bit, TMT brings a lot of big guys and kouzi wanted to be the example and was able to show them that he can give a good challenge regardless of his age. he feels confident and knows he is getting stronger. He also thanks his trainers and the people around him who support him. Also, when asked whether he’d be interested in fighting Floyd Mayweather, he said something to the effect of wanting to “take on the challange and show everyone across the globe that japan has strong fighters And finally, when asked what he thinks about Jizzy Kouzi, mentions that Jizzy is a great fighter, and even when the press conference was being held, he still had neck pain from the fighting match, but over all, he was impressed with Jizzy despite the fact that it was his debut fight as a fighter and rizin, and he hopes that there will be more challengers that participate at rizin.

HARRY STYLES INVITES US INTO T O

HARRY’S HOUSE

PHOTO BY JORDAN.SHEPLEY

HARRY IS LESS CONCERNED WITH EXPOSURE AND CHART PERFORMANCE AND MORE AT PEACE WITH HIS ARTISTRY

Now three albums into his solo career, it’s no surprise that Harry Styles has become one of the most respected and trusted artists of his time. He may have been arguing for male privilege by fast shedding his boyband image with his self-titled 2017 first album. Even now, Styles’ penchant for retro inspirations and bombastic stage presence have more than shown him deserving of headlines. Fine Line, his second studio album, is more pop-oriented, but it continues this retro storyline. His voice and radio play give the impression that he might have been popular in any decade. However, Harry’s House, Styles’ third studio album, is a personal bedroom soundtrack that features new wave and folk experiments and demonstrates his range as a musician. The album’s lead song, “As It Was,” didn’t impress at first hearing. However, when you listen to Styles’ solo work more than once, you’ll hear a vulnerable side to the music’s eclectic and edgy hooks. It was later revealed that the singer was in part motivated to write the song after realizing that the epidemic had irrevocably altered the course of human history, making it impossible to return to the world as it had been before. The hook of Harry’s House is found in the fact that it is primarily comprised of downtempo but somehow not dismal beats. Even if we and the world are forever evolving, we always have our homes to return to. Styles is opening his home to us with this album. Fans were already familiar with Styles when he went solo, but his evolution into a sound that can cross over to the adult contemporary market puts him in an elite group of modern pop musicians that includes only Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain, and Adele at most. In this nervous time, an album of soothing, mind-numbing pop is not

necessary, but Styles keeps his penchant for varied influences front and center on a record that features folk and funk. Yet there are times when he lets down the so-called facade, sharing personal thoughts and feelings with the audience in a way he never has before. Matilda, the protagonist of the Roald Dahl book of the same name, shares her name with the protagonist of this song, which features him singing and pleading with a young woman to run away from her unloving family. On other songs like “Cinema” and “Satellite,” Styles uses a more freeform approach to songwriting to create poetic views into everyday life. If it hadn’t been produced by a multifaceted artist like Harry Styles, “Late Night

Talking” would be dismissed as generic Gen Z bedroom music.

HARRY STYLES

Rather than trying to force his music down your throat, the singer on Harry’s House sounds relaxed and at peace with his artistic abilities, as if he’d rather have you over for tea than try to make you a fan of his band. In a sea of increasingly casual, pandemic-influenced bedroom offerings, Styles’ latest effort stands out for its sincere affection for modern pop. On the final track, “Love of My Life,” he laments, “We don’t really like what’s on the news, but it’s on all the time.” Finding calm in the midst of adversity is a skill we’ve all had to hone, and Styles does it with grace.

FINE LINE

HARRY’S HOUSE

PHOTO BY JOSEPH OKPAKO

Courtesy of Celine

Photos Courtasey by CELINE

THERE WAS JUST TOO MUCH GOING ON AT THE WILTERN IN LOS ANGELES CELEBRITIES, MUSICIANS, AND FASHIONISTAS OF ALL IN ONE ROOM There was just too much going on at last night’s Celine performance in Los Angeles for me to summarize in a single headline. Celebrities, musicians, and fashionistas of all hues gathered at the art deco monument The Wiltern for a night of nonstop fun In the first place, there were celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, Brie Larson, Kid Cudi, Miles Teller, Emma Chamberlain, and Wiz Khalifa there. In addition, Kaia Gerber herself walked the runway. Hedi Slimane’s runway looks were reminiscent of the early 2010s, with slim jeans, thin scarves, fringed boots, low-rise belts, and tote bags among the many items that would have made 2005 Kate Moss ecstatic. What’s old is new again; so the saying goes. The night culminated with sets from Iggy Pop, The Strokes, Interpol, and The

Kills. To read my detailed account of the evening’s events, please scroll down. Celine is among the earliest high-end designers to debut a new collection for the forthcoming season, having just opened the curtains on its fall 2023 presentation. Creative director Hedi Slimane devoted the Los Angeles-set collection to the excitement, nostalgia, and closeness of the indie movement of the early 2000s. To put the curated, exclusive, dramatic nature of social media into perspective, I think it’s time to go to analogue. They were “returning to a feeling of direct and genuine authenticity,” he said of the era. Celine’s illuminated logo at the nighttime runway. These stereotypes were easily identified by their bulky shearling coats and hand-embroidered, sequined gowns. The models walked

the runway in slouchy ties, black combat boots, and leather bomber jackets with bags dangling from the models’ elbow crooks. Totally something Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl would wear! The models’ crookof-the-elbow bag-carrying and darkframed sunglass choices evoked fond memories of the early 2000s, when the It bag first became popular. Militarystyle buttoned jackets, blue jeans, long trench coats, and sequined fitted jackets were all part of the dark Euro prep aesthetic; for males, ultra thin cut suits were the dress code, which had become a trademark of the Slimane company. The persistent London rock feelings were fueled by the abundance of opulent, wine-red velvet dresses, patent leather pants, frilly white blouses, leopard blazers, gilded metallic jackets, and a slim tuxedo.

ALL Photos Courtasey by CELINE

the excitement nostalgia, and closeness of the indie movement Kaia Gerber walks the runway at Celine on December 8, 2022 in Los Angeles. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for CELINE.

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