Arts, Culture & Media

They go by a few different names, but Japan’s listening lounges are going through something of a revival. They’re music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. In fact, some of these establishments have strict rules against conversation and other distractions like cellphone photos. It’s all to maximize the listening experience, which often relies on extraordinarily expensive vintage stereo equipment that almost nobody can afford at home.

The first mummies in the world were created by the Chinchorro people along the coast of what is today northern Chile. In 2021, UNESCO listed the mummies and the Chinchorro settlement as a World Heritage site. Many of these remains are still out there and are increasingly becoming uncovered by development and the elements. Michael Fox reports from the Chilean province of Arica.

“Maybe Happy Ending” is an intimate science fiction story that has been performed many times in Seoul, South Korea. Now, its adapted version is playing on Broadway. The story, about a pair of robots, sheds light on the human condition in this digital age.

“Flow” is an animated film from Latvia, with no dialogue, about a cat. Despite its modest budget, and coming from a small independent studio, it’s already won a Golden Globe and is generating serious Oscar buzz. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that this passion project is finding a worldwide audience and is resonating because of its universal message.

Author Bradley Davies joins The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss his book, “Propagandopolis: A Century of Propaganda from Around the World”, a collection of posters created by various governments and organizations.