When Jiro Ono appeared onscreen and began explaining his life philosophy, I found myself unexpectedly dazed.
“Once you decide on your occupation…you must immerse yourself in your work,” he says. “You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success…and is the key to being regarded honorably.”
(more…)
So this is the movie they kicked off the 2011 NY Asian Film Festival with – a meditation on love from a male perspective. Obviously a bit of a nod to their Star Asia Rising Star Award recipient Takayuki Yamada (who plays three roles in this film), but he is probably more known to American audiences for his role in Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins.
The movie is fun and vibrant but also all over the place. As director Yoshimasa Ishibashi said at the intro to the film, it’s more of a roller coaster than a traditional narrative, which is very appropriate. You experience the film more than you are engaged with the characters, which seems about right as we’re dealing with the video artist behind the Fuccon Family from the late-night TV Tokyo comedy show, Vermilion Pleasure Night. (more…)
Ah, summer. A time to visit the beach, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the ocean. And maybe watch a bit of television while you recover from sun poisoning. We may not be there to remind you to bring the sunblock, but we can help you choose your animated shows from Japan.
Much like in the U.S., the TV schedule in Japan is always a bit thin over the summer, as many viewers tune out and enjoy some outdoor activities. But there are a couple of gems this season, and you’d be wise to catch them in between games of inner tube water polo. Here are the recommendations, in descending order of predicted awesomeness. (more…)
There are moments of intense beauty to be experienced at the New York Asian Film Festival and, in turn, there are moments of violent gratuity. The U.S. premiere of Horny House of Horror last Friday was one of those latter moments. Jun Tsugita’s directorial debut, HHOH is a delightful sleazefest with enough boobs, blood and dismemberment (emphasis on the member) to make Russ Meyer break into a wide, posthumous grin. (more…)
Or: Dammit! Now Everyone Thinks I’m A Feminist…
This article must be prefaced by two things. First, I am by no means a feminist. I like make-up, I don’t mind short skirts and I still believe that women generally make better homemakers than men. That being said, I’m still for gender rights and sexual equality. Second, I am a big fan of the Final Fantasy series. When FFVIII was released I dressed as Rinoa for Halloween and while unemployed, I spent almost a solid month playing FFXII. But enough about me, let’s get to it.
Made in Japan, Final Fantasy is one of the bestselling RPG series of all time. Japan is known to have a very traditional society in which it is acceptable for women to be viewed as meek, inexperienced and feeble. This has been the case for centuries and is still common today. As far-fetched as it may seem, the current governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, has been quoted as saying, “Old women who live after they have lost their reproductive function are useless and are committing a sin.” That statement makes it all too clear to see how these games get a backward view on gender. (more…)
