Japan On Film
By Perry Constantine
Japan On FilmJul 08, 2020
Top 10s and Parting Thoughts
It's several months overdue, but Perry's back with the final (for now) episode of Japan On Film. Listen for some parting thoughts on the show, favorite films, and performers, and some words about what will happen going forward.
If you'd like to be involved in the future of Japan On Film, please get in touch!
To follow Perry's other endeavors, subscribe to the Superhero Cinephiles podcast, check out his fiction work, or just follow him on Twitter.
Batman Ninja
It's a flashback to the past. On Superhero Cinephiles, Perry and Derrick Ferguson discussed the Japan-produced anime, Batman Ninja. We're presenting that episode here for listeners of Japan On Film.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: For the time being, this will be the end of Japan On Film. We're going to release one final episode and we'd like to hear from the listeners. You can leave Perry a voicemail to be played on the show or send an email to japanonfilmpodcast@gmail.com. Include any comments or questions you have about the show or Japanese cinema in general.
Kibakichi
In this episode, Perry is joined by Tyler, who is working on a book about obscure Asian cinema, and in that fashion, the movie they watched is the 2003 Kibakichi. It's a movie about a samurai werewolf and despite a grindhouse-style opening and climax, the rest of the movie's a bit meandering. Still, the movie's not without its charms, too.
Sanjuro
Robert Kelly of the Record All Monsters podcast is the guest this week to discuss Sanjuro, Akira Kurosawa's sequel to his groundbreaking film, Yojimbo. We compare it to the original, discuss Sanjuro's character progression compared to Yojimbo, and reflect on the character's legacy.
Survival Family
Perry is joined by Oliver of the Watching Asia Film Reviews blog to discuss Shinobu Yaguchi's post-apocalyptic dramedy, Survival Family. We discuss the ideas of generational conflict, the alienation of the Japanese nuclear family, and find this film topical in light of Russia's war on Ukraine. Also as a fan of Yaguchi, Oliver provides a lot of insight into the director's way of thinking and his criticisms of modern society.
The Machine Girl
Perry appeared on a live episode of the Asian Film Fans YouTube show, co-hosted by The Arty Dans and Wilco C. Rullens. The trio discussed Noboru Iguchi's cult classic splatter film, The Machine Girl. We're presenting the replay of the show here on Japan On Film in case you missed it the first time around.
Dark Water
The host of the Scared Sheep YouTube channel brings her knowledge of Japanese horror and culture to a discussion of Dark Water. Although not as popular as other J-horror classics like Ring or Ju-on, there's a lot this movie has to say about child-rearing and Japan's treatment of motherhood.
Grave of the Fireflies
Maison Collawn, host of the MC Anime Podcast, makes his debut on Japan On Film to discuss the classic Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies. He and Perry have a spirited discussion about the film's content and themes, the debate over whether or not it's an anti-war film, and different perceptions of America's actions in the war.
Shall We Dance?
In this episode, Perry is joined once again by Patrick Terry to discuss Masayuki Suo's underrated 1996 film, Shall We Dance? We talk about the socioeconomic commentary in the contexts of Japan in the mid-90s, the film's criticism of the salaryman system, Koji Yakusho's chameleon-like performance, and a lot more!
The Future of Japan On Film
Update on the Next Season
Night and Fog in Japan
The Yellow Handkerchief
Kikujiro
Big Man Japan
Lesson of the Evil
Swing Girls
Hana-bi
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
East Meets West: The Derrick Ferguson Episodes
Zatoichi
Minbo: The Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion
Jigoku
Marebito
Death Note (2006)
Suicide Club
Fish Story
An Interview with Takeshi Fukunaga
AINU MOSIR is available on Netflix in English-speaking territories on November 17th and available in select theaters in Japan on October 17th.