Nagasaki: Memories of My Son Starring Kazunari Ninomiya, Star of Japanese Boy Band Arashi

Home , Akiyuki Shinbo, A Snake of June, Chizuru Ikewaki, Erika Sawajiri, Hana and Alice, Her Love Boils Bathwater

CORK SLIGO DUBLIN GALWAY LIMERICK DUNDALK MAYNOOTH WATERFORD WELCOME TO THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2017

The Embassy of Japan is delighted that our collaboration with Access>Cinema has now reached its ninth year, thanks to the support of the Ireland Japan Association and the Japan Foundation. Even though over 500 films are made in Japan each year, many of them are never released overseas. Thanks to the tireless work of the team at Access>Cinema we have another incredible line up of films. In 2017 we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Ireland. The celebrations kicked off in January with the visit of Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to Ireland, which Irish Foreign Minister Charles Flanagan reciprocated in February. The Japanese Film Festival is one of the highlights of the ongoing celebrations. This year’s films will open a door on Japanese life. Her Love Boils Bathwater won a Best Actress Award, at the 40th Japan Academy Awards, in addition to Best Supporting Actress and Best Rookie. The festival’s prestigious line up continues with Japan’s entry to the 2017 Oscars, Nagasaki: Memories of My Son starring Kazunari Ninomiya, star of Japanese boy band Arashi. One of the most unique titles is Happy Hour, a 5 hour highlight which won the Best Actress Award at the Locarno Festival. Of course there is the usual selection of anime titles, including a special preview of Sword Art Online The Movie. We are delighted to have a total of 21 different titles at this year’s Festival showing in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dundalk, Waterford, Sligo, Maynooth and Dublin. We hope many people throughout Ireland will get to experience these fantastic films and can gain an insight into the culture and history of Japan.

Enjoy & Arigato! Embassy of Japan & Access>Cinema SHUNJI IWAI (born 1963) started his directing career on TV dramas and music videos. TETSUYA MARIKO (born 1981) studied at the Hosei University and the Tokyo His breakthrough feature Love Letter (95) proved a critical and commercial hit. He University of the Arts. After making a number of shorts, he made his feature debut went on to become one of Japan’s most popular and acclaimed directors thanks to with Yellow Kid (09). His other work includes Asunaro Rises! (13) as well as a number films such as Swallowtail Butterfly (96), All About Lily Chou Chou (01), Hana and Alice of TV credits. He took home the Prize for the Best Emerging Director at the 2016 (04) and the animated feature The Case of Hana & Alice (15). He also directed the Locarno Film Festival for Destruction Babies. English language film Vampire (11) and a segment of New York, I Love You (08).

A BRIDE FOR RIP VAN WINKLE DESTRUCTION BABIES リップヴァンウィンクルの花嫁ディストラクション・ベイビーズ

Nanami is a shy and lonely school Fans of Shunji Iwai rejoice! The cult Taira is a quiet but frustrated Like a Fight Club for the social teacher who meets Tetsuo online. director made his name with his and angry young man who one media generation, Tetsuya Mariko’s The pair decide to get married, but unique, strange and freewheeling day decides to leave his seaside startling film is a provocative Nanami’s lack of friends or relatives character studies – and A Bride for hometown – much to the critique of modern disaffection proves a source of frustration for her Rip van Winkle is one of the finest disappointment of his younger and masculinity. As shocking as it husband-to-be. She is put in touch examples of that yet. With Iwai brother Shota. In a nearby city, is thought-provoking, Destruction with Amuro, who runs a business adapting his own novel, this is a Taira becomes increasingly violent Babies examines the consequences which offers ‘extras’ to pose as film that never goes exactly where and starts fighting random people of isolation and frustration in a way friends and fill out crowds at social you expect. He takes the time to on the streets. One teenager, Yuya, that feels extremely timely. This is events. Even though that allows the allow the often surreal situations becomes fascinated by Taira, and not an easy watch, but it is a vital wedding to proceed, it turns out to and encounters develop to their joins him on his path of mindless one. Buoyed by confident direction be a short-lived marriage, and soon fullest. It is beautifully made, with destruction. Meanwhile, Shota from Mariko and several powerful Nanami finds herself alone again. some extraordinary cinematography attempts to track down his brother – performances, this is Japanese She herself decides to become one and typically inventive use of music. eventually discovering a bloody trail cinema at its most incendiary. of Amuro’s actors, and at one event Tying it all together is a confident of assault, kidnapping and worse. befriends Mashiro. It’s a friendship and complex performance from that will open up a new world for Haru Kuroki – one of Japan’s Nanami, and she is surprised to find most talented young actresses. herself as an unexpected caretaker for a lavish but vacant mansion. SHINYA TSUKAMOTO (born 1960) became one of the best-known filmmakers in RYUSUKE HAMAGUCHI (born 1978) graduated from the Tokyo University of the modern Japanese cinema with the cult classic Tetsuo: The Iron Man (89). The film Arts as a Master of Film in 2008. His graduate filmPassion was screened at the received widespread international acclaim and attention, and Tsukamoto has since San Sebastian Film Festival. He has since worked on several features and a trilogy made two sequels –Tetsuo II: Body Hammer (92) and Tetsuo: The Bullet Man (09). His of documentary films. Hamaguchi – along with his co-writers Tadashi Nohara and other work includes Tokyo Fist (95), Bullet Ballet (98), A Snake of June (02), Vital (04) Tomoyuki Takahashi – were awarded a special mention for Happy Hour’s script at the and Kotoko (11). A multi-talented filmmaker, he is also an experienced actor – recently 2015 Locarno Film Festival. enjoying a major role in Martin Scorsese’s Silence (16). FIRES ON THE PLAIN HAPPY HOUR 野火ハッピーアワー

In the closing days of World War A remake of the classic 1959 Kon Four female friends approaching Don’t let the running time put you II, the Japanese army is facing Ichikawa film – itself based on middle age – Akari (Sachie Tanaka), off: Happy Hour is an unusually epic imminent defeat in the Philippines. a novel – Fires on the Plain is a Sakurako (Hazuki Kikuchi), Fumi and uncommonly intimate film, A sick private named Tamura is powerful and shocking anti-war (Maiko Mihara) and Jun (Rira with the four lead actresses doing rejected from the army’s field film. As well as tackling directing, Kawamura) – agree to attend a a remarkable job in bringing their hospital. After a series of attacks writing, editing and cinematography weekend workshop hosted by an characters to life. Director Ryusuke and lucky escapes, he finds himself duties, Shinya Tsukamoto – best eccentric artist. When the group Hamaguchi’s beautiful, engrossing adrift in the jungle. As he wanders known for the Tetsuo series – also heads out for a few drinks after film serves as a welcome reminder through the hostile landscape, takes on the leading role. Such the workshop, Jun casually reveals of what can be achieved with the he encounters many horrors: commitment perfectly suits the that she is in the middle of divorce sort of running times that need an from gravely wounded soldiers to story being told: while the film proceedings. It is an announcement interval or two. It is a thoughtful and ruthless enemies and allies. As his portrays an important chapter that has major repercussions, compassionate tale of friendship, own health deteriorates, Tamura in modern history, the focus on and will provoke her three focusing on four women attempting grows ever more desperate – but one man’s journey makes the friends to re-evaluate their own to control their own futures. Give his search for food and safety only experience uniquely immediate relationships and direction in life. this film a few hours of your seems to send him spiralling ever and harrowing. Through visceral time – Hamaguchi and these four deeper into a living nightmare… direction and uncompromising phenomenal actresses (who were performances, this is essential and awarded a joint best actress award frighteningly raw filmmaking. at the Locarno Film Festival) have earned every second you grant them. KOJI FUKADA (born 1980) graduated from the Film School of Tokyo and started RYOTA NAKANO (born 1973) was raised in Kyoto and studied filmmaking at the making indie films from 2002. He made his debut in 2004 withThe Chair. One Japan Institute for Moving Images. After graduation in 2000, he worked in television year later he joined the Seinendan theatre group, whose play Human Comedy in as an assistant director before focusing on feature film production. His films include Tokyo he filmed in 2009. In 2006 Fukada wrote and directed the animation film the two highly acclaimed short filmsRocket Punch (06) and The Sparkling Amber La grenadière, based on a short story by Honoré de Balzac. His filmHospitalité (08). His feature film debutCapturing Dad (12) was screened at festivals around the (10) was awarded the Japanese Eye Award at the Toronto International Film world, including at JFF 2014. Festival. His other films includeAu Revoir L’été (13) and Sayonara (15). HARMONIUM HER LOVE BOILS BATHWATER 淵に立つ湯を沸かすほどの熱い愛

Toshio (Kanji Furutachi) lives with Koji Fukada’s sixth feature is a Futaba lives in a small town Rie Miyazawa (Pale Moon, The his wife Akie (Mariko Tsutsui) masterclass in the genre of slow- with her daughter Azumi. Their Twilight Samurai) won the Japan and daughter Hotaru (Momone burn thrillers. Fukada takes a house connects to the family-run Academy Prize for Best Actress for Shinokawa). He operates a small staple of Japanese cinema – the bathhouse, which has been closed her incredible lead performance in workshop out of his house, and family drama – and subverts since husband and father Kazuhiro the latest film from Ryota Nakano. spends little time with his family audience expectations with a dark left the family for another woman. Futaba is an endlessly compelling except for during meals. One day tale, which not only unfolds in Everything changes when Futaba character: an utterly determined and Yasaka (Tadanobu Asano), an ways that are truly shocking, but is diagnosed with terminal cancer, charming woman who confronts old friend of Toshio’s, shows up also displays incredible astuteness giving her only months to live. her diagnosis with confidence and at the workshop unannounced in its exploration of relationships, Newly determined, she decides bravery. Equally impressive is Hana – he has just been released from solitude and human motivation. she is going to make the most of Sugisaki as Azumi – a performance prison and needs a job and place Excellent performances, her remaining time by reuniting that won the film its second major to stay. Without consulting Akie, particularly from Tsutsui and her family and reopening the Japan Academy Prize. The film Toshio hires Yasaka on the spot Asano, add to the film’s disturbing closed bathhouse. It’s a journey itself is as heartbreaking as it is and moves him into the family power. A well-deserving winner of that will lead to new friends, funny, a crowd-pleaser in the best home. This surprising action the Jury Prize in the Un Certain some surprising additions to the sense of the word. While there’ll sets off an unsettling chain of Regard section of the 2016 Cannes family, and even a few long-secret be few dry eyes in the house, this events, which expose the cracks Film Festival, Harmonium heralds revelations coming to light… is also a warm and witty film about within the family unit and the true arrival of a Japanese one woman and the life-changing ultimately result in tragedy. talent to keep a close eye on. impact she has on even those who only briefly encounter her. DAIGO MATSUI (born 1985) is fast establishing himself as one of the most TATSUYA OISHI (born 1970) is a Japanese animator, director and storyboard artist significant young filmmakers in Japan. After making his name in television and who studied at the Tokyo Design Academy. In 2004 he joined the studio SHAFT, where theatre, his cinematic breakthrough came in the form of manga-adaptation Afro he first worked with Akiyuki Shinbo and Shin Onuma on the series Moon Phase Tanaka (12). He has since established himself as a prolific writer and director with (04–05). He is best known as the director of Bakemonogatari (09–10) and is largely films such as Sweet Poolside (14), Our Huff and Puff Journey (15) and Wonderful credited for developing the unique visual style associated with SHAFT. World End (15).

JAPANESE GIRLS NEVER DIE KIZUMONOGATARI 1: TEKKETSU アズミ・ハルコは行方不明傷物語 I 鉄血篇

DIRECTOR: Daigo Matsui 2016 | 100 minutes | Cert: CLUB DIRECTOR: Tatsuya Oishi | 2016 | 64 minutes | Cert: CLUB STARRING: Yu Aoi, Mitsuki Takahata, Ryo Kase, Huey Ishizaki, Shono Hayama, Taiga WITH THE VOICES OF: Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Sakamoto, Yui Horie, Takahiro Sakurai

Haruko (played by Hana and Alice’s Japanese Girls Never Die is a strange March 25th — just another day Kiss-shot asks Koyomi to give Yu Aoi) is stuck in a rut. Rapidly and wonderful examination during spring break. Koyomi her his blood in order to save hurtling towards her 30s, she’s of modern Japanese youth. Its Araragi, a second year student at her life, but when he does, stuck in a dead-end job. She has characters are full of life and Naoetsu High School, befriends Koyomi finds himself re-born fallen for her eccentric neighbour energy, but are also frustrated and Tsubasa Hanekawa, the top honours as her vampire kin. As Koyomi Soga, but he constantly rebuffs directionless. Adapting a popular student. Tsubasa mentions a struggles to accept his existence, any affection she shows. One day, novel, director Daigo Matsui has rumour about a “blonde vampire” Kiss-shot whispers: ”Welcome Haruko mysteriously disappears created a lively and surprising piece that has been sighted around their to the world of darkness…” without a trace. A wanted poster of work that casually leaps back town. Koyomi, who usually shuns featuring her face catches the and forth between a number of human contact, takes a liking to Based on the series of ‘light novels’ attention of Manabu and Yukio, different subplots while refusing Tsubasa’s down-to-earth personality. written by Nisio Isin and illustrated two wannabe graffiti artists. On a to conform to genre norms. The by Vofan, this first installment of whim, they create a stencil of the visuals are vibrant, the music is That evening, Koyomi encounters the Kizumonogatari youth horror poster and start spraying it onto first-rate, and the film regularly this alleged vampire: she is trilogy took six years of development walls around the town. They’re subverts expectations. Matsui Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart- before making it to the big screen. soon joined by the giddy 20-year- takes a risk in revealing some key under-blade, also known as the A prologue to the highly successful old Aina, and within days the trio story details from the off, but it “King of Apparitions”. The blonde, Bakemonogatari franchise, Tekketsu, have unexpectedly transformed pays dividends: trying to put all golden-eyed vampire cries out with its spectacular animation, Haruko’s image into a pop culture the pieces together is one of the for Koyomi to save her as she impressive sound design and witty phenomenon. Meanwhile, a group great pleasures of this extremely lies in a pool of her own blood, dialogue, is a visceral experience of roving schoolgirls is being inventive and confident film. all four of her limbs cut off. that is well worth the wait. blamed for a series of random attacks on young men in the area… KIZUMONOGATARI 2: NEKKETSU KIZUMONOGATARI 3: REIKETSU 傷物語 II 熱血篇傷物語 III 冷血篇

After being turned by the vampire In anticipation of the final With help of Meme Oshino, Koyomi Following hot on its Japanese Kiss-shot, high school student installment of the Kizumonogatari takes back the limbs of Kiss-shot theatrical release in January 2017, Koyomi sets off to regain his trilogy, which is premiering at after defeating the three vampire the wait is finally over for fans humanity. With the help of the JFF 2017, and presented here as a hunters: Dramaturgy, Episode and as we present the Irish premiere apparition specialist Meme Oshino, back-to-back double-bill with Part Guillotinecutter. On seeking out of Reiketsu, the final part of the he discovers that the only way to 1, Nekketsu picks up from where Kiss-Shot, with the intention of Kizumonogatari trilogy. do this is to retrieve Kiss-shot’s lost Tekketsu finishes. This film steps up becoming human again, she reveals limbs, which are in the possession the pace on its prequel, serving as to Koyomi the cold truth of what it of three powerful vampire hunters a more down-to-earth action film, means to be a vampire – a creature – Dramaturgy, a giant vampire which given the battle sequences of the night. Unable to take back hunter who is a vampire himself; between Koyomi and the vampire what he has done, Koyomi feels Episode, a half-vampire who hunters should not be unexpected. nothing but regret and can only deny wields an enormous cross; and Featuring plenty of blood-soaked his dreadful fate. While Koyomi is Guillotinecutter, a quiet man who animation, impressive choreography, struggling to face reality, his friend specializes in killing vampires. and raging teenage hormones, Tsubasa Hanekawa comes to him Koyomi prepares himself for battle… Nekketsu provides an exciting set-up with a certain plan. for the trilogy’s finale. MIWA NISHIKAWA (born 1974) began her career working under Afterlife director YOJI YAMADA (born 1931) is one of Japan’s most prolific and beloved directors. Hirokazu Kore-eda and other prominent filmmakers. She made her own directorial After graduating from Tokyo University in 1954, he spent several years working as a feature debut with Wild Berries (2003). She enjoyed international acclaim and a local scriptwriter and assistant director. He made his own directorial debut with A Stranger box office hit with Sway (06). With her third feature, Dear Doctor (09), she took home Upstairs (61). In Japan he is best known for the Tora-san series – Yamada wrote and the Japan Academy Prize for Best Screenplay. She also wrote and directed Dreams for directed all but two of the 48 films released between 1969 and 1995. Internationally, Sale (12). The Long Excuse (16) is her fifth feature. the veteran filmmaker has won acclaim for many of his films – including The Twilight Samurai (02), The Hidden Blade (04), Kabei: Our Mother (08) and The Little House (14). THE LONG EXCUSE NAGASAKI: MEMORIES OF MY SON 永い言い訳母と暮せば

Sachio is a very successful but The Long Excuse is a poignant and Medical student Yoji becomes one Now well into his 80s, Nagasaki: arrogant writer who is cheating sensitively observed character study of the thousands of victims of the Memories of My Son shows veteran on his wife Natsuko. During a that never dips into mawkishness. US atomic bomb attack on Nagasaki filmmaker Yoji Yamada still trip away, Natsuko and her friend Director Miwa Nishikawa handles in August 1945. His death leaves working at the top of his game. Yuki are killed in a bus accident. the material with genuine his mother Nobuko – who works as The director has described it Sachio – whose celebrity status has compassion and thoughtfulness, a midwife – living at home alone, as “the most important film” in led to media interest in the tragedy always providing the talented albeit with regular visits from Yoji’s his life, and his passion for the – initially finds himself unable to cast with the space they need to fiancée Machiko. Years after Yoji’s material is clear to see. Nagasaki grieve. Ultimately, however, his life develop their characters. Masashiro death, Nobuko is unexpectedly again illustrates Yamada’s ability to begins to fall apart as the reality of Motoki – star of the Oscar-winning visited by the ghost of her son. The work with actors, and his frequent his wife’s absence hits him. During Departures, who has only recently brief but irregular ghostly visits collaborator Sayuri Yoshinaga turns the public inquiries into the crash, made his big-screen comeback – prove a source of solace for a lonely in a particularly strong performance he encounters Yuki’s husband turns in a beautifully restrained Nobuko. However, as time passes, as Nobuko. This is a heartbreaking Yoichi. Yoichi’s job as a truck performance as Sachio, while a she becomes increasingly concerned study of grief, while also offering driver has left him in a tight spot, warm and lively Pistol Takehara about Machiko’s future. Encouraged an insightful look at the human unable to stay at home with his two is delightful as Yoichi. The pair by the visiting Yoji, Nobuko tries consequences of World War II. young children. Sachio cautiously are, however, given a run for their to encourage the young teacher to Nagasaki: Memories of My Son was agrees to look after the kids while money by young Kenshin Fujita move on with her life… also Japan’s official submission for their father is out of town. and Tamaki Shiratori as the two Best Foreign Language Film at this children attempting to come to year’s Academy Awards. terms with their mother’s absence. HIROBUMI WATANABE (born 1982) is a graduate of the Japan Institute of the SUNAO KATABUCHI (1960) was still at Nihon University when he joined the Moving Image. In 2013 he co-founded the production group Foolish Piggies Films writing team for Sherlock Hound (84), a Japanese-Italian TV serial directed with his brother Yuji. Their debut filmAnd The Mud Ship Sails Away (13) was by Hayao Miyazaki. He would re-team with the Studio Ghibli founder as an followed by the silent film 7 Days (15). Poolsideman is the third feature from the assistant director on Kiki’s Delivery Service (89). He has subsequently directed Watanabe Brothers. Famous Dog Lassie (96) and Black Lagoon (06) for television, and the award- winning animes Mai Mai Miracle (09) and In This Corner of the World (16).

POOLSIDEMAN PRINCESS ARETE プールサイドマンアリーテ姫

Yusuke lives a lonely life in a suburb With Poolsideman, Hirobumi A curious young princess, hindered Diana Coles’ The Clever Princess, north of Tokyo. He eats breakfast, Watanabe – working in close by her royal status, watches the first published in England in he drives to work at the local pool, collaboration with his brother Yuji outside world go by. Sometimes she 1983, has become one of the most he watches the TV news and listens – has created a probing, provocative sneaks out of the palace; sometimes popular feminist fairy tales in to the radio. All the while, he barely study of modern alienation. Shot she escapes into the books she Japan. Thanks to the efforts of a says a word. Even when he is forced in evocative black & white, the hides under her bed. Eager suitors, quartet of campaigners known as to drive his chatty co-worker Koji to film’s long takes cut right through tasked with retrieving magical Group Women’s Place, the Japanese a neighbouring pool, Yusuke just Yusuke’s repetitive existence to objects, come to court her, but do translation of the story – Arete Hime sits in total silence. Beneath this explore a very damaged individual. not charm her: “They will make you no Boken – first appeared in 1989. calm but cold exterior, however, It goes deeper too, examining the hate yourself if you listen to them This stately paced 2001 adaptation there is something dark brewing potential consequences of relentless for long enough,” warns a wise, old by Mai Mai Miracle director Sunao within Yusuke. As he sits listening news coverage and social isolation. witch. When the princess’ father Katabuchi stresses individual to news of atrocities from around Aided by a pair of committed is tricked into giving her hand freedom and development. the world, there is an anger brewing performances from Gaku Imamura to a sorcerer, she is imprisoned Unique character designs and up inside this young, lonely man. and Hirobumi Watanabe himself, in a tower. Will her blossoming fantastic medieval-themed tableaux the fascinating Poolsideman is quite friendship with a serving girl allow make for gorgeous viewing. unlike anything else in modern her to outfox the magician? Japanese cinema. NAOKO YAMADA (born 1984) majored in oil painting at Kyoto University of Art and TOMOHIKO ITO (born 1978) is best known as the director of the A-1 Pictures hit Design. She joined the Kyoto Animation studio in 2004, where she has worked first series Sword Art Online (12–14). His other credits include Death Note (06–07), as an animator and then director on films and TV series includingK-On! (09–11), Occult Academy (10), Silver Spoon (13) and Erased (16). K-On! The Movie (11), Tamako Market (13) and Tamako Love Story (14). A Silent Voice (16) is her third film.

SWORD ART ONLINE THE MOVIE: A SILENT VOICE ORDINAL SCALE 聲の形ソードアート・オンライン-オーディナル・スケール -

As the new girl in a primary school disability with both sensitivity and In 2026, a new machine called the The highly anticipated film of Sword class, Shoko Nishimiya is keen to honesty. The animation is crafted Augma is developed to compete Art Online finally makes it onto make friends. But the fact that she with a depth and texture which, against the NerveGear and its the big screen in this special Irish is a little bit different – she can’t while not as detailed as some of the successor, the Amusphere. With preview, and hopefully fans of the hear – makes her an easy target work of director Naoko Yamada’s the popularity of Virtual Reality franchise won’t be disappointed. for class bully Shoya Ishida. One contemporaries, is striking and in decline, this new device uses Reki Kawahara, the author of the day Shoya finally takes things too colourful. Yamada’s use of light Augmented Reality (AR) technology light novel series on which the far, resulting in Shoko’s mother and colour to mirror the emotions to get players into the game. anime is based, has developed an transferring her to a different of her characters is particularly It is safe, user-friendly and lets entirely original story that takes school and the rest of Shoya’s effective, while point-of-view shots users play while they are conscious, place after the end of the TV series’ class finally turning against him. focussed on feet or hands, rather making it an instant hit on the second season and before the Five years later, the teenage Shoya than directly at faces or eyes, market. The most popular game on beginning of the yet-to-be-animated is tormented by the guilt of his past cleverly capture the shyness and the system is “Ordinal Scale” (aka: Alicization arc. With plenty of action deeds. He decides that he must seek insecurities associated with being OS), which has been developed and vibrant animation, Ordinal out Shoko and try to make amends. an awkward teenager. It is also of exclusively for the Augma. As Kirito, Scale delivers a compelling story But has he left things too late? note that in what is usually a male- Asuna, and their gang explore this that manages to capture many of dominated area of filmmaking, new world, they find themselves in the charms of the franchise, and Based on a manga series by the three main creatives here danger when the lines between the in doing so provides an experience Yoshitoki Oima, A Silent Voice is a – director Yamada, screenwriter virtual and the real begin to blur… that feels both fresh and familiar. poignant coming-of-age story, which Reiko Yoshida and original manga handles its themes of bullying and creator Oima – are all women. NAOTARO ENDO (born 1978) previously directed the independent filmGuzen no STEPHEN KIJAK (born 1969) is an American filmmaker who studied at Boston Tsuzuki (04), which took home the audience award at the PIA Film Festival. After University’s College of Communication. He has made a number of successful and previous work in TV and advertising, Tsukiji Wonderland marks his first full-length acclaimed music documentaries, including Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (06), feature. He has described wanting to ‘capture the living heart of Tsukiji on film’ Stones in Exile (10) and Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (2015). through the documentary. He is currently working on a documentary about Lynard Skynard, as well as the feature filmShoplifters of the World.

TSUKIJI WONDERLAND WE ARE X

There’s nowhere quite like Tsukiji Naotaro Endo’s documentary spends X JAPAN might not be a household We Are X follows the surviving Fish Market in Tokyo. Work begins time in the building that has hosted name in the West, but they’re one of members as they prepare for a major before many people even head to the world’s biggest fish market for the most successful and iconic heavy performance in New York’s Madison bed, with the excitement really more than 80 years. It is a very metal bands of all time. The band – Square Garden. Stephen Kijak’s kicking off in the early hours of the human story – from the wholesalers originally known simply as X – was stylish and fascinating documentary morning. It is a place of gloriously who spend endless hours in the formed by drummer Yoshiki and recounts the extraordinary history organised chaos – thousands of market, to the world-famous chefs lead vocalist Toshi while they were of an extraordinary band. It’s a people rushing around to secure who rely on the market to provide still in school. After the band enjoyed story that is at times hilarious the best fish for the seafood shops the ‘best of the best’ fish. Tourists some success with independent and ridiculous, and at other times and restaurants of Tokyo and currently face strict restrictions labels in the late 80s, mainstream surprisingly dark and tragic. Kijak beyond. From the fast-paced tuna when attending Tsukiji, and there success beckoned. By the early 90s, expertly captures the band’s unique auctions to the small army of are controversial plans for the they had established themselves as energy and character, while also wholesalers tasked with finding market to move to more modern one of Japan’s biggest bands – and exploring the sheer passion of the the catches of the day, it is a place facilities in the near future – so even started making some waves band’s legion of committed fans. At that buzzes with life and drama. this thoroughly entertaining internationally. By 1997, however, the centre of it all is the friendship documentary is a delightful way to the band had disbanded. Despite a between Yoshiki and Toshi, and experience the unique pleasures tragedy and Toshi’s ‘brainwashing’ by the many ups-and-downs they of what really is a wonderland. a cult, X JAPAN eventually reformed have experienced over the decades. in the late 2000s. The story of X JAPAN is strange, dramatic and often inspiring – and that makes for one hell of a documentary. The music, by the way, is pretty great too. DUBLIN FILM CRITICS SPECIAL CIRCLE AT THE JAPANESE JAPAN FOUNDATION EVENTS FILM FESTIVAL 2017 DISCOVERY

Established in 2006, The Dublin Film The Japanese Film Festival is delighted to Critics Circle offers the country's full- present screenings of five award-winning time professional movie reviewers an Japanese films from the Japan Foundation opportunity to pool opinions on recent Film Library which have been chosen for releases, consider movie heritage and their diverse representation of Japan. whinge about each other’s shortcomings. → A special ticket price applies to This year, for the fifth time, a jury these screenings. representing the DFCC members will name their selections for Best Film and Best Anime at the 9th Japanese Film Festival.

Tara Brady The Irish Times

Gavin Burke entertainment.ie

Donald Clarke The Irish Times

Brogan Hayes movies.ie

John Maguire The Sunday Business Post

Nicola Timmins Average Film Reviews

Dave Turpin nomoreworkhorse.ie

Paul Whittington The Irish Independent

T.EJ SCREENING

T.ej, a TEDx-style speaking and network- ing event with a Japanese twist, organised by Experience Japan, will be held in UCD with expert talks on Sunday April 9th. As part of the day a film screening of the Japan Foundation film The Letter 手紙( ) will be presented.

For further screening details, please visit www.experiencejapan.ie/upcoming-events/ RYOSUKE HASHIGUCHI (born 1962) directed 8mm films while still at secondary MIPO O (1977) studied at Osaka University of Arts and began her filmmaking career school. In 1989 his 8mm filmA Secret Evening won the Grand Prix at the PIA Film by working for five years as a screenplay editor for the director Nobuhiko Obayashi. Festival. In 1992 his first feature,A Touch of Fever, screened at the Berlin International After a couple of short films, she made her feature directorial debut in 2006 with Film Festival and was a success in his home country. His 2002 filmHush! was invited The Sakais Happiness, which earned her the Sundance/NHK Filmmakers’ Award. to screen in the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival and was released She followed that with Here Comes The Bride, My Mom! (10), The Light Shines Only in 69 countries globally. He has also directed Like Grains of Sand (95), All Around Us There (14) and Being Good (15). (08), Zentai (13) and Three Stories of Love (15), which featured in JFF 2016. ALL AROUND US BEING GOOD ぐるりのこと。きみはいい子

Laid-back Kanao and controlling upheaval happening in Japanese Newly graduated primary school Based on Hatsue Nakawaki's Shoko are married and have society at the time. Kanao’s teacher Okana finds his idealistic omnibus novel, director Mipo O decided to start a family. Realising position as a courtroom illustrator principles challenged when he follows up her Oscar submission that his current casual job will provides a backdrop of various tries to help a student he suspects The Light Shines Only There with not be sufficient to provide for a real sensational criminal cases to is being mistreated. Young mother another unflinching examination of child, Kanao uses his art school explore the idea that Japan was Masami feels totally alone as real life struggles; in this instance, background to obtain a position as undergoing a collective change in she undertakes single-parenting for three isolated individuals who all a courtroom sketch artist. But just psyche – Hashiguchi uses Shoko’s responsibilities while her husband reside in one Otaru neighbourhood. when everything seems to be falling worsening mental state to suggest works abroad, and struggles in She uses an interweaving structure into place for the couple, tragedy a wider disorder in that society, how she acts towards her young to address some challenging themes strikes. Shoko subsequently falls into which Kanao witnesses first-hand daughter, due to her own traumatic including abuse, mental illness and a deep depression and while Kanao in court. But as with his previous childhood. Akiko, an elderly woman isolation, but as with Light, Mipo O struggles to cope with how to help films, the main underlying concerns living alone with mild dementia, is also concerned in tempering this her, his career flourishes, resulting for Hashiguchi here are the fragility is accused of shoplifting after she difficult material with compassion, in a deepening void between the two. of relationships, the basic need of forgets to pay for groceries at a local by exploring how a simple act of human beings for connection and supermarket; a chance encounter kindness can sometimes make a Told over the course of 8 years the importance of renewed hope. with an autistic child in need of difference. While never an easy (1993–2001) Ryosuke Hashiguchi’s His direction of such an ambitious assistance results in an unexpected watch, Being Good confirms Mipo O fourth film manages to be both piece is assured, striking the right connection for her. as one of the most interesting new an intimate examination of the balance between character study and voices in the contemporary Japanese struggles within a marriage, as social commentary. landscape. well as a wider exploration of the JIRO SHONO (1950) is a director, producer and writer. He has directed many AZUMA MORISAKI (born 1927) studied law at Kyoto University before working Japanese television series including Beautiful Life (00), Orange Days (04), as an assistant director and script-writer at Shochiku Studios. In 1969, he made Scandal (08) and Night Teacher (14), as well as the films The Letter (06) and his debut as a director with Woman Can’t Be Beaten. He has used his unique and Time Lost, Time Found (09). humorous perspective on life in films including Tora-san, His Tender Love (70), Time and Tide (83), The Nuclear Gypsies (85) and Love Letter (98). His 2004 filmChicken Is Barefoot earned him the Award for Best Artistic Contribution at the Tokyo International Film Festival. THE LETTER PECOROSS’ MOTHER AND HER DAYS 手紙ペコロスの母に会いに行く

Since they lost their parents, too. Branded as the “brother Yuichi Okano (Ryo Iwamatsu) is a Veteran director Azuma Morisaki Takeshi has provided for his of a killer”, Nao must also deal middle-aged magazine ad salesman uses a characteristically light touch younger brother Naoki, and works directly with the consequences of who enjoys his hobbies of manga and gentle humour to highlight hard to ensure that his sibling will Takeshi’s actions and is “sentenced” art and playing music more than one of Japan’s most serious social get to university. But when Takeshi to a life of discrimination. his job. He is an eternal optimist issues – that of an ever-increasing is fired from his job, he is forced and the shape of his head has aging population within the to take desperate measures to Based on a novel of the same earned him the nickname ‘Pecoross’ country – whilst also exploring ensure that his brother’s education title by best-selling author Keigo because of its likeness to a small more general themes of family will not suffer. He breaks into a Higashino, director Jiro Shono’s onion. He is also a totally devoted and the appreciation of life, to house to steal money for Nao’s drama is a moving examination of son and has cared for his elderly deliver an emotionally complex, tuition fees and when the elderly the significant ripple effect that a mother Mitsue (Harue Akagi) since yet life-affirming work. Tinged owner interrupts his crime, he crime can have, with the unjustness the death of his father 10 years with bittersweet and heartwarming accidently kills her. While serving of society dictating that its impact previously. When the dementia that moments throughout, it is easy to life in prison for murder, Takeshi reaches far beyond the lives of just Mitsue has been battling for some understand why Pecoross’ Mother and writes to his brother on a monthly the perpetrator and the victim. time worsens, Yuichi reluctantly Her Days was a firm favourite with basis, completely unaware that places her in a nursing home. Japanese cinema audiences in 2013. his sibling is struggling to cope As Mitsue spends time with the other colourful residents there, her returning memories gradually reveal a secret past. KAZUYOSHI KUMAKIRI (1974) majored in Arts’ Visual Concept Planning at the Osaka University of Arts. His graduation filmKichiku (98) screened at more than 10 international film festivals, including in the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival. His next film, Hole in the Sky (01), received the FIPRESCI Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. His other works include Antenna (03), The Volatile Woman (04), Green Mind, Metal Bats (06), Freesia: Bullet Over Tears (06), Non-Ko (08), The End of Summer (13) and My Man (14). SKETCHES OF KAITAN CITY 海炭市叙景

Established in January 2010, Experience Japan aims to celebrate and promote Japan as well as Japanese-Irish culture and heritage in Dublin and throughout Ireland. It marks the longstanding historical and warm relations which exist between our countries and peoples. Experience Japan is proud to be associated with the 9th Japanese Film Festival.

Experience Japan events have their highlight during Hanami when a day-long festival is © 2010 YASUSHI SATO/"SKETCHES OF KAITAN CITY" PRODUCTION COMMITTEE COMMITTEE held in the beautiful parkland surrounds of DIRECTOR: Kazuyoshi Kumakiri | 2010 | 152 minutes | Cert: CLUB Farmleigh. Hanami or ‘flower viewing’ is the STARRING: Kaho Minami, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masaki Miura, Mitsuki Tanimura renowned Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of sakura or ‘cherry blossoms’ in spring. New Year’s Eve, Kaitan City. A Adapting five short stories from an Crowds of family and friends come together worker is made redundant due to a unfinished anthology by the late for outdoor parties to welcome the new downsizing of the city’s shipyard; novelist Yasushi Sato, acclaimed season and celebrate the beauty of nature. an old woman refuses to leave director Kazuyoshi Kumakiri has her home even though it is in an produced a rich humanist work This is a special year for Japan–Ireland relations area planned for redevelopment; a filled with contemplation and as it is the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic manager of the local planetarium tenderness. Using the real life port Relations between the two countries. The suspects his wife of betrayal; of Hakodate in his native Hokkaido Experience Japan main festival day on Sunday a lonely tram driver tries to to represent the fictional city of 23rd April at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park will understand why his grown-up son Kaitan, Kumakiri uses a canvas be an opportunity to commemorate and celebrate never visits; the wife of a neglectful of richly textured panoramas to this diamond anniversary. Events will include business owner directs her anger establish a strong sense of time martial arts, taiko drum performances, origami with her husband towards their and place that is faithful to the and craft workshops, and Cosplay fashions framed son. Ordinary people, having to deal source material. Combining this with traditional Kimono displays. Activities are with the realities of their day-to- with camera shots that remain family-oriented and mostly free of charge. day lives, and taking solace in the reflective and unobtrusive, the small comforts that life presents. overall result is a thoughtful mosaic For more information about this and other that evokes a deep empathy for the events see www.ExperienceJapan.ie experiences and repressed emotions of the characters on screen. SCHEDULE DUNDALK DUBLIN An Táin Arts Centre The Chester Beatty Library Sat April 1 Princess Arete 18:00 Sun April 2 The Letter 14:00 Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 20:30 Light House Cinema CORK Wed April 5 We Are X 21:15 Triskel Christchurch Thu April 6 Nagasaki: Memories of My Son 18:00 Sun April 2 Tsukiji Wonderland 18.15 Tsukiji Wonderland 20.15 Mon April 3 Harmonium 18.15 Fri April 7 Fires on the Plain 18:00 Tue April 4 Destruction Babies 18.15 Harmonium 20:15 Wed April 5 A Silent Voice 18.15 Destruction Babies 22:45 Sat April 8 Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 11:00 Gate Cinema Kizumonogatari: Part 3 13:30 Thu April 6 Her Love Boils Bathwater 18:30 Poolsideman 15:30 Fri April 7 Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 18:30 The Long Excuse 18:00 Sat April 8 Japanese Girls Never Die 18:30 Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale 20:15 Sun April 9 The Long Excuse 18:30 Japanese Girls Never Die 22:45 Sun April 9 Happy Hour 11:00 GALWAY A Bride for Rip van Winkle 17:00 EYE Cinema Her Love Boils Bathwater 20:15 Sun April 2 Japanese Girls Never Die 19:00 Mon April 10 Pecoross’ Mother and Her Days 18:00 We Are X 21:00 Tue April 11 Being Good 18:00 Mon April 3 Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 19:00 Wed April 12 Sketches of Kaitan City 18:00 Tue April 4 Harmonium 19:00 Thu April 13 All Around Us 18:00 Wed April 5 A Silent Voice 19:00 Thu April 6 The Long Excuse 19:00 UCD Cinema Sun April 9 The Letter (see special events) 15:30 SLIGO Sligo Institute of Technology WATERFORD Mon April 3 Princess Arete 12:00 Garter Lane Arts Centre Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 18:00 Sun April 9 Tsukiji Wonderland 19:30 Mon April 10 Princess Arete 19:30 MAYNOOTH Tue April 11 Her Love Boils Bathwater 19:30 Maynooth University Mon April 3 Princess Arete 18:45 Tue April 4 Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 18:45 Please Note: LIMERICK → All films are in Japanese with English subtitles University of Limerick → All films, with the exception ofA Silent Voice, are unclassified. Unclassified Wed April 5 Princess Arete 18:00 films are subject to club conditions, i.e. open to over 18+ years only Kizumonogatari: Parts 1 & 2 20.15 → Check www.jff.ie for screening updates.

SCHEDULE

BOOKING INFORMATION: VENUES

CORK The Gate Cinema sandwiches North Main Street, Cork. (021) 427 9595 | www.corkcinemas.com

Triskel Christchurch Tobin Street, Cork. quiches (021) 427 2022 | www.triskelartscentre.ie

DUBLIN Chester Beatty Library Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 (01) 407 0750 | www.cbl.ie coffee Light House Cinema Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7 (01) 872 8006 | www.lighthousecinema.ie cakes UCD Cinema UCD Belfield Campus, Dublin 4 [email protected] | www.experiencejapan.ie

DUNDALK An Táin Arts Centre Crowe Street, Dundalk beer (042) 933 2332 | www.antain.ie

GALWAY EYE Cinema Galway Wellpark Retail Park, Wellpark, Galway (091) 780 078 | www.eyecinema.ie wine LIMERICK University of Limerick Kemmy Business School (no advance bookings, tickets available only on door)

MAYNOOTH Maynooth University Iontas Lecture Theatre (no advance bookings, tickets available only on door)

SLIGO Sligo Institute of Technology Aurivo Auditorium (no advance bookings, tickets available only on door)

WATERFORD Garter Lane Arts Centre O’Connell Street, Waterford. Photography by Simon Lazewski (051) 855 038 | www.garterlane.ie

ADVANCE BOOKING & TICKET PRICES: → www.jff.ie → See individual venues for detailed ticket prices. → Concession available for students, unemployed and OAP. popcorn

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