2010.07.06

We went on a jaunt to The Japan Foundation's Headquarters in Yotsuya and attended three different lectures. J-music: I was able to record the music and perhaps can use it for background tracks on some flip video I make. There was one of the tunes I rather liked the rhythm. Couldn't understand most of the details of what he said, but he was very enthusiastic. J-fashion: Yes, it was like the unreality of the TV show 'America's Next Top Model." One can appreciate the way one presents, merchandises, and sells clothes in this competitive world of costume-like fashion. I don't think much was reasonable for a man to wear, and perhaps they could be a little more careful with how they use children, but I guess it is on the level of American Pageant shows for its making of small children into an adult role, so an interesting comparison. Couldn't understand most of the details of what he said, but he was very enthusiastic. J-movies: Hmm. I feel there may still be a little work to be done in the field of film-making in Japan. Apparently, there is a trend to use a style of photographing that uses a hand held camera and is jerky and often not well lit and has very unusual story lines, and so I am guessing it mirrors the modern life which is jerky and often not too illuminating to people. I am sorry to say this seems to be an odd commentary on life. He made some references to former film makers that used to tell stories based on history and real drama, but I guess that is not the trend these days. Happily he gave us a list of top ten movies from the last few years, and was able to show us some clips from them: Something about an anime called Midoriko which is quite painful to watch, and I am not sure where it was going, but I am guessing it resolves well in the end when the young lady in the story learns to appreciate meat along with the vegetables that she already enjoys. Unususual trend for anime to go. A story about an isolated woman who is a little deranged and focuses her life around cats. I think this a commentary about all the pressures and social obligations placed on people in Japan, and how that can force one into an opposite direction of eccentricity. I suspect this movie resolves itself when she meets someone who also likes cats, but is better able to integrate into modern society. Perhaps a member of the Otaku who introduces her to the society of Akihabara where she gets a job working in a Maid Cafe, or perhaps the cafe that has pets that other people can come to pet. She would be very happy there. A story (documentary) about some people who live in a very disorganized home. They don't have much money, I believe, but there is a young man who is maybe helping his father (?) get through the final stages of life. I think his father maybe drinks too much alcohol or is suffering from dementia or the sort and so needs to be carefully watched. I feel the young man is not very happy and perhaps his employment options are limited due to his care of his father. I hope the documentary has some positive side, but it is a little painful to watch. There was another film about a photographer's life (so I am told by another participant). It had interesting aspects, the actress (was she the photographer, or the model?) seems to be skilled at her craft, seems very fresh and natural, and I am curious how the story line builds. She has nice boobies, and seems to enjoy sex. I am told Mr. Okuda also talked about Russian films. I missed that part. As for how I will incorporate this into my lesson plans, I don't see anyway to do so with the state of Japanese film as it stands, and will just have to stick to 'Tampopo' and the sort until there is some improvement in what is made. Couldn't understand most of the details of what he said, but he was very enthusiastic.