Sayonara Gojira

It is sad news that we must share the passing of Haruo Nakajima. During WWII, he served as a gunner on a GM4 bomber and later was assigned to Shinyo suicide boats. Fortunately for us, he survived the war and found a new career in film where he was a stuntman and actor in Kurosawa films. From 1954 to 1972 he was the man in the rubber suit that played Godzilla. A charming, genial man, he was adored by his American fans in his many convention appearances here, even as recently as a few weeks ago. He will be missed, and long remembered. We at American Mishima offer our condolences to his family. 

Sayonara Naka-chan.

Sayonara.

One Lucky Star: Haruo Nakajima

Seen here is veteran actor Haruo Nakajima. We by chance came across his unique story through a WWII forum and found it fascinating enough to share with you here. You see, Haruo Nakajima was conscripted into the IJN at the age of 14. He served as a gunner on a Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" Bomber, and somehow miraculously survived an encounter with a Grumman F6F Hellcat.Mr. Nakajima  is said to have attended Admiral Yamamoto's funeral. If surviving the Hellcat wasn't enough he just happened to be flying on the day that his new ship, the "Shinano" was sunk with 1500 men going down with her. If not for the war's end, he would have been assigned to suicide missions on Shinyo suicide boats. Nearly all of his classmates from training had died on such missions. Somebody was definitely looking out for this man!

Mr. Nakajima would later become famous when he won the role of Godzilla in 1954. He played the iconic character until 1972, when he retired. He is also known for his work on Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and recently appeared in Steve Okazaki's Documentary MIFUNE THE LAST SUAMURAI. Mr. Nakajima is now 88 years old still counting his lucky stars! How awesome is that? すごいい!!!

New Mifune Dcoumentary Makes AFI Film Fest 2016

 

This years AFI Film Festival had a much anticipate treat for fans of the late Japanese Film Legend Toshiro Mifune with the the debut screening of MIFUNE: The Last Samurai. Directed by Oscar Winning Director Steve Okazaki who grew up watching Samurai Films starring Mifune here in Los Angeles on a bed sheet at a Japanese Community Center. As quoted by the director himself, he thought this was going to be great to go through old film clips but it turned out to be more than anticipated. You could say this documentary was more than a labor of love. We would say it was a unique insight to the origin of Samurai Film recounting the golden age of Japanese Silent films. 

Those early films now mostly lost to time and war were initially based on Japanese Noh plays and later became known as "Chambara" films. The word "Chambara" comes from the sounds of clashing swords in film making. Up until Mifune entered his near accidental career, Japanese Samurai films were at best predictable and very formulaic. Enter fate. It was at the outbreak of war with China that young Manchurian born & raised Toshiro Mifune was conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army and sent to Japan for the first time. Like many conscripts, he was mercilessly beaten by his superiors for his rebellious attitude. 

Mifune later is assigned as an Aerial Photographer. Being that his father was a studio photographer who often used him as a model. At some point in World War II he was taken off flight status and assigned to a crew chief position for the Kamikaze. This is where the documentary gets deep. Director Steve Okazaki reveals in his film with the help of interviews from both family and former cast & crews that knew him that his role in the war was to see the young pilots off before their desperate suicide missions. He would tell them: "Don't say you are doing this for the Emperor. Say good bye to your mothers. Now off you go." This may have played a role in his heavy drinking after the war. It was said by his family that when the war came up he would break down in tears. One can only imagine the faces of the young pilots he unwillingly was tasked to send to their deaths. It was clear in his eyes when he played Admiral Yamamoto in Tora Tora Tora this sense of guilt and burden he carried.

Like many returning soldiers returning to Japan after the war's end, Mifune sought to find work in Tokyo. Being that he had been a photographer, he applied at Toho Studios. But for some reason his application was submitted for an acting position instead of the photographer position he had wanted. He failed miserably and became enraged. Lucky for us that legendary director Akira Kurosawa saw something in him and cast him for his early post war films. It would not be until after 1950 when the American Occupation ban on films made with swords that the most iconic Samurai film of all time directed by Kurosawa starred Mifune in The Seven Samurai. 

Seven Samurai became an international hit and back home in Japan it redefined Samurai film. No longer were "Chambara" films made. Rather, films explored what became known in the West as "The Anti-Hero." Mifune's presence was so large, he would star in many films with Kurosawa such as Rashomon, Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Red Beard, and The Hidden Fortress which became the inspiration for Star Wars. This documentary contains a literal who's who of Japanese acting greats and former crews who worked with Mifune. They got everybody they could find but Tatsuya Nakadai. Trust me, we asked! We feel that as far as documentary films go, Steve Okazaki has presented Mifune fans a real treat. Just seeing film clips from the Samurai Trilogy on the big screen makes you want to leap out of your seat with excitement and joy that only a Mifune film could inspire. This film which surprisingly is narrated by Keanu Reeves (Whoa!) is a must for any Toshiro  Mifune fan. We at American Mishima congratulate Director Steve Okazaki for this cinematic delight! That beinbg said, we have to let you know that this will be screened on limited release in December 2016 in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. If you can not see this in those cities, we recommend you look out for it when it becomes available on Amazon or Netflix. Please Enjoy!

Toshiro Mifune to get Star on Walk of Fame!

Legendary film great Toshiro Mifune is set to get a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2016. Mifune (1920-1997) who served as an aerial photographer in Manchuria during WWII never intended to be an actor. He had heard the Toho Studios needed some electricians and applied for work. But when he arrived for the interview and asked to read some lines on a script, he exploded and stormed out of the interview. Luckily for us, his temperament caught the eye of film director Akira Kurosawa who chased after him and talked him into being in his movie and the rest is history. He would go on to be known in the West as the "John Wayne of Japan." Mifune initially starred in early post war film noir films like The Lower Depths but quickly became known for his role in the Seven Samurai, a role which became his all time favorite. He would go on to play such legendary Samurai roles such as The Musashi Samurai Trilogy, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Red Lion, Red Beard, and others. While no date has been released as to when the ceremony will take place, yours truly will try to be there. To date, Akira Kurosawa does not have a star but his star that he created will.This is an honor that is long overdo and we at American Mishima are happy to see it happen.

A Behind the Scenes look at the IJN Fleet of Tora Tora Tora

Every now and then we come across some gems on the internet that give us a look how such great films are made. For this edition we have a small collection of photos of the full scale mockups of the Imperial Japanese Navy that were constructed for the 1970 film TORA TORA TORA. As history recalls, the film was a joint American-Japanese production with famed master film maker Akira Kurosawa initially leading the Japanese side of the production. But just after two weeks of filming Kurosawa backed (or more accurately fired by 20th Century Fox) out of the film citing it just wasn't his style of film he was used to making with American producers making him accountable for his every move. While Kurosawa worked the first two years of pre-production and oversaw the filming of the dramatic "picture shots"m of the Japanese fleet, his mark on the film's opening scenes are unmistakable with his use of the natural elements such as big sky shots and the genius to build his full scale mockups of the Flagship Nagato and the Aircraft Carrier Akagi on a beach facing the ocean. Considering there was no CGI back then, this was a brilliant move on the part of the master director. That being said, here's are some of the photos of the set under construction. As with the later 2005 production of Otoko no Tachi no Yamato (Men of the Yamato) attention to detail was done with great precision to ensure the believability of the film. 

They made the Nagato look so real, this wooden mockup looks like she could take to the seas!

 Carrier Akagi mockup under construction.

Seen here is the Carrier Akagi brought back to life!

Here's a rare photo taken at some distance of the set where the full scale mockup of the Nagato and Akagi sit at the waters edge for filming. It's a shame we couldn't find a clearer photo in color. 

On the American Side, Director Richard Fleischer built only one mockup of the USS Arizona for principal photography. The rest was done using model miniatures. 

Seen here are the Nagato and Akagi miniatures in the water for the later Japanese scenes.

 Here's the same model out of the water.

Considering the technology of 1970, it's fair to say they did an amazing job for their day. If you haven't seen this war classic, it's worth it. But don't take our word for it, see it yourself!

 Enjoy!

To learn more of Director Kurosawa's role please watch the second video detailing the behind the scenes controversy surrounding the Japanese side of the production.

Films for Obon 2015

It's been three years since we've had any films to recommend for Obon. While there have been some films from Japan dealing with death, nothing has spoken to us like this year's picks. Now why you might ask? In part for two reasons. Our first film pick was inspired by this year's Obon Service by Imamura Sensei. In it he spoke of the origins of the Obon ceremony in where a direct disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha had tried to feed the hungry ghost of his mother but found that the food he had laid out burned her. Frustrated, he sought the consul of the Buddha who explained that because she could not appreciate the food in front of her she remained a hungry ghost. Now how many times have you had a meal that for some reason you were so focused on something else that upset you that you could not enjoy such a meal? In that very moment you become the hungry ghost! For this reason, we have selected our first ever non-Japanese pick the 1987 Danish film Babette's Feast.

Much like Imamura Sensei's sermon, this film deals with regret, foolishness, and appreciation. In the plot, a French woman escapes to a small fishing village in 19th Century Jutland Denmark whose entire community centered around a pastor who had recently passed away. No one in this tightly held community including the two surviving daughters of the pastor seems to trust her. What they do not know is that she was a world renown Chef who had just won the French lottery. In an effort to show respect and break the ice with her neighbors, she spends her entire fortune preparing a feast to commemorate the anniversary of the pastors passing. Sounds like people would appreciate that right? Wrong!

 

Gripped by fear and distrust, the two sisters convince themselves that this foreigner is a devil in disguise who seeks to corrupt them away from God. They devise a plan to attend the meal in their father's honor but deprive themselves of enjoying it. What they did not expect was that Denmark's most famous General who Babbette once had a chance encounter with comes to the dinner and is blown away by the incredible 12 course cuisine. He had not eaten so well in many years and tried his best to compliment the exquisite cooking but is quickly shot down by people who ignore his remarks and change the subject as they continue to eat without a word or ounce of joy. These foolish old Danes fail Babbette in their ignorance in not appreciating what they had been given and thus become as Imamura Sensei calls a hungry ghost. As the Japanese would say: BAKA! 

Our Second film for Obon is a replay from an earlier year. We choose a terrifying short story from within Akira Kurosawa Dreams entitled "The Tunnel." 

As many of you may have read about our connection to the Vietnam War and by proxy WWII. This segment deals with regret or as what my father suffered from a sense of survivors guilt. Here within this Kurosawa masterpiece is the story of one such Japanese soldier who at the end of the defeat in WWII returns home. But just short of getting there he must pass through a long dark tunnel where he hears the footsteps of ghosts marching. To his terror, he discovers they are his dead troops who followed him into annihilation.

This short story could be about any war where one who has regrets must come to terms with what they have done. Obon is a time of reflection and this piece gives plenty for those who in recent times have been calling for war never caring once of the consequences for those who must fight it. Please reflect on this.

Akira Kurosawa Dreams & Autumn Rains in LA

It is often said that magic occurs when it rains in the City of Angeles. That saying is ever true as it transforms the palm tree lined streets of the sun drenched cityscape into something else as the season has left Summer behind and embraced the Autumn hues. We could not help but recollect such imagery of when morning mists rise from the morning rains and not think of some place magical like that of the Dreams of Akira Kurosawa.

With that, we'll share you are favorite scenes of a Fox Wedding that can only happen under such conditions. Albeit the rains have now gone and the sun has returned, we are reminded of the beauty of nature.

But be warned!

Foxes do not like to be seen on their wedding day!

And should they get angry...

Make sure your apologies are indeed sincere!

Please enjoy!

お盆のための日本映画 - Two Films for Obon

Summer is here and with it comes Obon. For those not familiar with Japanese Culture, Obon is a Buddhist custom for families to gather and pay honor to one's ancestors and the recently deceased at family altars and temples. As some of you may have read our earlier posts on American Mishima, we too have lost both family and dear friends making this year's Obon more significant on a very personal level. Two years ago on American Mishima, we featured Three Films for Obon. This year which has had it's share of grief to go around we offer you the reader of this blog what we had earlier attempted to do. As before we have selected two films that reflect the spirit of this season. We hope you enjoy.

Our first offering is the 1998 film Afterlife known by the Japanese title ワンダフルライフ Wandafuru Raifu  or Wonderful Life directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. This is a peculiar low budget film that starts slow and at times looks more like a film students final project than a serious feature film. But before you tune out the story line hooks you in and draws you in. Afterlife is a film in where the plot starts with the recently deceased being sent to some way-station of sorts filmed in some abandoned Tokyo school. Once the deceased arrives they are assigned a case worker who will work with them for the following week. During this week, the deceased are to select one memory that will be made into a short film (made entirely by the caseworkers who also happened to be skilled at movie making) reliving that moment before they can take of their life into the afterlife. Once their film has been screened the deceased disappear into the next existence. Failing to select a memory, the deceased finds them self to remain at the way-station to work as a case worker.  All seems routine and pretty mundane for case worker Takashi played by Arata until he is assigned the case of an old man who led one of the dullest lives he had ever witnessed. From day to day the old man went to his office job, said little then returned home to his wife and would go to a park and sit to watch the leaves in silence. Pretty dull so far? Wait! Before the man disappeared he left a note for Takashi revealing both his content for his life and his love for his wife who had earlier passed on.

 What happens next is Takashi learns that the old man's wife had a fiancee who was killed during World War II who she would spend her time with him at that very same park bench. Something happens that makes Takashi want to find out who his wife was and see her last memory. What he discovers will not only shock you but changes the whole course of the movie. This movie really makes you think if you could only have one memory of this life time what memory would you choose? Think about it. The concept alone is thought provoking. I absolutely loved the storyline behind this picture. Creative and utterly ingenious and most original! But don't take my word for it. See for yourself!

Our Second film comes from Japan's most legendary filmmaker of all time Akira Kurosawa in his final film the 1993 Madadayo.

 まあだだよ - Madadayo the name comes from a children's game where the children call out Mada kai (are you ready yet?) and the reply is Madadayo - Not ready yet! So what does this have to do with Obon? Everything! Life as in death is full of reflection and what better film to screen than a film that best covers this ideal of life reflection and the summary of one's life. This is a film that is based on the real life Japanese academic and author, Hyakken Uchida (1889–1971). The film starts out in the opening of World War II where Uchida Sensei played by Tatsuo Matsumura announces to his high school students of the all male classroom he has been teaching German language that he was to retire. Uchida Sensei is beloved by all of his students who check on him and his wife as the war progresses. Uchida Sensei's house is completely destroyed during the American Bombings which included the destruction of his beloved study & library and is forced to live with his wife in a small outhouse like shack for shelter. 

Shortly after Japan's defeat, Uchida Sensei's former students pool their resources together and rebuild his house. It is during the first year of the American Occupation of Japan that his former students decide to start a tradition of throwing their teacher a birthday party. During this first party you only see grown men mostly in their twenties and early thirties in a fraternal like atmosphere that draws the attention of the American Occupiers. Seeing that these men were throwing a harmless Sapporo filled birthday party for an old man, the Americans leave them be. 

 

The highlight of this first party was that a big glass of beer would be presented to Uchida Sensei where he is cheered on to drink the whole glass in one large gulp to which the retired professor succeeds in doing.

As the years go on the parties grow larger and start to include the wives of all of Uchida Sensei's former students. Soon they bring their children and as time grows on their children grow up to marry and have children of their own who are all brought to Uchida Sensei's birthday parties. Near the film's end there now hundreds of former students and their families that include grandchildren of the first students. Such love and grattitude for one's old Sensei. Isn't that what Obon is all about? Grattitude indeed! It's not lost on us Hakujin. All this makes Uchida Sensei exhausted in his old age reflecting back on the wonderful life he had lived and the children's game he once played called Madadayo. It's a beautiful film full of reflection and appreciation for the mastery of Akira Kurosawa in what some could say was his final gift to the world. Madadayo. 

I wish there was a better trailer for Madadayo available but if you can get the gist of this small clip you will want to see this film and enjoy it with your family during Obon. We wish all our departed friends and family the very best and for them to know we are thinking of them and remember them with love and appreciation always.

Another Passing: Actress Isuzu Yamada Dead at 95

For any fan of Akira Kurosawa's films, we at American Mishima regret to announce the passing of legendary Actress Isuzu Yamada at the age of 95. She is best known for her portrayal one of the greatest female villains in Samurai film of all time as the manipulating Asaji - the Lady Macbeth character of Throne of Blood who later became the archetype for the treacherous all time manipulator Lady Kaede in Akira Kurosawa's RAN.

Isuzu Yamada appeared twice in two Akira Kurosawa films with Toshirō Mifune in The Lower Depths and Throne of Blood. Originally from Osaka, she was born Mitsu Yamada who made her first stage appearance at the age of thirteen in 1930. At one point she was credited with being one of the best actresses of Japan. She went on to appear in many films, television dramas as well the stage. She worked with some of Japan's most influential directors such as  Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujiro Ozu, Mikio Naruse and Kurosawa. Her major movies included "Osaka Elegy" and "Sisters of the Gion" by Mizoguchi and "Nagareru" by Naruse, as well as the great Akira Kurosawa who is better known in the west.

Isuzu Yamada passed away in Tokyo to multiple organ failure. 

She was 95 years old and will be remembered as both a stage and screen Legend of Japan. 

すべてのあなたの素晴らしい演奏を どもありがとうございまし!

侍映画 - Eiga no Mifune

As you might have guessed, I love Samurai films. Particularly Samurai films with Toshiro Mifune. Now and then I am lucky enough to catch a classic Samurai film in Little Tokyo or when they have a Samurai Film Festival at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Film Society. As such, I am fortunate enough to see many film screenings and meet many industry professionals. Recently I have been running into Samurai film buffs and have been engaged in many great conversations. At the recent screening of The Last Station ( a film about the final days of Leo Tolstoy ) I got into a deep talk about amazing scenes from classic Samurai Films. There are so many memorable scenes largely with the legendary Toshiro Mifune and other greats of his era that if I had to name one for this month I will refer to the 1957 Akira Kurosawa classic THRONE OF BLOOD aka Kumonosu-jō - The Spider Web Castle.

If you are not familiar with THRONE OF BLOOD it's basically Shakespeare's Macbeth set in feudal Japan. Toshiro Mifune plays Washizu Taketoki who essentially murders his way to becoming lord. He will stop at nothing to attain power and with the manipulations of his power hungry wife he is driven over the edge by the prohpecies of a ghostly encounter in the Spider Web Forrest. A phantom ghost has promised Tatetoki "You shall reign until the tree's rise against you." This quote comes back to haunt him when his castle is under siege. During the final siege, a moment of cinematic genius fills the screen when Mifune's Tatetoki looks out a gun port and sees in literal LSD vision tree's encroaching on his castle. This freaks Mifune's character out and sends this murderous lord into a panic and ultimately seals his doom.


Now I am not sure if Kurosawa was experimenting with hallucinatic drugs at the time or it just happened that this was a popular theme during the 1960's. But I can say the blurry sight of trees rushing the castle while the quote from the ghost plays out brilliantly!
 
 

I am glad I didn't see the tree scene when I was a teenager!
I would have freaked! In any case Throne of Blood is a brilliant use of the Macbeths framework and an excellent adaptation. This film was made on the slopes of Mount Fuji and makes an extensive use of fog in many of the exterior scenes. Filmed in black & white, Akira's creative use of natural elements and dramatic effects gives you a sense of being there.
 
If you see this for the first time be sure to screen a copy of Akira Kurosawa's RAN. But we'll talk about that another time! In the menatime I highly recommend Throne of Blood. You won't be dissappointed!