J-FLICKS

On this episode, we focus on one of the grandmasters of classic Japanese cinema, world-renowned filmmaker Ozu Yasujiro. We look at 3 of his earlier films, starting with "There Was a Father," shot during World War II, as well as 2 of his pre-war silent classics: "Passing Fancy" and "Dragnet Girl." Discussing the appeal of Ozu's works and offering advice for newcomers to his films on how to better appreciate them is our guest Markus Nornes, professor at the University of Michigan and one of the leading authorities on Japanese cinema. Also, don't miss our special guest, "benshi" narrator Koyata Aso, as she performs selected scenes from Ozu's silent masterpieces. In addition, we present Nishikawa Miwa's "Under the Open Sky," winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2020 Chicago International Film Festival. [Navigator] Shizuka Anderson [Guests] Markus Nornes (Professor, Asian Cinema, University of Michigan) Koyata Aso (Benshi Live Narrator)

One of the world's 3 most prestigious cinematic festivals, the Berlin International Film Festival, held its online portion this March. In competition, Hamaguchi Ryusuke's omnibus film "Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy" won the Silver Bear Award. We'll also look at Harumoto Yujiro's "A Balance," presented in the Panorama section. Then, some highlights from one of the leading festivals in Japan dedicated to Asian cinema, the Osaka Asian Film Festival, including the winner of the Best Picture Award, "Ito," directed by Yokohama Satoko. And for our feature presentations: "A Garden of Camellias" by Ueda Yoshihiko, along with KENTARO's "Under The Turquoise Sky." Join us for all of this spring's must-see Japanese films. [Navigator] Sarah Macdonald [Guest] Rob Schwartz (Film Critic/Chief, Asia Bureau, Billboard Magazine)

This episode centers on the world-famous Studio Ghibli and its latest release: "Earwig and the Witch," the first film in the studio's history animated fully in computerized 3D graphics. We feature interviews with producer Miyazaki Hayao and director Miyazaki Goro, as well as some of the making-of footage. We also introduce some of the noteworthy titles screened at one of the largest film festivals in Asia, the Hong Kong International Film Festival, including a documentary on the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, "Me and the Cult Leader," directed by Sakahara Atsushi, one of the incident's victims. Finally, we look at 2 films from up-and-coming cineaste Ishii Yuya: "A Madder Red," and "The Asian Angel." [Navigator] Sarah Macdonald [Guest] Yoshi Yatabe (Festival Programmer/Film Producer)

For the first time in 2 years, the Cannes Film Festival returned to its usual "physical" format. Screened in competition was Hamaguchi Ryusuke's "Drive My Car." Based on a short story by Murakami Haruki, the film won the award for Best Screenplay. Following the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, this is Hamaguchi's second award this year. We also look at the world's largest festival on Japanese cinema, Nippon Connection, held in Frankfurt. We introduce this year's award winning films, and speak with the festival's program director. And our feature selections this time are the latest release by Yamada Yoji, "It's a Flickering Life," and "Gift of Fire" directed by Kurosaki Hiroshi. [Navigator] Sarah Macdonald [Guest] John Williams (Film Director / Professor, Sophia University)

On this episode, we look at films by international directors based on true stories from Japan's modern history. Starring and produced by Johnny Depp, "MINAMATA" relates the work of a photojournalist who documented cases of Minamata disease, an illness caused by mercury poisoning in a Japanese town. Meanwhile, "Onoda - 10 000 Nights in the Jungle" by French filmmaker Arthur Harari is a biopic about Lieutenant Onoda Hiroo, one of the last Japanese holdouts who remained on duty 30 years after World War II ended. Also in this episode, we introduce 2 Feature Selections accompanied by an interview with international actor Hira Takehiro who appeared in both films. [Navigator] Sarah Macdonald [Guest] Gavin Blair (Japan Correspondent, Hollywood Reporter)

This episode focuses on one of Japan's largest cinematic events, the Tokyo International Film Festival. The festival's 34th edition was held at physical venues for the first time in 2 years. We'll look at some of the lineup's highlights, including 2 films in competition: "Just Remembering" directed by Matsui Daigo, and "Third Time Lucky" by Nohara Tadashi, as well as a selection from the Asian Future section, "Somebody's Flowers," by director Okuda Yusuke. This year, the festival welcomed its new programming director, Ichiyama Shozo, who's also a prominent producer on the Asian cinematic scene, having worked with filmmakers such as Jia Zhangke and Hou Hsiao-hsien. Ichiyama shares with us his thoughts on the 2021 iteration of the festival. [Navigator] Sarah Macdonald [Guest] Alexander Zahlten (Professor, Harvard University)