5 Japanese Movies for the Soul

General craziness has prevented me from posting the last few days, but here we go, post number 5! These are the 5 movies I watch about/taking place in Japan that just make me feel good, especially on a rainy day. There's no particular order; these are just the 5 that top the list. There is also no distinction drawn between anime films and live action, so I'll notate that. Summaries will be non-Spoiler in nature, because these movies should be enjoyed, ASAP. No grading either, just my likes and dislikes.

1). Summer Wars
Anime, Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Wars

 Summary:
The story revolves around a boy named Kenji, who is hired by his classmate, Natsuki, to pretend to be her fiance for a family reunion in celebration of her Grandmother's birthday. Reluctant at first, Kenji eventually takes to the fake position. Things get complicated when a computer virus breaks out over "Oz", a social networking site responsible for the upkeep of many technological activities, both in Japan and the world. The problem? Kenji, a math whiz, suspects that he in fact released the virus onto the net, after breaking an unknown puzzle sent to him on his cell phone...

WHY I LIKE THIS MOVIE:
Besides being directed by a favorite director of movie (another movie of his appears further down the list), Summer Wars is just a good movie all around. Award Winning actually. The blending together of scifi-anime, family drama, and the rural Japanese setting is something that isn't seen a lot in anime. There's something for everybody here, and it's hard to not get engaged with the cast of characters that occupy the Jinnouchi clan's household. Hosoda, who before this had been known for directing the Digimon movies (and my favorite episode) brings his style to the forefront. For some reason....you can tell it's summer in anything he does. He animates heat really well, and it feels like a story that takes place in the Summer. As for movies I can relate this too? Besides the Digimon movie itself, the Summer Wars plot feels like a mix of Family Reunion with Melissa Joan Heart, and Little Miss Sunshine. Definitely something to check out.

IF I HAD TO PICK SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE:
 Certain characters in the movie don't get a lot of time to shine. The movie can essentially be divided into 3 stories. The Family Story, the OZ Story, and a Baseball Game Story. All 3 relate to each other, but due to the complexity of the story, and the numerous cast, some characters do fall by the wayside, and on your first watch it might be very hard to keep a tally on who's who, and who's children belong to who. One of the characters that essentially gets shafted is Kenji's friend, Takashi. He has an important role to play in the film, but you do tend to forget about him when he's not on screen.

2). Rashomon
Live Action, directed by Akira Kurosawa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashomon

Summary:

A priest and a woodcutter take shelter in the "Rashomon" gate from the rain. Soon after, a commoner joins them and recounts the tail of a terrible murder, with 4 different versions of the story, each changing the tale based on the perception of the character in question. (Sorry, but saying more than that kind of spoils things.


WHY I LIKE THIS MOVIE:

Rashomon may seem like a dark choice for a feel-good movie. That may be true, but the story is really one of restoring faith in humanity, not one that is giving up hope. (Seriously, watch the movie!) Based on two disparate stories (Rashomon provides the setting, In a Grove has the characters and plot. Interestingly, the term "Rashomon Effect" comes from this film.)  As a fan of Kurosawa's work in general, it's hard to pick one that makes you feel good. 7 Samurai, while entertaining, isn't exactly a feel good story. There's a lot of death. Here, you're just dealing with one death, and it's happened before the actual events of the story. Add to that, there is life that is salvaged from that death- so you walk away with a sense of restored faith, whereas films like 7 Samurai leave you feeling with a sense of balance, but not necessarily a sense of contentment.

IF I HAD TO PICK SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE:

For all the things I like about it, the problem with Rashomon is it's pacing, and that might make it hard for the uninitiated to watch. The plot, while quite ahead of its' time, still makes for a more slowly-paced film. It's for that reason that films like 7 Samurai (which is still my favorite Kurosawa film) and Yojimbo are better recieved by Western audiences. Our movies are traditionally faster, no helping it.

3). PONYO:
Anime, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponyo

Summary:

"Ponyo on a Cliff" (The Full Japanese title) is probably the most fun movie to watch on a rainy day. Based loosely on The Little Mermaid, (the original book, not the Disney version), the film follows Ponyo, a fish-girl, and her friendship and love with a human boy who saves her, Sosuke. Meanwhile, Ponyo's father (originally a human being at some point), is constructing a plan to wash the world of humanity, for he has come to hate what humans are doing to the planet. Ponyo's need to escape her father's control causes her to unleash her magic, from her mother's side, and summon a storm that bends the very fabric of space and time. All this leads to Sosuke and Ponyo (now more human than fish) teaming up to save Sosuke's mom, and the world.

WHY I LIKE THIS MOVIE:

Like most Studio Ghibli films, the dub cast (and original cast) is full of big names. If you're a movie/tv buff like myself, you can enjoy the film purely on that. (Lily Tomlin, Betty White, Tina Fey and Liam Neeson in the same film....come on.) More importantly, being a Miyazaki work, the art and story are just something beyond the standard fare for animation. When Ponyo's storm happens, it feels like a real storm, and at the same time, it's still magical. (The storm is personified via Ponyo's sisters, who turn into giant....wave fish.) All around, it's a great movie to watch with your family. Kids love it...I mean really love it.

IF I HAD TO PICK SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE:

Do you know what an ear worm is? Well this movie has one. Both the Japanese and American versions of the theme can get rather stuck in your head...for a while. You'll find yourself loving the song, but then kind of being done with the song....and then loving it again.

Another, more important note, like most Ghibli films a lot of the story is...assumed. You really can't watch a Ghibli film once, there needs to be multiple viewings. (You can take that as a pro or a con, and really you should watch this movie as many times as you're able.) For instance, there's a lot of things you are left wanting to know- how Ponyo's parents met, what's Sosuke like at daycare, etc. etc. (Fun Fact- the film was originally supposed to take place at a Day Care, but through the process of planning, Miyazaki actually went and formed a Day Care Center, via Studio Ghibli. The Day Care in the film looks fairly like the actually edifice.) Luckily, most of Miyazaki's works are based on books, so if you really like the story, you can hunt down the original work, and do some reading!

5). Lost in Translation:
Live Action, directed by Sofia Coppola
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Translation_(film)

Summary:

Bob Harris, a veteran actor, comes to Japan to film a Whiskey commercial. Staying at the same hotel is Charlotte, a college graduate who is left behind by her husband for work. The two meet, and have a sort-of-affair, with Charlotte slowly being fed up with her husband, and Bob trying to escape the pressures of his family (mostly his wife.) The two get wrapped up in various aspects of Japanese culture, and more importantly, in each other.



WHY I LIKE THIS MOVIE:

There are many reasons why Lost in Translation is amazing. Ms. Coppola's Script, Bill Murray's characterization of Bob Harris, the chemistry between Murray and Johansson. Even just the setting of the movie is enough to thrill Japanophiles and Cinephiles alike. (Hachiko Crossing is now famous for the scene featuring Charlotte, besides from just being a very famous spot on its' own.) What really makes this movie something special is how it turns feelings of isolation and xenophobia and evaporates them. The film is about two outsiders (albeit outsiders in their own life) who are given a chance to play in a sandbox that's not their own. It's a very beautiful film, and at times, can be very funny, or very sad. A must watch if you haven't seen it.

IF I HAD TO PICK SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE:

There exists some criticism of the film that states it is "Anti-Japan" (at least, Anti-Modern Japan.) The film involves several adult situations, from crime to a strip club scene, to just the overall feel of the film. I don't personally find anything anti-Japanese in the film, (even the critics agree the film is very accepting of older Japanese traditions, and treats them beautifully), I just think the story of the movie calls for the crazier side of Japan. All countries have their crazy sides, and there's nothing wrong with showing them. (Felini's Roma would be a very boring film if we only got to see everything in a positive light. Same goes for Cinema Paradiso.)

My main issue is, at certain times, you find yourself not quite rooting for the main character. While Charlotte is always on the side of the audience, Bob drifts here and there. That said- this kind of has to happen for the movie to end as it does...so there you are.

5). The Ramen Girl:
Live Action, directed by Robert Allan Ackerman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Translation_(film)

Summary:

Abby is stranded in Tokyo at a job she doesn't really like when her boyfriend Ethan decides to call it quits. Broken, and unsure of how to go forward, she stumbles into a local Ramen shop in the rain. There, she falls in love with the food, and decides that she is destined to make Ramen herself. After much trouble, she gets the head chef, Maezumi, to be her teacher, but he is not an easy sell, and she has her work cut out for her, no matter how many people are in her corner.


WHY I LIKE THIS MOVIE:

I stumbled onto this film randomly (Thank you Netflix!), and it really makes you appreciate Britanny Murphy as an actress. (Truly someone we lost too early.) The film is a very different view of Japan than we get from films like Lost in Translation. The movie doesn't exactly try to be realistic, (Some scenes are very much cartoon inspired),  but it's very much a real scenario. The chemistry between Britanny Murphy's Abby and Nishida Toshiyuki's Maezumi is really something amazing to watch. The film works on a lot of levels, but at it's heart, it's about finding something to believe in. (Both Abby and Maezumi have "lost" someone from their lives, and they help each other in restoring what was lost.)

IF I HAD TO PICK SOMETHING I DIDN'T LIKE:

This film has what I like to call "Stock Foreigner Characters." Everyone now and again, you'll see these kind of archetypes pop up in Japanese films. Abby's two friends she meets in Japan are really kind of the downside of this movie- they're important, but they're no way likeable. They're just....well, watch the movie and you'll see what I mean.

Stock Characters will show up in the next blog post, which has something to do with the number 6, and the film "My Darling is a Foreigner."

Till then, keep reading, and if you're feeling generous, donate to the trip by sending a gift through paypal to mh_ch_sh@yahoo.com

Thanks all!

Yottsu no daisukina tabemono (4 Foods I love!)

While the ever pressing struggle of getting healthy and staying on a strict diet continues; my mind can't help but drift to some of my favorite Japanese dishes. (By the by, if you, Mr./Mrs. Reader, haven't noticed, each post title in this blog includes a number. Why did I do that you ask yourselves? Well, I felt witty. No other reason really. Back to me, and food.) Japanese dishes, and for the most part, the whole of Asian cuisine is viewed as much healthier than food readily available in the West. It's hard to fight that argument, as the way of life between our two countries is not quite similar. To use an uneducated generalization, most Japanese businessman work far longer hours than American ones. Sure it's not a triathlon, but longer work hours is technically more activity. Extrapolating that, and adding the fact that Japanese portions are far smaller than American ones, you get a healthier diet. Japanese food is also, at least traditionally, devoid of our kind of fast food. If you put a traditional American meal beside a traditional Japanese meal, there would certainly be some differences, but the nutritional value of those meals is something you can debate till the cows come home.

ANYWAY:

The food below is in no real particular order. (Neither #1 or #4 is the best, stop trying to figure me out. I'm a complex machine.) These are just food I happen to enjoy a lot that are often consumed in Japan. I could go on for days about culinary excellence and what it means to Japanese culture, but that would take a lot longer than a blog post.


1). SUSHI- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushi

To the uninitiated, this is hands down the most easily recognized Japanese cuisine. Sushi has an interesting history, and you can read all about that in the link. Like a fair amount of Japanese foods, Sushi is first thought originate in China, but the important part to take away is that Sushi started as a relatively cheap food. In fact, you could really call Sushi fast food, but I think we reserve that term for certain golden arches. Nowadays, especially in the states, you'd be hard-pressed to call Sushi "Cheap." (If you get it a la carte, it isn't too much of a strain on the wallet.) The "original" Sushi, as far as we know, was similar to the Chinese dish in that pieces of fish were fermented inside of rice. Not exactly what you'd find at Arirang's today. That "Narezushi" eventually ends up as "Edomae nigirizushi" which is what most people think of today when you say Sushi- piece of fish, on a block of rice. Of course, you also have a wide range of Sushi rolls, and techniques, and many other forms past that.

Why do I like Sushi?

Simple to eat, great flavor, and it's sea food. (As an Italian descended from a long line of Fisherman, seafood is a wonderful word to me.) For the beginner, it's probably a good idea to go simple, not complicated. (A piece of tuna, or a piece of Salmon, some wasabi, nothing crazy.) Getting over the idea of eating raw fish can be a challenge for some, but it's best to approach other cultures with an adventurous pallet. If you enjoy the simple pieces and rolls, feel free to move on to more complex/different things. (I'm looking at you unagi!)

2). RAMEN- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen

While most people outside of Japan think Sushi is the "meal of meals", I would have to say, as a generalization of course, most Japanese would go with Ramen for something that was a staple. What is Ramen exactly? Another import food from China, Ramen has taken on a whole new life, nay, set of lives, in Japan. Ramen is a type of noodle, served in a (usually meat based) broth, with toppings of every shape and kind. Whether it's Tonkatsu (Pork) or Mabudofu (A Spicy Tofu) Ramen, they're all usually delicious, packed with flavor, and come in a portion that will definitely satisfy you (possibly knock you out, or as I like to call it, a "Ramen Coma.") Ramen is such a big part of Japanese cuisine that there are magazines dedicated to the topic. Heck, there's even a Ramen Museum! (The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum) The museum is definitely a must-see list on my stay as you can sample Ramen from all over Japan there, and get a look at what Ramen shops used to look like in the past.

Why do I like Ramen?

Growing up in an Italian household, (I'm actually Irish-Italian with some other countries thrown in there for fun), Pasta is the go to comfort food: It's usually something your mom or nonna (that's grandma for the non-Italians) prepares with a whole lot of meat sauce, and it does good for the soul. Ramen has a similar effect to the system. It can be pouring rain, and your day could be the worst day you've ever had, and will possibly ever have, but take one spoonful of Ramen and the world washes away. What makes Japanese cuisine truly impressive is the attention to detail, and the balance. These first two foods (Sushi and Ramen) do a lot to represent that. There is a very clear equilibrium latent in Japanese food, and with that equilibrium a special kind of artistry. So for the epicureans out there, you can definitely find a type of Ramen that tickles your wide palette, but there's probably more to gain from Ramen if you just take it as it is- Japan's best comfort food.

3). TEMPURA- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempura

I think in recent years, Tempura has become the second-most known Japanese food to Americans, with Sushi being the first. Tempura has an interesting origin in Japan; Portugese missionaries brought the frying technique over to Japan, with "Tempura" coming from "Tempora" or time. The fried food, usually fish, would be served on holidays and special occasions. The Kanji used translates to something like "Light Bread of Heaven." And that's what makes Tempura, at least good Tempura, oh so good. American fried foods, while often delicious, have the bad side effect of being greasy, and after being eaten, causing you days of terrible, terrible regret. If you're eating good quality Tempura, however, this shouldn't happen to you (especially if you've got some ginger to help the digestion.) Tempura batter uses cold water, and light wheat flower. Japanese breadcrumbs (Panko) usually isn't used in the mix (I generally use Panko when making Tempura, because I like the crunch.) The idea is to for the food to be light, and full of flavor. Tempura usually consists of a some veggies, and fish, though technically, if it's edible, and it can be fried, it's probably Tempura-accessible.

Why do I like Tempura?

Tempura is a lot of fun to eat, and I'm definitely a fan of the taste and the texture, but beyond that I think I'm a fan of Tempura because it's so fun to make. (Most fried foods tend to be fun to prepare, even if they're not so fun for your system.) As a fledgling cook, Tempura can be a challenge to prepare, but if you stick to the recipe and cook with a friend, there's not a whole lot that can go wrong. (Just remember to keep the batter cool, mix another batch if you have to, but keep it cold. The cold helps keep the batter nice and light- Alton Brown has a good episode on the subject, and you can definitely find that around.) Tempura is, as far as I'm concerned, the essential finger food of Japan- and that's saying a lot. Most Japanese meals that I have experience with, tend be Family style. (Sushi can definitely be served for a family, though Ramen is usually a personal endeavor.) So if you're a fan of fried food, but you've noticed that your heart is starting to curse your name, see if Tempura doesn't anything for you. It's still fried...but at least it's a good kind of fried.

4). DAIFUKU- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifuku

The bane of my existence. Daifuku is a very addicting (not in the literal sense) Japanese sweet. If you know what Mochi is, take that, and then you fill it with Anko (Red Bean Paste.) You get something very tasty, and not as sugary as most Western desserts. Don't take the wrong way though- there's usually a lot of confectioner's sugar that goes into these; it's  just that the flavor ends up tasting more natural. Mochi could be it's own topic, outside of Daifuku, but these tasty treats are the ones I keep coming back to. A good number of Japanese food places and markets should have them on hand, but if you're desperately trying to find them, and can't, Yummy Sushi in Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan always has them ready to go.

Why do I like Daifuku?

Like any Japanese food, there is a feeling of balance when you treat yourself to Daifuku after a meal. Sure...like any snack, you can probably go overboard, and that's not balanced at all. But having something sweet, and something bitter, is a very common Japanese ideal (Green Tea- the real stuff and sugary treats are usually served together. Daifuku and Tea makes for a pretty good time, though I'm not sure how traditional that is. In any case...it's good, so treat yourself.)In short. Daifuku, Good. No Daifuku, Bad.


So there you go. 4 of my favorite Japanese Foods. So I'd like to know...what are your favorite Japanese foods. What are you waiting for? Get-to-eatin'!

By-the-by, If you're feeling generous you can donate to my Japanese trip by sending funds as a "gift" to my paypal account at mh_ch_sh@yahoo.com Thanks for the support, and let me know what you think!

Getting to 3rd Base- (Not a Euphemism)

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/03/04/baseball/japan-struggling-to-deliver-on-mound/#.UTOaSTcp81c

While you should read the full story, the Japanese team went up against Brazil in the "World Baseball Classic" opening game, and while they won both the performances of Tanaka and Sugiuchi (the pitchers) didn't have a great performance on the mound. A little worrying for fans of Japanese Baseball.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2013/03/02/our-lives/teacher-cultivates-more-bilingual-education-opportunities-for-children/#.UTOb7zcp81c

An interesting article about the increasing amount of bilingual education opportunities for kids in Japan (i.e. kids of mixed heritage who live in Japan.) Another interesting read, especially if you are of the teaching persuasion.

Till next time fans. Thanks for following, and if you can, donate some money to my trip via paypal (send it as a "gift" to mh_ch_sh@yahoo.com)

Jya matta na!

Dai2Wa, The Plane Ticket Agenda + Abe's War Diet

With arrival date confirmed (either the 25th or 26th of April) the search for the plane ticket begins! It looks like it's going to be a 1-stop trip, but that's all good. Any tips on plane tickets, please leave a comment!

And now, Prime Minister Abe's Diet Speech (No, not that kind of Diet.)

Can I just say, whatever issues you have with this guy, you have to admit it's kind of awesome how he very calmly, and quietly, warned against China not infringing on Japan. I love it. He's always been a cool head, and I really like him for that.


REMINDER: Any friends and family who want to donate to the cause of me being in Japan can gift me the money via paypal. (paypal.com, and then mh_ch_sh@yahoo.com as the e-mail address.) I'm trying to get a button put up so that the money transfer can be made easier. Thanks for all the support!

Brave 1: Japan Blogging + Paypal Initiative

Hey all, as some of you may now, I recently booked a gig as an ALT in Japan. I will be leaving in April. Some of you know me as Matt Hunt, while others know me as Dukemon22, but however you know me, you know I've loved Japanese culture for a very long time; getting to work over there is nothing short of a dream come true, and this blog is going to be a handy tool for communication while I'm over there.

What can my family, friends and followers expect from the blog?

-Weekly updates of my Journey (including shopping for supplies, and just random thoughts.)

-Japanese News Discussion

-Some Vlog posts (probably more when I actually get there.)

If anyone would like to donate to the trip, I would be most thankful:

Donations can be made to mh_ch_sh@yahoo.com through PayPal. (Embed link to come.)

The main purpose of this blog to have an easy method for my friends and family to keep up to date with my travels in a way that isn't me being a goof on facebook or twitter (This will of course, still happen.)

So please, follow the blog, and let me know your thoughts and suggestions for things to do in Japan!