motion pictures relating to Christianity

I became a member of the Congregational church about 20 years ago.

In the first year, I was hooked on going to church.

And at the same time, I purchased a dozen of Christian books - the Old Testament, the New Testament, manuals and others in English and Japanese languages.

I didn't realize how deeply the U.S. society has been built up in the briefs.

There were many expressions and situations I never understood in Hollywood movies, and later I found out that they had someting to do with Christianity.

"THANK GOD," I'm now comfortable with Christian movies.#

two American heroes in WW II

I would like to touch on two famous American heroes in the World War II.

1.) Audie L. Murphy (1926-1971)

I loved war films and westerns in 1950's and 60's.

And one of my favorite movie stars in those films was Audie Murphy, who was most decorated American combat soldier during the war, and later became an actor appearing 44 Hollywood films including 33 westerns.

He played himself in the 1955 film version of his book with the same title, "To Hell and Back," which was a great hit in the industry.

When I visited the Pentagon under a training of the U.S. State Department in 2006, I found his name engraved among all veterans in the past wars at a memorial hall, just next to the America's Heroes Memorial - the site where 184 people killed in the building on September 11.

I was very moved by the way that the U.S. Department of Defense respects and honors the people fought for the country, including victims of the 9/11 terrorism.

2.) Daniel K. Inouye (1924- )

Mr. Inouye is known as the U.S. Senator from Hawaii for over forty-five years.

He was assigned to the "Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team," which became the most high-decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Army.

The story of the combat team was picked up by some Hollywood films.

Ten years ago, I had a chance to accompany Senator Inouye for two days in Hiroshima, Japan, where his parents came from.

He was warm, gentle and straightforward.

And I still remember well that at the airport I shook hands with him, but with his "left" hand as he lost his right arm during the war. #

Sessue

My American college classmates used to talk about how great Sessue was in the U.S.

I thought it was "Sesshu" (1420-1506) who was a great ink painter in the 14th century.

But later, I found out that it was "Sessue" Hayakawa (1889-1973) who was an Academy Award-nominated Japanese actor who mainly starred in the U.S. and France.

He was well known as an actor like Charlien Chaplin between the mid-1910's and the late 1920's and became the top Hollywood star when he appeared in the film "The Cheat."

But for us, he is best known in the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" which won the 1957 Academy Award for Best Picture.

Anyway, Sessue always reminds me of Toshiro Mifune, because of their common points - they were very handsome with exotic features, and yet they were real Japanese, Samurai-type man.#

Kyoto and motion pictures

It is not widely known that in Japan the very first movie was shown and the first movie was shot in Kyoto City.

A Kyoto businessman, who studied with French inventors of cinematograph in France, brought back movie outfit with an engineer and showed a film in the town in 1897.

And the French engineer filmed the businessman's dining with his family.

Since then, most of the feature films were shot in Kyoto because of abundance of "natural set" (300 shrines and 1500 temples) for Samurai movie.

Shozo Makino, known as the father of Japanese motion pictures, also came to the town and continued to shoot films.

Nikkatsu, the first major movie company, was established in 1912; followed by Shochiku, Toho and Daiei; and later, in 1951, Toei.

The Japanese movies by Daiei Kyoto, such as "Rashomon," "Ugetsu Monogatari" and "Jigokumon," were highlighted in the world in early 1950s when they were awarded at international film festivals.

The peak of Japanese cinema was 1958, and then, many movie companies shifted the story from Samurai to Yakuza/gangster.

And they were successful in 1960s and 70s.

Since 1980's, the movie industry has been sharply declining.

In order for the business to revive, new themes should be found and new creation should be made.

Maybe, back to the basis, in Kyoto!#

"Last Samurai" at a Himeji temple

Several scenes of "The Last Samurai," film version of Helen DeWitt's novel, were shot at Engyoji Temple in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.

When one of the U.S. 7th Fleet ships visited Himeji port few years ago, I took about four dozens of sailors including the captain to Shoshazan-Engyoji Temple located in the northern part of the city.

They all knew the movie and leaped for joy when they saw the actual location where Tom Cruise took his actions.

As for me, I hadn't expected much about the temple, because I've seen many of them in Kyoto.

But it struck me a lot as it was quite mysterious - buildings and location.

The temple was not well-known among the people, but it became one of the sightseeing spots of Himeji, and I would highly recommend your visit.#

television westerns

From the mid-1950s through the mid-'60s (even the mid-'70s), westerns like "Gunsmoke," "Cheyenne," "Wagon Train," "Maverick," "The Rifleman," "Bonanza" and "Rawhide" dominated both American and Japanese television.

"Gunsmoke" lasted for 20 years and "Bonanza" for 14, but the most popular TV western series in Japan was "Laramie" in those days.

It wasn't so popular among the American viewers, but Robert Fuller and John Smith, the actors of "Laramie," became superstars in Japan.

Robert Fuller came to Japan for a TV appearance and was greeted by few thousands of the people at the airport.

Most of the TV series have ended up in Boot Hill in the 1990s, and baby boomers like me grew up watching in fictional form of the western in movies and on television.#

Note:
Gunsmoke (1955-75) starring James Arness
Cheyenne (1955-63) starring Clint Walker
Wagon Train (1957-65)
Maverick (1957-62) starring James Garner
The Rifleman (1958-63) starring Chuck Connors
Bonanza (1959-73) starring Lorne Greene and Michael Landon
Rawhide (1959-66) starring Clint Eastwood and Eric Fleming
Laramie (1959-63) starring Robert Fuller and John Smith

Nancy Umeki

In the 80-year history of the Academy Awards, a dozen of the Oscars were given to the Japanese and their works.

But there is only one Japan-born actress who won an Oscar in the category of best performance - that is, Miyoshi Umeki known as "Nancy" Umeki.

In "Sayonara," the 1957 film version of James A. Michener's best-selling novel, she teamed up with Red Buttons, who was a TV comedian and also won an Oscar for his supporting role, in a tragic subplot about a US serviceman and local woman who fall in love in post-World War II Japan.

I've seen the movie several times in late 1950' and early 60's, and I used to mention her name every time I talked about American movies with my friends.

I didn't know that she was a singer in Japan, but she played in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1958 musical "Flower Drum Song" in the US.

In September 2007 she died of cancer at the age of 78.

Japan lost another treasure.#

"Black Rain" in Osaka

One day in 1988, Alan Poul, an associate producer of the movie "Black Rain," starring Michael Douglas, dropped in the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe.

He was looking for possible locations for the Ridley Scott's new film.

One night we went for a drink at Kitashinchi in Osaka City where there were hundreds of expensive bars, night clubs and restaurants.

And he confessed that filming the movie in the town was still pending because of the high cost of living and the selection of the Japanese actors was under consideration.

A month later, he called me over the phone and said that the movie would be shot in Osaka and asked me for arrangement of interpreters for a 120-person group from America.

Later I went to a press conference of the film at Hilton Osaka... Besides Michael Douglas there were three famous Japanese actors - Ken Takakura, Tomisaburo Wakayama and Yusaku Matsuda.

There were over 300 reporters, but nobody paid any attention to Andy Garcia who was a new face then.

I don't remember at all what the people on the stage said, but Garcia said that he drove a used car and could buy a brand-new car because of a role of the picture.

He is now one of the top Hollywood stars, and maybe I could see he was shining then.#

Mako

Mako Iwamatsu, known as "Mako" in Hollywood, came to Kyoto for a small get-together in September 2001 - right after he appeared as Admiral Yamamoto in the movie "Pearl Harbor" and five years before he passed away.

I had known him by name for over forty years since he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1966 film "The Sand Pebbles."

He was also known for his role as the Wizard opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, the incumbent California governor, in the two movies "Conan the Barbarian" and "Conan the Destroyer," and for other movies such as "Tora, Tora, Tora," "Silence," "Robocop III," "Rising Sun," "Seven Years in Tibet," "Sayuri" and so forth.

His appearance was against my expectations, as he was in everyday clothes and looked like one of uncles.

And he was very frank and straightforward.

Anyhow, Mr. Mako said in his speech that he didn't see "Pearl Harbor," because he didn't like the way the director represented Japanese military during the World War II.

(As I mentioned in my earlier blog, there are bias or prejudice among American movie-makers toward Japan and the Japanese.)

Mako argued, but he couldn't reverse director's decision.

(I've heard the same story from Toshiro Mifune - when he appeared in American films.)

Mako is STILL the best known Japanese-American actor in the U.S., and we can find his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard.#

Sunset Boulevard

My favorite daily life in school days in Beverly Hills was driving between the both ends of Sunset Boulevard.

If the street was congested, I always took Hollywood Boulevard instead.

In late 1960's, there was no "star address map."

I knew it was lowbrow, but I was young and interested in looking for famous stars' houses in my used sports cars, either Mustang or UK's Sunbeam.

There were also many interesting and strange shops along the streets.

I have no idea what the Sunset looks like now.#

criticism about "Sayuri"

Many Japanese don't like the American film "Sayuri" as they think the most of the scenes are NOT real Japan.

I strongly object to their criticism.

Because every country in the world has its own images and preoccupation toward foreign countries.

Hollywood is also not an exception.

I agree that many scenes in that picture are like Chinese.

But it's OK, because it's mainly for viewers in the world as well as American audience - not targetting Japan.

"Real Japan" is not always Japan for them!#

open TV programs

It is quite interesting to visit a TV studio and watch a live show.

You could enjoy atmosphere of the studio - main and back stages, expressions of the host and guests, the interchange between control room and floor, and so forth.

And also, it might change your image when you watch any TV program - from the viewpoint of program-making.

I highly recommend you to visit either American or Japanese TV station to watch a show.

Oh, that's fun!#

silent films

When I lived in Los Angeles, a man who lived next door to my room at an apartment house used to take me to the Silent Movie Theater near Hollywood.

I was not interested in silent films except Charlie Chaplin, but the mid-30's businessman wanted to have a company.

At the theater, I saw over three dozens of 1910's, 20's and 30's silent movies by Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Sessue Hayakawa, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy and many many beautiful actresses.

I especially enjoyed the motion pictures such as "The Birth of a Nation (1915)," "Intolerance (1916)," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)" and "Ben-Hur (1925)."

Contrary to my expectations, their actions and expressions without sound were very instructive for me as drama student.

After many many years I am still grateful to him.#

screen music in TV

In recent days, famous screen musics back in 1950's, 60's and 70's have been used in current Japanese TV dramas and commercial films.

It is OK for the young generation who don't know them - music and film.

But for my generation it often throws a wet blanket as a music strongly portrays the screen images.

And it ruins a current drama or a commercial film.

Is it because easier and cheaer to use it?

Come on, we have many many talented people who can create new music!

Be bound for tomorrow!#

DVD vs. movie theater

I have seen a lot of DVD movies lately in order to save my time and money.

But unfortunately I cannot have a strong inclination toward a movie story and hardly remember most of them.

Why is this?

Many films I remembered were from a jambo screen of movie theater... and an atmosphere with darkness, loudness and smell.

The advent of new technology as DVD should have something that would move one's feeling.

It might be done by another inventions in the near future.

But I would rather think that it is an example of warning to the human race.

"Slowing life" - such as going to a movie theater and spending more spare time - would give us real pleasure and happiness in our life, I do believe.#

foreign TV talents in Japan

Japanese TV stations often look for and use Japanese-speaking foreign TV personalities who are mostly unknown in their home countries, and yet "represent" their countries, amuse viewers with their exotic looks and act like silly foreigners.

It is said that putting a foreign face on TV gives viewers the impression of getting the "international view," but the stars rarely say anything controversial.

The people at the TV stations want to use foreign figures... for information, and at the same time, to be able to laugh at them a bit.

It does not matter whether the TV program is serious news analysis, talk or quiz shows.

My American bosses and colleague at the Embassy and consulates often asked me how they could appear in a Japanese TV program.

I always aked them back, "Are youy willing to be a fool!?"

They said, "No way!"#

Toshiro Mifune - Episode 3

It was when I was translating a letter from Terence Young, a famous Hollywood movie director, addressed to Mr. Mifune.

I came across a number in the letter, and it said "two million dollars."

In 1970, an average monthly salary of an employee in Japan was something like 80,000 yen (about 800 U.S. dollars).

I looked into English dictionary again and again, because I could not believe that the amount was for one film appearance.

Maybe, it was natural as Mifune appeared in the films "Red Sun" with Alain Delon and Charles Bronson in 1971, "Hell in Pacific" with Lee Marvin in 1968, and so forth.

Anyhow, it was my cultural shock about American motion pictures business.#

Toshiro Mifune - Episode 2

I was asked by Mr. Mifune to act as interpreter for a dinner-meeting with three Hollywood film makers at his home in Seijo, Tokyo.

It was a group of six - the three Americans, Mifune, a managing director of the Mifune Film Production and me.

Mrs. Mifune, his first wife, was serving the dinner. (By the way, as far as I knew, that time he had three mistresses including his second wife.)

The main dish was a huge amount of expensive grilled beef, maybe enough for 10-20 people, sent by air from Hokkaido, the northern part of Japan, on the day.

I saw it with my own eyes that top star's hospitality for foreign guests looked like.#

Toshiro Mifune - Episode 1

During a lunch break of the film making of a TV Samurai series, I happened to be with my car Ford Mustang 1967 Fastback which I brought back from L.A. and was the same model that Steve McQueen used in his film called "Bullitt (1968)."

Mr. Toshiro Mifune, my boss, came to me and said, "Why don't you change it with my car Jaguar?"

Of course, UK's Jaguar was much expensive, but I really thought that I had to change it.

He was wearing Samurai kimono and wig with swords and he looked very serious.

Fortunately I found it out that was his joke.

Thank God!#

Toshiro Mifune as my lifesaver

In October 1970, when I came back from the U.S. to Japan and I did not have a job, I dared to call Toshiro Mifune who was the top movie star in Japan and had his own film production in Tokyo.

The reason why I called him was that I was "only" one of his movie fans.

My classmates at Los Angeles City College knew the names of Mifune, Sessue and Aoki as the Japanese figures. (Sessue Hayakawa was the top Hollywood movie star before the World War II and Rocky Aoki was a restaurant tycoon in the U.S.)

The name of Mifune reminded me and stirred me to get in touch with him.

Mr. Mifune kindly spared his precious time for me at his office, and right after several minutes he gave me a job right there.

Next day, I became an assistant director and English interpreter for him.

I could not believe that he became my big boss and I could work with him every day.

I still thank and respect Mr. Mifune as he changed my life.#

actor and actress

Everybody knows that Japanese motion picture industry has been declining due to Hollywood-oriented goer, poor scenario and investment, advent of new media including Internet and cell phone, and others for long time.

In order to get instant and short-term profit, many film productions use famous young TV figures including singers to attract only "new" audience, that is, the young generation.

They are not professional actors and actresses, and their movies often end in failure.

It should leave up to professional people who could portray the story much better, since the base of the motion picture is to give pleasure, comfort and dream to the viewers.

I would like to see new challenge by the Japanese industry.

The challenge should be started with exploitation of playwrite, and drastic reform of the movie-making people and the system.#

computer graphics of motion pictures

We see lots of gimmicks in recent films and TV programs - manipulated image of scene.

I think it is OK to use computer graphics if it has something to do with science fiction and something we cannot get a certain image in reality.

However, frequent use of CGs for a movie drawing our everyday life such as detective, love and school stories, it would destroy viewer's position in the story.

Because it never happen in our daily life.

I hope Hollywood would not too much lean to that direction, and producers and directors should go back to the basis of film making for real movie lovers.#