With so many people around the world in quarantine and practicing social distancing through isolation, I wanted to offer up a list of documentaries I’d seen over the years to recommend for people interested in Japanese Art and Culture.
I made a list from youtube content as streaming services differ from country to country, and this way, everyone should be able to access the videos. Some of them a bit old, and perhaps the video quality isn’t great, but the contents themselves are excellent. Some are stand-alone, while others are from channels/series that have even more content. I hope there’s something here that inspires, informs, entertains or provides a moment of escapism for you. Dan x
Japanorama
Presented by self-confessed Japanophile Jonathan Ross, this series was screened on the BBC back in 2002. That’s the year I moved to Japan so a lot of the content has nostalgic value. There are three seasons, each episode has a certain theme including Sci-Fi, Youth, Horror, Sex and Kawaii. It’s a bit dated and un-PC at times (that’s the term my generation uses for that that is not ‘woke’). The voiceover given to Nigo-san in Season 2 Episode 1 ‘cool’ posted below, still makes me laugh out loud.
Satoyama (Japan’s Secret Water Garden)
This was originally an NHK production, you can tell by the quality of the filing at times as it isn’t quite on par with similar BBC shows, but the fact that they manage to get the god of the natural world voiceovers, David Attenborough, for the English narration makes up for that. Satoyama refers to the rural areas between forest, wetlands and mountains where Japanese people live at one with nature. A welcome Escape to the Japanese countryside.
Arakimentari
This 2004 documentary profiles the life and work of Japanse Photographer Nobuyoshi Araki.
Hiromi Itō Interview: Writing about Death and Sexuality on Louisiana Channel
Writer/Poet doesn’ seem to cover it with Hiromi Ito, she’s a wonderful woman of words… I could listen to speak all day, there is something so honest, raw yet tender about her work that is so rare. This is an interview Ito-san gave for Louisianna Channel from the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebaek, Denmark. They have some amazing profiles, I particularly like this one of George Condo.
Japan: A story of love and hate
Ok so this is probably the lowest picture quality but please stick with it, it’s a moving story about those on the edges of society, not a side of Japan that’s often seen.
Daido Moriyama: Near Equal
Filmed in 2001, this film follows legendary photographer through the streets of his Kabukicho stomping ground whilst reflecting upon his career and artistic viewpoint. A must view for anyone interested in Japanese photography.
Brilliant Ideas: The Enchanting Landscapes of Takahiro Iwasaki
‘Brilliant Ideas’ is a Bloomberg series dedicated to contemporary art, in this episode they take a look at the work of Takahiro Iwasaki.
There are some fantastic Artists on ‘Brilliant Ideas’ but if I were pushed to recommend another two they would be Maggi Hambling and Grayson Perry.
VICE: Okinawa 2015
Marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2, VICE relates the experiences of the people of Okinawa, the islands that witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the War. Around 30,000 American troops are still stationed here, Japan’s smallest prefecture, today.
The Art of Japanese Life
Borderline cliche, but with some great shots and insights, this three-part series looks at Japanese life in three parts, nature, city and home.
A Normal Life. Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler
This film follows Takuya Ogurushi, an 18-year old boy from Hokkaido who moves to Tokyo to become a Sumo wrestle. Thing is, he preferred Judo, his heart wasn’t really in it, but your heart will be moved by watching this. (available to stream on youtube)
A Wild Sheep Chase: Haruki Murakami
Documentaries and interviews with Japan’s most prominent writer are rare, Murakami doesn’t even appear in this one, but it’s still good. It’s from the BBC series IMAGINE and I strongly recommend you check out other episodes from this series.
Katsuya Terada – Life Drawing
I don’t know much about manga, anime or illustration, but I enjoy hearing fellow creatives talk about their process, what drives them and their career paths. The youtube channel Archipel has many beautifully produced videos such as the ones below.
“>Fish: A Japanese Obsession
A little bit ‘lads on tour’ in parts but still a funny and interesting take on an island countries love of seafood. ( and we all know someone that reminds us of Aki)
TOKYO NOISE
There’s so much in this 2012 film you’ll have to watch it a couple of times. And you’ll want to. It’s that good.
VICE: Made in Kawasaki
This VICE doc introduces Kawasaki hip-hop collective Bad Hop. A few years have passed since this was released and BAD HOP now has a huge following. If you like the sound of their stuff you can see more on the BAD HOP Youtube channel.