A Story of Yonosuke 「横道世之介」

  

A Story of Yonosuke was one of my favourite films of 2013. The film screened here in Melbourne late last year as part of the 17th annual Japanese Film Festival.

Set in the late 1980s, Kengo Kora (Norwegian Wood, Box!) stars as Yonosuke, a University student who has just moved to Tokyo from the port city of Nagasaki. As he settles into his new life in a big city, the quirky yet very agreeable Yonosuke proceeds to charm everyone he meets. The film periodically jumps forward 20 years and we are then given a glimpse of what has become of Yonosuke's friends. Based on the novel 'Yokomichi Yonosuke' by Shuichi Yoshida, it is a nostalgic film about old school friends taking a trip down memory lane.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

 

More images and potential spoilers after the jump!

Bunny Drop「うさぎドロップ」

Based on a josei manga series by Yumi Unita, Bunny Drop was released in Japan back in August 2011. Kenichi Matsuyama (Norwegian Wood) stars as Daikichi, a young and hardworking office worker who unexpectedly finds himself as the adoptive guardian of six-year old Rin (Mana Ashida) the illegitimate child of his late Grandfather.

Bunny Drop screened here in Melbourne late last year as part of the 16th annual Japanese Film Festival and I was lucky enough to win tickets. Japan Film Fest, ありがとうございました！Bunny Drop was my favourite film of last year's festival and one of my favourite films of 2012 so if you get the chance definitely check it out.

Spoiler Alert: The following images may give away some of the best parts of the film so continue at your own risk. 

映画 ホタルノヒカリ Hotaru no Hikari - The Movie

Matching outfits? Too cute!! (Albeit a little bit creepy/gross)

"Goro, goro, goro"

Really, loach dancing again?

Naww! 

Oh my gaddd! Hotaru no Hikari - The Movie?!!

So, Hotaru no Hikari has long been one of my all time favourite Japanese drama series. (I know, big call!) And while I knew the movie was in the making, I have to admit I sorta lost my s**t with excitement when a friend in Japan sent me a photograph of one of the promo posters. 

Hotaru no Hikari, The Movie was released in Japan yesterday, the 9th of June 2012. WAA! I NEED TO SEE THIS SO BAD!

Adapted from a manga by Satoru Hiura, Hotaru no Hikari is the story of Hotaru Amemiya who leads somewhat of double life - part dedicated and hardworking interior design company employee and part ‘himono-onna’  or ‘dried-up woman’, wearing dirty sweat shirts, drinking canned beer and falling asleep under newspapers on the lounge room floor. Unforeseen events see Hotaru Amemiya and her boss, Seichi Takano or ‘buchō’ living under the same roof and at the end of first series the unlikely couple are totally in love.

The film is set two years after the second series. After discovering buchō, played by Fujiki Naohito, has always dreamed of visiting Italy Amemiya, Haruka Ayase, sets about planning a ‘Roman Holiday’ honeymoon. 

Have you seen the movie / watched the series? What are your favourite Japanese Dramas? Recommendations are always welcome homies. xx

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Rinko's Restaurant

I had been meaning to watch this film for a long time after reading about it on Make It Easy and I wasn't disappointed by the recommendation - I loved it!


Based on a novel by Ito Ogawa, Rinko's Restaurant is a food lovers fairy tale. It is such a beautiful film to watch; filled with imagination and magical, mouth watering food.

Directed by Mai Tominaga, staring Kou Shibasaki

Ps. Aren't the heart shaped bowls adorable?! I painstakingly brought back my very own heart shaped tea set all the way from Japan. Needless to say, my hand luggage was quite heavy. 

Ogawa no Hotori

Much to my surprise and delight I found there was quite a considerable selection of Japanese films featured in the In-flight Entertainment during our flight to New Zealand.

Inspired by the work of late author Shuhei Fujisawa, Ogawa no Hotori (At River's Edge) is a fine example of Japanese feudal drama that delves into the enduring themes of duty and sentiment.

The film builds slowly and revolves around Inui Sakunosuke (Noriyuki Higashiyama) who is given a mission of vengeance from his samurai clan.

The film also stars Rinko Kikuchi, who you will recognize from films such as Norwegian Wood and Babel. Kikuchi plays Sakunosuke’s younger sister Tazu, who in a tragic coincidence is married to Sakuma Morie – the very man her brother is set to assassinate.

Thus, poor old Sakunosuke is put in the agonising position of choosing between love for his family and duty to his clan. 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

David Gelb captures on film the masterful work of Chef Jiro Ono of Sukiyabashi Jiro. Did anyone happen to see this film when it was screened during the Sydney Film Festival? Nom, nom. Watching this trailer has made me hungry!

Address: Tsukamoto Sogya Building, Baement 1st Floor, 2-15 Giza 4-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Phone: 03-3535-3600

Lunch: 11:30 - 2:00

Dinner: 5:30 - 8:30

Movie Night

Toilet トイレット 

Jollygoo wrote a great film review here.

Tampopo タンポポ

There is only really one unenjoyable scene... I'm a little bit squeamish about raw eggs. 

Kimi ni Todoke 君に届け

I have a soft spot for Haruma Miura... he has a dot on his chin too. 

As winter draws closer all I feel like doing in my spare time is watching movies with a cozy blanket. What movies have you been watching lately? 

It's ANZAC Day today here in Australia. A national day of remembrance for both Australia and New Zealand. 

Box! (ボックス!)

Back in December I went to see Box! during the Japanese Film Festival.

The film is about two childhood friends who reunite during High School and, as the name suggests, are part of the Amateur Boxing Club. It stars Kengo Kora as Yuki and Hayato Ichihara (Rookies) as Kabu. The film is directed by Toshio Lee, who you will probably remember from the cult hit Detroit Metal City. I really enjoyed it! 

And Melbourne peeps don't forget that this Saturday (tomorrow!)  is the Japanese Summer Festival or Natsu Matsuri! This year it is being held at the Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands and there will be lots of food and dancing - two of my favourite things! 

And lastly, Jetstar are currently having a 2 for 1 Sale! Get in quick, as the sale ends 2am (01:59 AEDT) this Tuesday 15 February 2011, unless sold out prior. Happy travels!  

Norwegian Wood

A film adaptation of  Huruki Murakami's  much loved novel Norwegian Wood. The film was released in Japan back in December 2010. I wonder when we will get to see Norwegian Wood here in Australia?