Hiroshima

Hiroshima (1953) is a powerful evocation of the devastation wrought by the world's first deployment of the atomic bomb and its aftermath, based on the written eye-witness accounts of its child survivors compiled by Dr. Arata Osada for the 1951 book Children Of The A Bomb: Testament Of The Boys And Girls Of Hiroshima. Adapted for the screen by independent director Hideo Sekigawa (Listen to the Voices of the Sea, Tokyo Untouchable) and screenwriter Yasutaro Yagi (Theatre of Life, Rice), Hiroshima combines a harrowing documentary realism with moving human drama, in a tale of the suffering, endurance and survival of a group of teachers, their students and their families. It boasts a rousing score composed by Akira Ifukube (Godzilla) and an all-star cast including Yumeji Tsukioka (Late Spring, The Eternal Breasts), Isuzu Yamada (Throne of Blood, Yojimbo) and Eiji Okada (Hiroshima Mon Amour, Woman in the Dunes), appearing alongside an estimated 90,000 residents from the city as extras, including many survivors from that fateful day on 6th August 1945. Hiroshima was produced and distributed outside of the studio system by the Japan Teachers' Union following the mixed critical reception to Children of Hiroshima (1952), directed by Kaneto Shindo the previous year, the first dramatic feature to deal directly with the atomic bombing. Although sequences from the film were used in Alain Resnais' classic of French New Wave cinema, Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959), it has been effectively out of circulation in Japan and the rest of the world since its original release in 1953 due to the force and political sensitivity of its message. This new High Definition presentation is the complete version, restoring the footage from the international edit that was released in the United States in 1955.

Bonus Materials

• High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation
• Original uncompressed audio
• Archive interview with actress Yumeji Tsukioka
• Hiroshima Nagasaki Download (2011), 73-minute documentary featuring interviews with survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings now residing in the United States, with an introduction by the director Shinpei Takeda
• New video essay by Jasper Sharp
• Newly commissioned artwork by Scott Saslow
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Mick Broderick

Order Here: https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AA061

Just Because...It's Weird

It's All Fun & Games Until...
Miranda Kerr 

Just because it's weird, just because it's visual & just because it's Miranda Kerr, here is yet another one of a kind image from Tokyo.

That's right kids just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful photo op of Ms. Kerr and a Japanese food company mascot who goes by the name Marukome Kun. Yeah, you read that correctly, I don't get it.

All I know is it has something to do with promoting food, but honestly I find Marukome to come off more than a little disturbing. With his big blank eyes and wide open mouth...I will stop short of going there, think about it, but not too much.

Miranda is giving good face despite what I think is a totally awkward and perverse situation. Seriously would you want to be photographed with that?! I thought not.

Be disturbed, be be disturbed!

Miranda on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mirandakerr/?hl=en  

Saturday Sinema: Behind THE COVE

Little fish, big fish swimming in the water...

YAGI Film Inc. announces the U.S. premiere of Behind THE COVE, a documentary film rebuttal to the Oscar-winning film The Cove with week-long screenings in New York and Los Angeles, in late November (11/25/16 – 12/1/16) and early December (12/2/16 – 12/8/16), respectively.

Behind THE COVE, the 105-minute Japanese film by first time director Keiko Yagi, includes interviews with people on both sides of the international whaling dispute, including the director and antagonist from 2009’s The Cove, the Academy Award-winning film which negatively portrays the practices of fishermen in the small, remote town of Taiji in Japan. 

This is the first film to respond to anti-whaling The Cove from the Japanese perspective. While generally highly regarded, The Cove has also been lambasted by some critics for being one-sided propaganda, Japan-bashing, for lacking a basic understanding of related cultural issues, and for using deceptive filmmaking strategies. The depiction of Japanese people in the film has also been controversial.

What started out as a personal investigation, triggered by childhood memories of whale dishes, led first-time Japanese documentary filmmaker Keiko Yagi to the town of Taiji, the center of the whaling debate and the stage of The Cove. With no budget, limited experience in filmmaking, no fluency in English, but armed with a video camera and a strong desire to find out the truth of the matter on whaling, Yagi discovered a much bigger story than she had initially imagined.

In Behind THE COVE, Yagi attempts to present a comprehensive picture of the dolphin and whale hunting issues in Japan, which includes interviews with people on both sides of the whaling dispute, its sinister political side, what The Cove did not offer, and a unique take on the topic. Throughout filming, Yagi got to know the anti-whaling activists, who set-up camp in Taiji every year during the dolphin-hunting season. In her film, Yagi also presents the ‘voices’ of the Japanese, who usually consider silence to be a virtue. To get a balanced and greater understanding of the story, she also interviewed experts in the whaling world from Japan and overseas, including representatives from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), scientists, and researchers. As Yagi delved into the topic, specific issues with The Cove became apparent.

“Before Western environmental and animal activist concerns persecuted the animal agriculture and fishing practices of the East in such a highly publicized and critical way, you’d think they’d first take a serious look at the situation at home prior to using Japan, a quiet country, as a scapegoat, ” says Yagi. “In the U.S. alone, billions and billions of land and marine animals are subjected to deplorable conditions before they are brutally killed for food each year to satisfy the heavy meat-eating habits of Americans…. the relatively small fishing village of Taiji, in rural Japan, accounts for marine animal deaths in the thousands, not billions. To demonize such a relatively small industry abroad, when compared to the magnitude of what’s happening in – and is relatively ignored in – the U.S., seems a bit misguided and, perhaps, even racist.”

Yagi is not alone in these sentiments. David Cox of The Guardian Film Blog called The Cove a “piece of evangelism,” and subsumed that from a neutral point of view “Westerners.... kill and eat cows. Easterners eat dolphins. What's the difference?” Academic Ilan Kapoor, echoing the famous phrase by Gayatri Spivak, argues that “It's a case of (mostly) 'white men saving cute dolphins from yellow men.’”

Hirotaka Akamatsu, Japanese Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said “It is regrettable that this movie is made as a message that brutal Japanese are killing cute dolphins.” According to Michelle Orange, of Movieline, “As a piece of propaganda, The Cove is brilliant; as a story of ingenuity and triumph over what seems like senseless brutality, it is exceptionally well-told; but as a conscientious overview of a complex and deeply fraught, layered issue, it invokes the same phrase as even the most well-intentioned, impassioned activist docs: Buyer beware.”

Yagi further explains, “In Japan, some fishermen, particularly in remote rural areas, see dolphins and whales as just fish, consumed for centuries as part of local cultural traditions…. in China, dog meat from man’s best friend is acceptable to some as a food source…. in the bacon-loving U.S., highly intelligent and social pigs are widely considered suitable for cruel slaughterhouse practices and the dinner table. There are cultural differences as to which animals are deemed acceptable as food sources and which are not. One of the key questions our film poses is: Who gets to choose which animals are okay to eat?”

Yagi will be in attendance at a selection of screenings in both New York (Cinema Village) and Los Angeles (Laemmle Music Hall), during the film’s U.S. debut. For additional information, please visit http://www.behindthecove.com/index_en.html.

Behind THE COVE (2015, Documentary, Japan, 105 min.) –

New York Screenings:Friday, November 25 - Thursday, December 1, 2016

Cinema Village22 East 12th StreetNew York, NY 10003212-924-3364https://www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/behind-the-cove.html

NYC Q&A Sessions with the Director (after the screening):• Fri. 11/25 at 7:10pm• Sat. 11/26 at 7:10pm• Sun. 11/27 at 5:10pm

Los Angeles Screenings:Friday, December 2 - Thursday, December 8, 2016

Laemmle Music Hall9036 Wilshire Blvd.Beverly Hills, CA 90211310-478-3836http://www.laemmle.com/films/40990 

Stand In Solitude With Suzanne Vega In Rome

Suzanne Vega "Solitude Standing"   Available on DVD on May 6th An intimate performance in Rome from 2003 I, like many first remember Suzanne Vega when she had her breakthrough hit "Luka." It was an amazing work that brought a palatable sound and mainstream access to a subject matter that was anything but... Ms. Vega is currently on tour all over the world and the U.S. - click on the link below to find out where in the meantime you can pre-order the DVD of her intimate performance in Rome. Keep calm and carry on... Filmed at the Rome Auditorium in July 2003, Suzanne Vega performs some of her greatest hits at this intimate concert, including Tom's Diner, Luka and Marlene On The Wall. The songs are interspersed with moving poetry readings. The DVD includes a candid interview with singer/songwriter Valerio Piccolo about Vega's life and career. This DVD is released shortly following her world tour and new album. "Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation," (Biography Magazine) Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been labelled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has performed at sell-out concerts in many of the world's best-known venues. She'll be touring the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan and Australia throughout March, April and May 2014 - a full list of dates can be found HERE. Songs / Poems: 1. Marlene On The Wall  2. How To Make A Poem (poem)  3. Small Blue Thing  4. Caramel  5. Italy In Spring (poem)  6. Some Journey  7. Penitent  8. When Heroes Go Down  9. Anti-hero (poem)  10. Gypsy  11. Left Of Center  12. Solitaire  13. The Queen And The Soldier  14. In Liverpool (poem)  15. In Liverpool  16. Luka  17. Tom's Diner Buy yourself a piece of solitude at:  http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=WNRD2582

It Cuts Like A "Shonen Knife"

Shonen Knife Is Awesome! Legendary Japanese rockers SHONEN KNIFE go into “OVERDRIVE” with new album Out 4/15; US Tour Dates Announced Ever since I heard their cover of The Carpenters "Top of the World" on The Carpenter cover CD: "If I Were A Carpenter" - the punk pop trio of women known as Shonen Knife has been one of my favorite groups...the legends have a new CD dropping and are hitting the road in the United States, it's time, get knifed!

Shonen Knife, Osaka Japan’s legendary queens of indie sunshine, are back with a brand new album for 2014. Their 19th studio release, “Overdrive”, is a tip of the hat to 70’s Hard Rock, and a continuation of Shonen Knife’s journey into the musings of food, fantasy and daily life in the Far Eastern metropolis of Osaka. “Overdrive” features 10 new songs penned by founding member and principal songwriter Naoko who continues to grow the 30 plus year legacy of Japan’s most recognizable name in indie rock. The band is rounded out with 2 songs sung by bassist Ritsuko and drummer Emi, a lineup consistently rocking since 2010. Channeling the musical traditions of 70’s Metal Icons like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Bad Company, Kiss and Black Sabbath, Naoko’s passion for the hard rock genre is translated through her constant pop culture filter known as Shonen Knife. “Overdrive” will be available in N. America on Good Charamel Records on April 15th 2014 and is now available for Pre-Sale in the Good Charamel Online Store.Shonen Knife will play Japan and Europe this spring and summer. The initial dates on their fall North American tour have just been announced (see below). "Overdrive" Track Listing 1) Bad Luck Song 2) Black Crow 3) Dance to the Rock 4) Ramen Rock 5) Shopping 6) Fortune Cookie 7) Like a Cat 8) Green Tea 9) Robots from Hell 10) Jet Shot Tour Dates: Fri 09-12 Brooklyn NY @ The Wick Sat 09-13 Buffalo, NY @ The Music is Art Festival Tue. 09-16 St. Paul, MN- Turf Club Thur. 09-18 Chicago, IL- Bottom Lounge Tues 10-07 San Diego - The Casbah Wed 10-08 Los Angeles, CA – The Church on York Fri. 10-10 San Francisco, CA- Bottom of the Hill Sat. 10-11 Portland, OR- Dante's Sun 10-12 Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern Tue. 10-14 Boise, ID- Neurolux Wed. 10-15 Salt Lake City, UT- Urban Lounge Thurs 10-16 Denver, CO- Oriental Theater Sat 10-18 St Louis, MO- Firebird (More US dates to be announced soon ....) The album is now available for pre-order in the Good Charamel webstore. www.GoodCharamel.com www.ShonenKnife.net

For Immediate Release: Japan's TsuShiMaMiRe Is "Shocking"

Japan’s TsuShiMaMiRe release their new concept album “Shocking” as well as an extended version of 2011’s “Giving Blood” album entitled “Giving More Blood” on May 1 2012 via Good Charamel Records

Humans are the only living thing which can love FOOD and love ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

“Kufuku and Kuhaku”(“Hungry and Empty”), people feel empty in the world that is filled with only objects and information. The 3 main ingredients departed the planet “SHOCK­ING” on the UFO called “SARA” (It also means plate in Japanese); these ingredients names were; Cabbage Wild, Marice and Mizevi. They landed on the planet earth, and started becoming people’s messiah, “Meshiya”...

As you can see, Japanese Female Alt Rockers, TsuShiMaMiRe have found another way to express themselves.

The “Shocking” album follows a theme throughout the album with a storyline, Shocking is “Concept Album”. You know, like “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie, “Berlin” by Lou Reed, “Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles or “Tommy” by The Who….you get it.

“Shocking” consists of 12 stories of Space themes. We are not going to mention the theme and stories here as we don’t want these notions to get in the way of your own imagination.

TsuShiMaMiRe started their own label “Mojor Records” in Japan and established the en­vironment to be able to create their work without any pressure or restriction. Sound engineer Soichiro Nakamura, who was a part of Guitar Wolf and Yura Yura Teikoku engineered this album. And on May 1 Good Charamel Records will release the “Shock­ing” concept album in North America!

After numerous tours around the world with acts such as The Suicide Girls and Peelander Z, TsuShiMaMiRe continues to push out their boundaries and create new, stimulating sounds that set this unique group of women apart from the rest.

Good Charamel will be releasing this amazing album in North America in 2012 as well as simultaneously releasing an extended / remastered version of TsuShiMaMiRe’s 2011 release “Giving More Blood” with bonus material and remixed tracks.

Please press “Play”… and that will launch the rocket. Please Enjoy “Shocking” the new album by one of Japan’s most creative, cutting edge musical acts, TsuShiMaMiRe!

Watch the video for “Hungry and Empty” from “Shocking” at the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIiFjyMbJfE&context=C46084a9ADvjVQa1PpcFOCee4yu85Z__cVj3oafhu_ouOoHeKFaL0=

Sample tracks from Shocking here:

www.goodcharamel.com/?select=artists&data=tsuShiMaMiRe

www.tsushimamire.com

www.goodcharamel.com

TsuShiMaMiRe also contributes 2 songs to the just released I Love J-Rock 2 compilation.

View the I Love J-Rock 2 album trailer and sample all 8 songs from the record at: http://www.goodcharamel.com.

For Immediate Release: Shonen Knife Is Back !

SHONEN KNIFE Announces New Studio Album “Pop Tune” (Out June 6)

And Upcoming North American Tour

Check Out the Tour Video at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBL7VdmAmpY

Osaka Japan’s legendary Pop/Punk Pioneers “Shonen Knife” continue their 30^th Anniversary Celebration with 30 newly announced shows in the US/Canada as well as the release of a brand new studio album called “Pop Tune”!!!!

“Pop Tune” was recorded in Osaka in early 2012 after the bands wildly successful “Osaka Ramones” World Tour in 2011.

“Pop Tune” will be released World Wide on June 6^th (on Good Charamel Records in North America) and their 2012 North American tour will begin in Philadelphia this July (dates listed below).

Check out the tour video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBL7VdmAmpY.

7-19 Philadelphia, PA- Johnny Brenda’s*

7-20 Asbury Park, NJ –Asbury Lanes*

7-21 Brooklyn, NY- The Bell House*

7-22 Hoboken, NJ- Maxwells*

7-24 Providence, RI- Providence Social Club*

7-25 Portland, ME - Space Gallery*

7-26 Allston, MA- Great Scotts*

7-27 Rochester, NY – Bug Jar*

7-28 Long Lake, NY – Mt. Sabattis Pavillion*

7-29 Bethlehem, PA- Levitt Pavillion Steelstacks*

7-30 Detroit, MI- Lager House -*

7-31 Great Rapids, MI- The Pyramid Scheme*

8-2 Chicago, IL- Empty Bottle*

8-3 TBA

8-4 Minneapolis, MN-The Entry

8-5 Fargo, ND- The Aquarium

8-8 Seattle, WA- Tractor Tavern

8-9 Portland, OR- Dante’s

8-10 San Francisco, Ca- Bottom of the Hill

8-11 San Jose, CA- Blank Club

8-12 So Cal. - TBD

8-13 So Cal - TBD

8-14 Tucson, AZ- Club Congress

8-16 Austin, TX- Red 7 -

8-17 Dallas, TX- Club Dada

8-18 Little Rock, AR- Stickyz Rock’n’Roll Chicken

8-19 Nashville, TN- Exit / In*

8-20 Cincinnati, OH- Taft Theatre*

8-21 Cleveland, OH- Beachland Ballroom*

8-22 Toronto, ON- The Quadrangle / Hart House

* w/ opening band White Mystery

http://www.goodcharamel.com/
http://www.shonenknife.net/
http://www.whitemysteryband.com/