music
When you see the words "International Women's Day," what comes to mind? What do you do? Do you roll your eyes? Guffaw? Giggle nervously? Shrug? Spend more than five minutes trying to figure out whether it's "an international day for women" or "a day for international women"?
It's an honest question. While I consider myself a feminist, my reaction ranges from a mental cringe to a curious smile. But I don't think I've ever responded with a "hell yeah!" And I guess it's because I think things that are considered "women's issues," like inequality and family planning, should be considered "human issues," and they deserve more than just one day for us to think about them.
That said, I'm looking forward to Int'l Women's Day this year. (It's on 13 March, in case you were wondering.) That's when a bunch o' chicks will gather at Mejiro Culture Building [map] to rock out with their—um, to just rock out. After my lukewarm review of P-Heavy last October, I will be giving them another chance. They were indeed fun and I might be more in the mood for them this time. Besides, Yayoi Ikeda (Catch That Beat, CoolGrrrls) says they're her favorite band. The diva has spoken. Also playing are N-16 (a pop trio from Kyoto who've played with the likes of The Cannanes, The Lucksmiths and Scout Niblett) and The Bits (of whom I can find nothing in my half-assed internet search).
The event starts at 12:30 p.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. But before that, a self-defense workshop will be held from 10:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And you would need to reserve a space through e-mail (deluxegrrrl[at]hotmail.com).
More information (in Japanese) on this Very Special Reminder That Japanese Women Can Kick Your Ass is here.
Oh, and: Hell yeah!
Friday, February 27, 2004
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Le monde arabe
film
In March and April, L'Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo hopes to give the public a glimpse into Arab culture with their film programs Regard sur le Monde arabe and Vidéo-Documentaires sur le Monde arabe.
Among those in the first program is Les Yeux Secs (a.k.a. Cry No More), a Moroccan film by Narjiss Nejjar shown as part of the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes last year. It's the story of an old woman who is released from prison after 25 years and returns home, to a village inhabited by a community of prostitutes. According to the director, this village really exists and it was her original intention to make a documentary. However, as Nejjar says, "I felt a certain reticence on the part of the village women and quickly understood what would become the subject-matter of my film: the look of the other." Thus, we end up with a fact-based film that can also be seen as something of an allegory on sexual politics.
Les Yeux Secs will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on the 5th of March at the Institute's Espace Images. Admission is 1000 yen and the film will be in Arab with English subtitles.
For the video documentaries, the only description containing any information about language is that for Algériennes, Trente Ans Après (French version with English subtitles). The films will be screened in pairs. Admission is free for members and 500 yen for non-members.
In March and April, L'Institut franco-japonais de Tokyo hopes to give the public a glimpse into Arab culture with their film programs Regard sur le Monde arabe and Vidéo-Documentaires sur le Monde arabe.
Among those in the first program is Les Yeux Secs (a.k.a. Cry No More), a Moroccan film by Narjiss Nejjar shown as part of the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes last year. It's the story of an old woman who is released from prison after 25 years and returns home, to a village inhabited by a community of prostitutes. According to the director, this village really exists and it was her original intention to make a documentary. However, as Nejjar says, "I felt a certain reticence on the part of the village women and quickly understood what would become the subject-matter of my film: the look of the other." Thus, we end up with a fact-based film that can also be seen as something of an allegory on sexual politics.
Les Yeux Secs will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on the 5th of March at the Institute's Espace Images. Admission is 1000 yen and the film will be in Arab with English subtitles.
For the video documentaries, the only description containing any information about language is that for Algériennes, Trente Ans Après (French version with English subtitles). The films will be screened in pairs. Admission is free for members and 500 yen for non-members.
Monday, February 23, 2004
World Peace Now
demonstration
On an old e-zine (that I recently found out is no longer online...bastards), I once joked, "If we had world peace, what would happen to the film industry?" It made sense at the time. And even now, I wouldn't so much say that I am for world peace as I am anti senseless violence and irresponsible world domination.
So anyway, I got this link from Sakka who left a comment for the last post. (Cheers!)
March 20, the one-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, is the Global Day of Action for protesters around the world. Information for the Tokyo peace rally can be found at World Peace Now. Same bat time, same bat channel as a previous demonstration. (Hibiya Park at 1 p.m.)
And if you want to look kawaii while expressing your vehement opposition to the war, you can revive Greenpeace's "No War - Color-me Peace Placard" and make sure it doesn't clash with your outfit. Other items are available as part of their year-old Action Kit to Stop the War, including tips for first-time demonstrators (e.g. "Watch out for cars!").
On an old e-zine (that I recently found out is no longer online...bastards), I once joked, "If we had world peace, what would happen to the film industry?" It made sense at the time. And even now, I wouldn't so much say that I am for world peace as I am anti senseless violence and irresponsible world domination.
So anyway, I got this link from Sakka who left a comment for the last post. (Cheers!)
March 20, the one-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, is the Global Day of Action for protesters around the world. Information for the Tokyo peace rally can be found at World Peace Now. Same bat time, same bat channel as a previous demonstration. (Hibiya Park at 1 p.m.)
And if you want to look kawaii while expressing your vehement opposition to the war, you can revive Greenpeace's "No War - Color-me Peace Placard" and make sure it doesn't clash with your outfit. Other items are available as part of their year-old Action Kit to Stop the War, including tips for first-time demonstrators (e.g. "Watch out for cars!").
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Dean
else
Nothing to do with a Happy Funtime Show, but I'm just noting that I finally removed the Dean links from the right column upon his announcement that he's giving up the race. It's about freaking time, I know. He's been an easy target for the media and his opponents for months. But he was the closest I ever came to trusting a U.S. presidential candidate from one of the two major parties. And I do appreciate how he seemed to change the tone for dialogue among Democratic hopefuls, having spoken out against post-9/11 Bush policies since before it was even semi-OK to do so. Hopefully, the voters he managed to energize will continue to fight the good fight.
I had a little hissy-fit over at On Gaien Higashi Dori a few weeks ago over this election period and Setsunai's statement, "If the US people re-elect Bush, which looks very likely, then we have to say Americans deserve their international reputation as ignorant fools. The people and the government they elect cannot be separated while still believing in democracy."
I didn't do too great a job defending myself because, let's face it, I really don't have a very high opinion of any voter's decision to go with Bush. I see it as being short-sighted and possibly misinformed. (You can yell at me in comments or e-mail if you want. That'll take the edge off, but it may not change my mind. Just know that "misinformed" is a lot better than "incapable of caring about other people.") But I also don't want to take the rap for a decision I didn't make. Why should Americans be the only ones held responsible for their government's stupid decisions when other governments around the world make stupid decisions too, thus enabling America to make even more stupid decisions? Setsunai says it's because we claim to uphold democracy. And if we're so high on it, the losers among us should accept the choices being made by the majority. See, but it's not the majority. It has never been the majority. And I, personally, hate democracy sometimes, like when we get Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor. Furthermore, I dig the plight of the malcontent.
For now, I'm of the opinion that democracy can work, but more people have to pay attention and participate. Watch, read and listen. Here's a good place to start. And, come November, if it still doesn't work, we didn't try hard enough.
Nothing to do with a Happy Funtime Show, but I'm just noting that I finally removed the Dean links from the right column upon his announcement that he's giving up the race. It's about freaking time, I know. He's been an easy target for the media and his opponents for months. But he was the closest I ever came to trusting a U.S. presidential candidate from one of the two major parties. And I do appreciate how he seemed to change the tone for dialogue among Democratic hopefuls, having spoken out against post-9/11 Bush policies since before it was even semi-OK to do so. Hopefully, the voters he managed to energize will continue to fight the good fight.
I had a little hissy-fit over at On Gaien Higashi Dori a few weeks ago over this election period and Setsunai's statement, "If the US people re-elect Bush, which looks very likely, then we have to say Americans deserve their international reputation as ignorant fools. The people and the government they elect cannot be separated while still believing in democracy."
I didn't do too great a job defending myself because, let's face it, I really don't have a very high opinion of any voter's decision to go with Bush. I see it as being short-sighted and possibly misinformed. (You can yell at me in comments or e-mail if you want. That'll take the edge off, but it may not change my mind. Just know that "misinformed" is a lot better than "incapable of caring about other people.") But I also don't want to take the rap for a decision I didn't make. Why should Americans be the only ones held responsible for their government's stupid decisions when other governments around the world make stupid decisions too, thus enabling America to make even more stupid decisions? Setsunai says it's because we claim to uphold democracy. And if we're so high on it, the losers among us should accept the choices being made by the majority. See, but it's not the majority. It has never been the majority. And I, personally, hate democracy sometimes, like when we get Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor. Furthermore, I dig the plight of the malcontent.
For now, I'm of the opinion that democracy can work, but more people have to pay attention and participate. Watch, read and listen. Here's a good place to start. And, come November, if it still doesn't work, we didn't try hard enough.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Othello
theatre
The next RSC show to hit Tokyo will be Othello in April. And check this out: no black-face.
The very same production that is currently selling out every night at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon stars Sello Maake ka Ncube as Othello and Sir Anthony Sher as Iago. Both South African actors are more than familiar with the concept of racism-fueled hatred, and both claim that that aspect of Shakespeare's play could still be sadly applicable today. Says Sher, "I think Othello is as relevant now in a multi-racial society as it was then in a segregated one...You could set it now in the new South Africa where a black man has this position of power and is resented for it by white people who still believe in the old system." While Sello has said, "With Othello, we're dealing with a person surrounded by an ocean of whiteness. Somehow he has to keep abreast. You know, when one is caught in an environment that is not friendly, you try to be extraordinary...For me, I'm still in the same struggle. I'm still fighting to project myself as I know myself."
In my old age, I find myself more emotionally vulnerable to watching tragedy unfold, and I can just imagine becoming increasingly anxious as the story progresses. But if you don't mind sitting next to a basket-case, I reckon a Saturday matinee would be dandy. That way, I can have the rest of the weekend to get over it. Othello is playing at Le Theatre Ginza [map] from 15 to 29 April. Dates, times and prices can be found on Ticket Pia [p-code: 351-318] and on the official site (Japanese).
The next RSC show to hit Tokyo will be Othello in April. And check this out: no black-face.
The very same production that is currently selling out every night at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon stars Sello Maake ka Ncube as Othello and Sir Anthony Sher as Iago. Both South African actors are more than familiar with the concept of racism-fueled hatred, and both claim that that aspect of Shakespeare's play could still be sadly applicable today. Says Sher, "I think Othello is as relevant now in a multi-racial society as it was then in a segregated one...You could set it now in the new South Africa where a black man has this position of power and is resented for it by white people who still believe in the old system." While Sello has said, "With Othello, we're dealing with a person surrounded by an ocean of whiteness. Somehow he has to keep abreast. You know, when one is caught in an environment that is not friendly, you try to be extraordinary...For me, I'm still in the same struggle. I'm still fighting to project myself as I know myself."
In my old age, I find myself more emotionally vulnerable to watching tragedy unfold, and I can just imagine becoming increasingly anxious as the story progresses. But if you don't mind sitting next to a basket-case, I reckon a Saturday matinee would be dandy. That way, I can have the rest of the weekend to get over it. Othello is playing at Le Theatre Ginza [map] from 15 to 29 April. Dates, times and prices can be found on Ticket Pia [p-code: 351-318] and on the official site (Japanese).
Friday, February 13, 2004
Korean Independent Cinema 2004
film
Early next month, the Image Forum will be holding the trilingual festival Korean Independent Cinema 2004 at their theatre in Shibuya.
Among the films being shown are two from twin brothers Kim Gok and Kim Sun, "possibly the most interesting and adventurous `experimental` film-makers currently working in East Asia." Information on Anti-Dialectic and Time Consciousness can be found here. They're under Program D on the screening schedule.
I'm also looking forward to If You Were Me (Program C), an anthology of shorts "made to support the National Human Rights Commission," and thus addresses a wide range of social issues. According to the site, Korean film-makers are drawn to social and political radicalism, so all of the films in this program are meant to be provocative. "The two stand-outs are Im Soon-Rye on prejudices against fat women [er...sic] and Park Jin-Pyo on middle-class kids forced to undergo surgery to their tongues, supposedly to improve their English-speaking abilities." Short descriptions of each episode in If You Were Me are provided here.
There will also be a panel discussion on 6 March at 4:30 p.m. on "Reinventing Korean Cinema." Guests will be four directors who have films showing, two of whom I've already mentioned (Kim Sun and Im Soon-Rye).
They haven't gotten around to finishing the English version of the website yet. And if they don't get to it by the end of this month, I'll get into more detail on this weblog. But that still might not be necessary because a trilingual catalogue will be provided at the event. The screenings run from 6 to 12 March. All films are subtitled in both Japanese and English and admission prices are as follows.
Same day tickets (single screening) 1,000 yen
Same day tickets (three screenings) 2,700 yen
Advance tickets (single screening) 800 yen
Advance tickets (three screenings) 2,100 yen
Free Pass to all screening 4,500 yen
Early next month, the Image Forum will be holding the trilingual festival Korean Independent Cinema 2004 at their theatre in Shibuya.
Among the films being shown are two from twin brothers Kim Gok and Kim Sun, "possibly the most interesting and adventurous `experimental` film-makers currently working in East Asia." Information on Anti-Dialectic and Time Consciousness can be found here. They're under Program D on the screening schedule.
I'm also looking forward to If You Were Me (Program C), an anthology of shorts "made to support the National Human Rights Commission," and thus addresses a wide range of social issues. According to the site, Korean film-makers are drawn to social and political radicalism, so all of the films in this program are meant to be provocative. "The two stand-outs are Im Soon-Rye on prejudices against fat women [er...sic] and Park Jin-Pyo on middle-class kids forced to undergo surgery to their tongues, supposedly to improve their English-speaking abilities." Short descriptions of each episode in If You Were Me are provided here.
There will also be a panel discussion on 6 March at 4:30 p.m. on "Reinventing Korean Cinema." Guests will be four directors who have films showing, two of whom I've already mentioned (Kim Sun and Im Soon-Rye).
They haven't gotten around to finishing the English version of the website yet. And if they don't get to it by the end of this month, I'll get into more detail on this weblog. But that still might not be necessary because a trilingual catalogue will be provided at the event. The screenings run from 6 to 12 March. All films are subtitled in both Japanese and English and admission prices are as follows.
Same day tickets (single screening) 1,000 yen
Same day tickets (three screenings) 2,700 yen
Advance tickets (single screening) 800 yen
Advance tickets (three screenings) 2,100 yen
Free Pass to all screening 4,500 yen
Friday, February 06, 2004
Aiha Higurashi, Shonen Knife
music
Clearly I lack the ability to concentrate on work today.
Two reminders to myself:
1) Aiha Higurashi will be playing at Shibuya Club Quattro on the 18th of this month; and
2) Shonen Knife will be playing at Club Que in Shimokitazawa on the 21st.
The more I think about leaving this fine city of ours, the more I say things to myself like, "I really should see Shonen Knife live while I'm here." Granted, this is no longer their heyday and they aren't the shining beacons of rock that they once were. But I know I'll kick myself later if I don't at least make an effort. Besides: detroit7 is playing with them! Roll! The Club Que show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is 2500 yen plus one drink, and tickets can be purchased in advance through Pia (161-610), Lawson, and e+.
If you know Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, then you know their frontwoman (and National freaking Treasure) Aiha Higurashi. After launching her solo career last year with the release of the single "New Life," Higurashi started off this year on the right foot with the release of a full album, "Born Beautiful." Her Club Quattro show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 3300 yen in advance or 3800 yen at the door (including one drink), and they're not even close to selling out yet. You can buy in advance through the usual suspects mentioned above. [p-code: 157-435]
Clearly I lack the ability to concentrate on work today.
Two reminders to myself:
1) Aiha Higurashi will be playing at Shibuya Club Quattro on the 18th of this month; and
2) Shonen Knife will be playing at Club Que in Shimokitazawa on the 21st.
The more I think about leaving this fine city of ours, the more I say things to myself like, "I really should see Shonen Knife live while I'm here." Granted, this is no longer their heyday and they aren't the shining beacons of rock that they once were. But I know I'll kick myself later if I don't at least make an effort. Besides: detroit7 is playing with them! Roll! The Club Que show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is 2500 yen plus one drink, and tickets can be purchased in advance through Pia (161-610), Lawson, and e+.
If you know Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, then you know their frontwoman (and National freaking Treasure) Aiha Higurashi. After launching her solo career last year with the release of the single "New Life," Higurashi started off this year on the right foot with the release of a full album, "Born Beautiful." Her Club Quattro show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 3300 yen in advance or 3800 yen at the door (including one drink), and they're not even close to selling out yet. You can buy in advance through the usual suspects mentioned above. [p-code: 157-435]
Film Marmalade
film
I've never been to one of these things before, but he has.
Film Marmalade will be screening independent short films at the Pink Cow this weekend. Ellie clued me in since I haven't been paying attention to anything outside of my own space bubble recently. Hell, I haven't even been to the Pink Cow since before they relocated. But I do have a thing for independent and amateur film-making, even when they're done badly. In fact, especially when they're done badly. That in mind, I can't exactly guarantee the bad quality of these Film Marmalade shorts. Jean Snow claimed to have actually liked some of the films at the screening he attended. But fuck it, I'm still feeling hopeful!
The "film jam" will be on Sunday, 8 February, beginning at 8 p.m. Cover charge is a mere 500 yen. The directors will be present to answer questions and listen to (hopefully constructive) criticism. I will be in the back, cradling a vodka bottle and snapping at everyone in a drunken slur.
I've never been to one of these things before, but he has.
Film Marmalade will be screening independent short films at the Pink Cow this weekend. Ellie clued me in since I haven't been paying attention to anything outside of my own space bubble recently. Hell, I haven't even been to the Pink Cow since before they relocated. But I do have a thing for independent and amateur film-making, even when they're done badly. In fact, especially when they're done badly. That in mind, I can't exactly guarantee the bad quality of these Film Marmalade shorts. Jean Snow claimed to have actually liked some of the films at the screening he attended. But fuck it, I'm still feeling hopeful!
The "film jam" will be on Sunday, 8 February, beginning at 8 p.m. Cover charge is a mere 500 yen. The directors will be present to answer questions and listen to (hopefully constructive) criticism. I will be in the back, cradling a vodka bottle and snapping at everyone in a drunken slur.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Lunkhead
music
I am showing my support for Niihama by going to see Lunkhead at Shinjuku Loft on the 12th. Wanna come?
I spent New Year's vacation in Niihama two years in a row because I have friends who grew up there, one of whom is the boyfriend of Sara, my closest friend in Japan. It's a quiet little town, so we never did much beyond watch TV and check out the local Jusco. One year, we made sock puppets of ourselves using crap we bought at a 100 yen store. We also spent a lot of time drawing "honest" self-portraits. It all proved to be a dismal lesson in our own body-image problems. (Though I have to say that Toshimitsu drawing himself naked and adding a six-pack was pretty funny.)
I have fond (albeit boring to everyone else) memories of Niihama, making it something like my second "hometown" in Japan. Tokuyama's my first. So I'm excited about the idea of seeing a Niihama band causing a little stir in the Tokyo music scene...even though Sara says they almost sound like they're ripping off Asian Kung-Fu Generation. But they went to the same high school as Toshimitsu! Woo!
They'll be playing with Nananine, an alt-pop band from Fukuoka whose sound has been likened to those of Fountains of Wayne and Weezer, and GRiP, who (it must be said) excite me significantly less. But that's okay, GRiP, I'm still here for you.
Admission is 2300 yen and tickets can be bought in advance through Pia [p-code: 162-187] or Lawson [L-code: 38962]. Show starts at 7 p.m.
I am showing my support for Niihama by going to see Lunkhead at Shinjuku Loft on the 12th. Wanna come?
I spent New Year's vacation in Niihama two years in a row because I have friends who grew up there, one of whom is the boyfriend of Sara, my closest friend in Japan. It's a quiet little town, so we never did much beyond watch TV and check out the local Jusco. One year, we made sock puppets of ourselves using crap we bought at a 100 yen store. We also spent a lot of time drawing "honest" self-portraits. It all proved to be a dismal lesson in our own body-image problems. (Though I have to say that Toshimitsu drawing himself naked and adding a six-pack was pretty funny.)
I have fond (albeit boring to everyone else) memories of Niihama, making it something like my second "hometown" in Japan. Tokuyama's my first. So I'm excited about the idea of seeing a Niihama band causing a little stir in the Tokyo music scene...even though Sara says they almost sound like they're ripping off Asian Kung-Fu Generation. But they went to the same high school as Toshimitsu! Woo!
They'll be playing with Nananine, an alt-pop band from Fukuoka whose sound has been likened to those of Fountains of Wayne and Weezer, and GRiP, who (it must be said) excite me significantly less. But that's okay, GRiP, I'm still here for you.
Admission is 2300 yen and tickets can be bought in advance through Pia [p-code: 162-187] or Lawson [L-code: 38962]. Show starts at 7 p.m.
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