Japan On Film
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsAnime, kaiju, J-horror, exploitation, and everything in between—Japan has been producing some of the most interesting and creative movies for decades. In this show, author and Japanese film lecturer Perry Constantine and his guests will introduce you to the wide, wonderful, and sometimes weird world of Japanese films. We not only review, but also use these movies to provide some education on Japanese society, history, and culture.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Nightmare Detective (2007)
March 26, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBAuthor Frank Schildiner returns to the show for the final episode of the season. This time, we discuss Shinya Tsukamoto’s serial killer thriller, Nightmare Detective. Though it has some unique ideas and impressive filmmaking, there are some shortcomings that we discuss. Thanks so much for listening to this season of Japan On Film! We’re going to go on a hiatus, but we’ll be back in a few months with more great discussions about Japanese movies. And if you’re interested in being a guest yours...
Kwaidan (1965)
March 19, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBPodcaster Mike Lund visits the show to discuss Kwaidan, an adaptation of four of Lafcadio Hearn's Japanese ghost stories. We discuss our favorite stories from this anthology, some of the impressive things the director did with the settings, and talk about the backstory for these tales. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Mike Lund Listen to Mike on The Old Switch-a-roo and follow him on Letterboxd. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter W...
Red Beard (1965)
March 12, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBIn this episode, Ian Buckley joins the show to discuss Red Beard, one of Kurosawa's most renowned films. With a lot of similar themes to Kurosawa's earlier film, Ikiru, it's also got some other stuff that we have fun discussing. And the film is notable for Kurosawa going to excess with detail and creating a rift between him and star Toshiro Mifune. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Ian Buckley Listen to Ian on We Are Starfleet and Illumination Above All. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bl...
2LDK (2003)
March 05, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBDirector and writer Claire Downs appears on the show to discuss the minimalist 2LDK. Featuring two actresses whose roommate quarrels spiral into violence, there's also a lot of stuff in here about the treatment of the Japanese entertainment industry's treatment of women. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Claire Downs Visit Claire on Twitter and Instagram and check out her video game, The 7th Guest VR. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitt...
Getting Any? (1995)
February 27, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBWe're going lighter this time with comedy podcaster Chris Andersen. In this episode, we discuss Getting Any?, Takeshi Kitano's 1995 comedy/parody film about a middle-aged guy obsessed with sex and his zany adventures to try to get some. Kitano called it one of the most fun times he had making a movie, and it's easy to see why. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Chris Andersen Listen to Chris on Uncle Monster's Spooky Time Fright Hour. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Faceb...
Cure (1997)
February 20, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 94 MBAuthor and Japanese film scholar Jennifer Upton comes on the show to discuss Kiyoshi Kurosawa's psychological thriller, Cure. There's a lot to unpack in this movie, so get ready! Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jennifer Upton Visit Jennifer's website for information on her writing and read her book, Japanese Cult Cinema: Films from the Second Golden Age Selected Essays and Reviews. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Ne...
A Colt is My Passport (1967)
February 13, 2024 15:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBIn this episode, we dip into Nikkatsu's noir catalog. Illustrator Joey Weiser joins the show to discuss A Colt is My Passport, a fun noir film featuring Joe Shishido, the man with the most distinctive cheekbones in Japanese cinema. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Joey Weiser Visit Tragic Planet for Joey's work and listen his former podcast, Toho Yaro. JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Sukiyaki Western Django (2007)
February 06, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBNew guest Nick Frame joins the show to discuss Takashi Miike's gonzo ramen western film, Sukiyaki Western Django. Clearly inspired by spaghetti westerns and trying to mix the western genre with Japanese history, there's some good stuff here, but also some strange choices. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Nick Frame JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Princess Mononoke (1997)
January 30, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBWe kick off Season 10 with one of the most internationally renowned animated films of all time. Derick McDuff of the Underrated network returns to discuss Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. We discuss the many themes in the movie and its enduring legacy. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Derick McDuff Listen to Derick on the Underrated and Infinity Stones and Dragon Bones podcasts JapanOnFilm.com Threads Bluesky Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance (1974)
July 07, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBFor the final episode of the season, Perry is joined by returning guest Joshua Cervenka to discuss Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance. And while there are some interesting ideas in this film, plus an appearance by a pre-directing Juzo Itami, the film unfortunately doesn't quite live up to the original. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Joshua Cervenka Connect with Joshua on Instagram or learn more about his band, Commit This to Memory JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook...
My Friend "A" (2018)
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBPerry welcomes back returning guest Jenn to discuss My Friend "A". Marketed as something of a mystery or even a thriller, it actually turns out to be more of a drama with some strong performances, but also some questionable decisions. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jenn JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Tampopo (1985)
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBRay Chmielecki of the Spoon Mob podcast makes his debut appearance. He joins Perry to discuss Juzo Itami's ramen western, Tampopo. We discuss the film's influence on food culture, how Itami uses food to criticize different aspects of Japanese society, and a lot more. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Ray Chmielecki Visit Spoon Mob to find out more about Ray JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Akira (1988)
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBKonner Hudson and Michael Hale of the KMP Podcast Project return to Japan On Film to join Perry for a discussion on the groundbreaking Akira. We talk about the film's long-enduring legacy, how it compares to the far more sprawling manga, and how it still feels a bit unfinished. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Konner Hudson and Michael Hale Listen to Konner and Michael on the KMP Podcast Project JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made ...
Castle in the Sky (1986)
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBThis week, Perry is joined by returning guest, author Patrick Moody, to discuss the Studio Ghibli classic, Castle in the Sky. We discuss the film's legacy, influence, and how it holds up all these years later. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Patrick Moody Visit Patrick's Instagram page to learn more about him and his works JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
After Life (1998)
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn the latest episode, Perry is joined by story coach Erin Rodgers to discuss Hirokazu Kore-eda's 1998 film, After Life. They share their memories of discovering this film and dive into some of the themes this movie raises about memory and life. NOTE: There was an error with a previous version of this episode file. The error has been fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Erin Rodgers Visit Storystar Coaching to learn more about Erin and check out he...
Kagemusha (1980)
May 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 97.6 MBIn this episode, Perry is joined by Derick McDuff of the Underrated podcast network to discuss Akira Kurosawa's 1980 film, Kagemusha. It received a lot of support from George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, but ultimately represents something of a downturn for the acclaimed director. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Derick McDuff Listen to Derick on the Underrated and Infinity Stones and Dragon Bones podcasts Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made Th...
Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)
May 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis week, Perry is joined by Jordan Forbes, co-host of the Shonen Flop Podcast. We discuss Kinji Fukasaku's 1973 yakuza film, Battles Without Honor and Humanity (仁義なき戦い). It's the first film in what's known as The Yakuza Papers series in the west and it's often been called "the Japanese Godfather." But it's much more unique in its own right. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jordan Forbes Listen to Jordan on the Shonen Flop Podcast JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Disco...
The Great Yokai War (2005)
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBIn the first episode of season 9, Perry is joined by Lyndsey Little, writer and artist of the OniGirl comic. And in keeping with that theme of Japanese monsters and spirits, we're discussing The Great Yokai War (妖怪大戦争), Takashi Miike's family-friendly fantasy film from 2005. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Lyndsey Little Visit Lyndsey's Linktree for her comic, podcast, and more JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Season 9 Announcement
March 18, 2023 09:15 - 5 minutes - 6.95 MBWelcome to the return of Japan On Film! In this announcement trailer, Perry tells you what movies you can expect us to cover this season and about our new home with the We Made This Network. Hosted by Perry Constantine JapanOnFilm.com Twitter Instagram Facebook Discord We Made This on Twitter We Made This Network
Top 10s and Parting Thoughts
September 08, 2022 07:21 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIt's several months overdue, but Perry's back with the final (for now) episode of Japan On Film. Listen for some parting thoughts on the show, favorite films, and performers, and some words about what will happen going forward. If you'd like to be involved in the future of Japan On Film, please get in touch! To follow Perry's other endeavors, subscribe to the Superhero Cinephiles podcast, check out his fiction work, or just follow him on Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor...
Batman Ninja
May 03, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBIt's a flashback to the past. On Superhero Cinephiles, Perry and Derrick Ferguson discussed the Japan-produced anime, Batman Ninja. We're presenting that episode here for listeners of Japan On Film. IMPORTANT UPDATE: For the time being, this will be the end of Japan On Film. We're going to release one final episode and we'd like to hear from the listeners. You can leave Perry a voicemail to be played on the show or send an email to [email protected]. Include any comments or questio...
Kibakichi
April 26, 2022 15:00 - 47 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode, Perry is joined by Tyler, who is working on a book about obscure Asian cinema, and in that fashion, the movie they watched is the 2003 Kibakichi. It's a movie about a samurai werewolf and despite a grindhouse-style opening and climax, the rest of the movie's a bit meandering. Still, the movie's not without its charms, too. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Sanjuro
April 19, 2022 15:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBRobert Kelly of the Record All Monsters podcast is the guest this week to discuss Sanjuro, Akira Kurosawa's sequel to his groundbreaking film, Yojimbo. We compare it to the original, discuss Sanjuro's character progression compared to Yojimbo, and reflect on the character's legacy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Survival Family
April 12, 2022 15:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBPerry is joined by Oliver of the Watching Asia Film Reviews blog to discuss Shinobu Yaguchi's post-apocalyptic dramedy, Survival Family. We discuss the ideas of generational conflict, the alienation of the Japanese nuclear family, and find this film topical in light of Russia's war on Ukraine. Also as a fan of Yaguchi, Oliver provides a lot of insight into the director's way of thinking and his criticisms of modern society. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
The Machine Girl
April 05, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBPerry appeared on a live episode of the Asian Film Fans YouTube show, co-hosted by The Arty Dans and Wilco C. Rullens. The trio discussed Noboru Iguchi's cult classic splatter film, The Machine Girl. We're presenting the replay of the show here on Japan On Film in case you missed it the first time around. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Dark Water
March 29, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBThe host of the Scared Sheep YouTube channel brings her knowledge of Japanese horror and culture to a discussion of Dark Water. Although not as popular as other J-horror classics like Ring or Ju-on, there's a lot this movie has to say about child-rearing and Japan's treatment of motherhood. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Grave of the Fireflies
March 22, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBMaison Collawn, host of the MC Anime Podcast, makes his debut on Japan On Film to discuss the classic Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies. He and Perry have a spirited discussion about the film's content and themes, the debate over whether or not it's an anti-war film, and different perceptions of America's actions in the war. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Shall We Dance?
March 15, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBIn this episode, Perry is joined once again by Patrick Terry to discuss Masayuki Suo's underrated 1996 film, Shall We Dance? We talk about the socioeconomic commentary in the contexts of Japan in the mid-90s, the film's criticism of the salaryman system, Koji Yakusho's chameleon-like performance, and a lot more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
The Future of Japan On Film
February 27, 2022 01:04 - 3 minutes - 4.49 MBIn this short episode, Perry updates everyone on the status of the upcoming eighth season, as well as an important announcement about the future of Japan On Film. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Update on the Next Season
November 15, 2021 02:25 - 5 minutes - 7.86 MBPerry shares an update on what's happening with the next season of Japan On Film and has an important request for all fans of the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Night and Fog in Japan
September 10, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 92.8 MBIn the final episode of the season, Kota of the Against Japanism podcast brings his extensive knowledge of Japanese politics and the Japanese left-wing to bear in this discussion of Nagisa Oshima's Night and Fog in Japan. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
The Yellow Handkerchief
September 03, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBIn the penultimate episode of the season, Perry is joined by Japanese film buff Nathaniel de Bel to discuss the classic Japanese film, The Yellow Handkerchief starring the late, great Ken Takakura. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Kikujiro
August 22, 2021 04:58 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBWe've got another Kitano film this episode, featuring new guest Dan Clarke of the SuperMakerUniverse YouTube channel. We discuss Kitano's coming-of-age comedy film, Kikujiro. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Big Man Japan
July 23, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBAuthor Patrick Moody makes his JOF debut to discuss Hitoshi Matsumoto's kaiju mockumentary film, Big Man Japan. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Lesson of the Evil
July 09, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBReturning guest Jenn comes back for a chat about Takashi Miike's 2012 thriller, Lesson of the Evil. Despite an interesting use of Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, it's a bit of a let-down compared to some of Miike's other films. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Swing Girls
June 18, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 78.9 MBPerry is joined by returning guest Ashley Stockdale to talk about the crowd-pleasing Swing Girls. A group of delinquent students are forced to fill in for the school's brass band and in the process, discover a love of swing and jazz. Though not a very deep movie, it's one that's universally beloved for its humor and use of music. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Hana-bi
June 04, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBFilmmaker LowRes makes his debut appearance on Japan On Film to talk about Hana-bi, one of the movies that helped cement Takeshi Kitano's reputation as one of the finest modern Japanese directors. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
May 21, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBJapan On Film is back with a new season! Perry is joined by new guest Dan to discuss Takashi Miike's adaptation of the Yakuza video game. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
East Meets West: The Derrick Ferguson Episodes
April 10, 2021 08:22 - 3 hours - 280 MBDerrick Ferguson, who had appeared on several episodes of Japan On Film and also co-hosted Perry's other podcast, Superhero Cinephiles, passed away on April 4, 2021. To honor his memory, we're releasing a supercut episode of Derrick's appearances on Japan On Film, discussing Seven Samurai (and its western remake, The Magnificent Seven) and Unforgiven. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Zatoichi
February 10, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 153 MBIn the final episode of season 6, we watch 2003's Zatoichi, Takeshi Kitano's reinvention of the classic blind samurai. Perry is joined by Frank Schildiner, the perfect guest for this episode because not only is he a martial artist, but also the author of an upcoming book examining the Zatoichi series of films. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Minbo
February 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 128 MB1992's Minbo is a satire of Japanese criminals trying to strong-arm a hotel. It so angered the real yakuza that they mounted a direct assault on director Juzo Itami. Japanese cinema professor Patrick returns to the show in order to discuss the film's multiple layers and its clever subversiveness.
Minbo: The Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion
February 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 128 MB1992's Minbo is a satire of Japanese criminals trying to strong-arm a hotel. It so angered the real yakuza that they mounted a direct assault on director Juzo Itami. Japanese cinema professor Patrick returns to the show in order to discuss the film's multiple layers and its clever subversiveness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Jigoku
January 27, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes - 78 MBNobuo Nakagawa's Jigoku is considered to be a cornerstone of Japanese cinema, noted in particular for its graphic depictions of Hell. Perry is joined by Luna, another Ongaku To You host, to discuss this classic and peel back some of the layers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Marebito
January 20, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 78.5 MBBetween directing the Japanese and American versions of The Grudge, Takeshi Shimizu took a break to direct the haunting Marebito, starring the legendary Shinya Tsukamoto. Adam of Asian Movie Pulse returns this episode to discuss the movie. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Death Note (2006)
January 13, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 97.4 MBWhat if you could kill with the stroke of a pen? That's the concept behind the internationally popular Death Note franchise. In the latest episode, Perry is joined again by Ken of the Ongaku To You podcast (and Death Note fan) to discuss the first live-action Death Note film. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Suicide Club
January 06, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBSion Sono's controversial 2001 movie shocked right from its opening scene of over fifty schoolgirls jumping in front of a train. Perry and returning guest-host John Atom engage in a spirited debate about the different themes and how they think some things work and don't. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Fish Story
December 30, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBCan a song save the world? Perry and guest-host Ashley discuss Yoshihiro Nakamura's oddball comedy movie that effortlessly weaves together different stories across different time periods. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
An Interview with Takeshi Fukunaga
November 18, 2020 09:35 - 39 minutes - 55 MBTakeshi Fukunaga's latest movie, AINU MOSIR, is a beautiful coming-of-age story featuring Kanto, a young boy who lives in the Ainu village of Akan and struggles with his cultural identity. I spoke with the director about his influences, inspiration, ideas of cultural identity. and more. AINU MOSIR is available on Netflix in English-speaking territories on November 17th and available in select theaters in Japan on October 17th. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/mes...
Tetsuo: The Iron Man
September 30, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBFilm student and Tsukamoto fan Michael Torres is the guest in the last episode of the season, where he and Perry discuss Tetsuo: The Iron Man, the movie that made Tsukamoto a cult favorite film director. Listen as they discuss their impressions and interpretations of this unique cyberpunk film. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message
Ghost in the Shell
September 17, 2020 01:44 - 1 hour - 102 MBGraduate student Emma, who just completed her thesis on the Ghost in the Shell series, joins the show to discuss the groundbreaking anime film! They discuss the importance of the movie and go in-depth into some of the philosophy behind the movie. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message