Japan On Film
98 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months 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.
A proud part of the Film Stories Podcast Network: www.filmstories.co.uk
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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...
S10E09 – Nightmare Detective (2007) [悪夢探偵]
March 26, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourAuthor 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...
S10E08 – Kwaidan (1965) [怪談]
March 19, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourPodcaster 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...
S10E07 – Red Beard (1965) [赤髭]
March 12, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourIn 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...
S10E06 – 2LDK (2003)
March 05, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourDirector 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...
S10E05 – Getting Any? (1995) [みんな〜やってるか！]
February 27, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourWe'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...
S10E04 – Cure (1997) [キュア]
February 20, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourAuthor 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
S10E03 - A Colt is My Passport (1967) [拳銃は俺のパスポート]
February 13, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourIn 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
S10E02 – Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) [スキヤキ・ウエスタン ジャンゴ]
February 06, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourNew 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
S10E01 – Princess Mononoke (1997) [もののけ姫]
January 30, 2024 15:00 - 1 hourWe 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 - 52 minutesFor 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Joshua CervenkaConnect with Joshua on Instagram or learn more about his band, Commit This to MemoryJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe ...
My Friend "A" (2018)
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourPerry 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring JennJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Tampopo (1985)
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourRay 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Ray ChmieleckiVisit Spoon Mob to find out more about RayJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscord We Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Akira (1988)
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourKonner 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Konner Hudson and Michael HaleListen to Konner and Michael on the KMP Podcast ProjectJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Castle in the Sky (1986)
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutesThis 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Patrick Moody Visit Patrick's Instagram page to learn more about him and his worksJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
After Life (1998)
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourIn 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Erin RodgersVisit Storystar Coaching to learn more about Erin and check out her YouTu...
Kagemusha (1980)
May 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourIn 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Derick McDuffListen to Derick on the Underrated and Infinity Stones and Dragon Bones podcastsTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)
May 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourThis 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Jordan ForbesListen to Jordan on the Shonen Flop PodcastJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made T...
The Great Yokai War (2005)
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourIn 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 ConstantineGuest-Starring Lyndsey LittleVisit Lyndsey's Linktree for her comic, podcast, and moreJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Season 9 Announcement
March 18, 2023 09:15 - 6 minutesWelcome 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 ConstantineJapanOnFilm.comTwitterInstagramFacebookDiscordWe Made This on TwitterWe Made This Network
Top 10s and Parting Thoughts
September 08, 2022 07:21 - 31 minutesIt'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 hourIt'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 minutesIn 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 - 50 minutesRobert 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 minutesPerry 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 hourPerry 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 hourThe 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 hourMaison 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 hourIn 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 - 4 minutesIn 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 - 6 minutesPerry 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 hourIn 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 hourIn 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 hourWe'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 hourAuthor 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 - 56 minutesReturning 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 - 59 minutesPerry 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 hourFilmmaker 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 hourJapan 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 hoursDerrick 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 hourIn 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: The Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion
February 03, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour1992'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