Japanese Hit Comedies

Oganised by Japan Desk Scotland (japandeskscotland@googlemail.com), with support from The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and The Japan Foundation, and with sponsorship from Kikkoman and Mizkan. The four films most popular at the previous Seasons will be screened with popular demand at GilmorehillG12, University of Glasgow, 9 University Avenue, Glasgow. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Tickets free (issued 30 mins prior to the screening. First come firs served basis, no booking)

Nodo-Jiman

(112 min)
Directed by IZUTSU Kazuyuki (1999)
Fri 15th February @7pm

Reiko is an enka (traditional Japanese pop) singer without much of a reputation. One day, while doing small time appearance in her native town of Kiryu, Gunma, north of Tokyo, she decides to participate in the well-known TV programme for amateur singers, Nodo-Jiman. She competes with, among others, a 40-year old unemployed with four daughters, and a high school girl who feels that she is incapable of expressing her emotions. Full of Japanese songs, both traditional and modern, as well as cover version of western pops.

Nabbie's Love

(92 min)
Directed by NAKAE Yuji (1999)
Fri 22nd February @ 7pm

Nakako quits her job in Tokyo to return to her home island, Okinawa, a southern island near Taiwan, where her grandfather, Keitatsu, and grandmother, Nabbie, still live. Also aboard is a quaint fellow, SunRa, dressed in a dandy tropical outfit, who seems to have some nostalgic link to the island. In fact, Nabbie and SunRa were in love 60 years ago. Full of Okinawa music, especially the island?s traditional rap sung by Keitestu played by a professional singer, as well as Celtic Fiddle music.

Sumo Do, Sumo Don't

(103 min)
Directed by SUO Masayuki (1992)
Fri 29th February @ 7pm

One day, Shuhei, a final year university student in Tokyo, is called to the office of his thesis supervisor. The professor points out that Shuhei has never attended his class, and that he needs to pass the thesis to graduate. He strikes a deal with Shuhei: join the sumo club where he is an advisor, or you won't graduate. From the director of the original Shall We Dance?

Swing Girls

(105 min)
Directed by YAGUCHI Shinobu (2004)
Fri 7th March @ 7pm

A group of high school girls in Yamagata, northern Japan, are attending remedial math class for the summer. They haven?t found anything that holds their interest. When the lunch box don?t make the bus for the brass band, the girls take the chance to deliver them and get out of the class for the day. They end up with forming a new swing jazz band, despite the fact that they have never played any music instruments.