Japan On Film

We Made This

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Anime, 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.

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87 episodes

Nightmare Detective (2007)

Author 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 yourself, please visit the website https://japanonfilm.com/guest/ to find out more information. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Frank Schildiner Check out Frank’s books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Frank-Schildiner/author/B009VRDXZC. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 6m
Mar 26
Kwaidan (1965)

Podcaster 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 https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com/ and follow him on Letterboxd https://letterboxd.com/Lowbacca/. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 18m
Mar 19
Red Beard (1965)

In 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 https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/we-are-starfleet-a-star-trek-strange-new-worlds-podcast--4462772 and Illumination Above All https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/illumination-above-all-a-severance-podcast--5523890. https://japanonfilm.com/ JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 0m
Mar 12
2LDK (2003)

Director 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 https://twitter.com/clairecdowns and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairecdowns/ and check out her video game, The 7th Guest VR https://www.the7thguest-vr.com/. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 6m
Mar 05
Getting Any? (1995)

We'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 https://open.spotify.com/show/1AH81bWaF2xU5NFVHafkxA. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 2m
Feb 27
Cure (1997)

Author 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 https://www.jennuptonwriter.com/ for information on her writing and read her book, Japanese Cult Cinema: Films from the Second Golden Age Selected Essays and Reviews https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C35X8WC9/. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 8m
Feb 20
A Colt is My Passport (1967)

In 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 http://tragic-planet.com/ for Joey's work and listen his former podcast, Toho Yaro https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toho-yaro-a-japanese-film-club-podcast--5851824. JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

58m
Feb 13
Sukiyaki Western Django (2007)

New 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 https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 12m
Feb 06
Princess Mononoke (1997)

We 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 https://anchor.fm/underrated and Infinity Stones and Dragon Bones https://anchor.fm/derick-mcduff podcasts JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Threads https://www.threads.net/@japanonfilm Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/japanonfilm.bsky.social https://twitter.com/japanonfilm https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 22m
Jan 30
Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance (1974)

For 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 https://www.instagram.com/jjcervenka/ or learn more about his band, Commit This to Memory https://www.instagram.com/committhistomemoryil/ JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

50m
Jul 07, 2023
My Friend "A" (2018)

Perry 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 https://japanonfilm.com/ https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 2m
Jun 30, 2023
Tampopo (1985)

Ray 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 https://www.spoonmob.com/ to find out more about Ray JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 17m
Jun 23, 2023
Akira (1988)

Konner 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 https://soundcloud.com/user-771770442-558131764/ JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 15m
Jun 16, 2023
Castle in the Sky (1986)

This 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 https://www.instagram.com/patmoodywrites/ JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

52m
Jun 09, 2023
After Life (1998)

In 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 https://www.storystarcoaching.com/ to learn more about Erin and check out her YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@erinrodgersStoryCoach, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erin_rodgers_storypro/, and find out about her storytelling anthology https://pathfinderscollective.org/ JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 24m
Jun 02, 2023
Kagemusha (1980)

In 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 https://japanonfilm.com/Underrated https://anchor.fm/underrated and https://japanonfilm.com/Infinity Stones and Dragon Bones https://anchor.fm/derick-mcduff podcasts https://japanonfilm.com/ https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com/

1h 11m
May 26, 2023
Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)

This week, Perry is joined by Jordan Forbes, co-host of the Shonen Flop Podcast. We discuss Kinji Fukasaku's 1973 yakuza film, (仁義なき戦い). It's the first film in what's known as series in the west and it's often been called "the Japanese " 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 https://shonenflop.com JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com

1h 29m
May 19, 2023
The Great Yokai War (2005)

In 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 (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 https://linktr.ee/onigirl JapanOnFilm.com https://japanonfilm.com Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com

1h 15m
May 12, 2023
Season 9 Announcement

Welcome 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 https://japanonfilm.com Twitter https://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram https://instagram.com/japanonfilm Facebook https://facebook.com/japanonfilm Discord https://discord.gg/j6V3tuzGkZ We Made This on Twitter https://twitter.com/we_madethis We Made This Network https://wemadethisnetwork.com

5m
Mar 18, 2023
Top 10s and Parting Thoughts

It'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 http://japanonfilm.com/contact! To follow Perry's other endeavors, subscribe to the Superhero Cinephiles https://superherocinephiles.com podcast, check out his fiction work https://percivalconstantine.com, or just follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/perconstantine. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

30m
Sep 08, 2022
Batman Ninja

It's a flashback to the past. On Superhero Cinephiles, Perry and Derrick Ferguson discussed the Japan-produced anime, . 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 japanonfilmpodcast@gmail.com. Include any comments or questions you have about the show or Japanese cinema in general. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

1h 19m
May 03, 2022
Kibakichi

In 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

47m
Apr 26, 2022
Sanjuro

Robert Kelly of the Record All Monsters podcast is the guest this week to discuss , Akira Kurosawa's sequel to his groundbreaking film, . We compare it to the original, discuss Sanjuro's character progression compared to , and reflect on the character's legacy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/japanonfilm/message

48m
Apr 19, 2022
Survival Family

Perry is joined by Oliver of the Watching Asia Film Reviews blog to discuss Shinobu Yaguchi's post-apocalyptic dramedy, . 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

56m
Apr 12, 2022
The Machine Girl

Perry 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, . 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

1h 34m
Apr 05, 2022
Dark Water

The 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

1h 6m
Mar 29, 2022
Grave of the Fireflies

Maison Collawn, host of the MC Anime Podcast, makes his debut on Japan On Film to discuss the classic Ghibli film, . 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

1h 0m
Mar 22, 2022
Shall We Dance?

In this episode, Perry is joined once again by Patrick Terry to discuss Masayuki Suo's underrated 1996 film, 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

1h 16m
Mar 15, 2022
The Future of Japan On Film

In 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. Please go to japanonfilm.com http://japanonfilm.com for ways to support the show. ★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ON PATREON ★ https://patreon.com/japanonfilm

3m
Feb 27, 2022
Update on the Next Season

Perry 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. Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/japanonfilm to connect with other fans of Japanese cinema. And if you'd like to be on the show, please get in touch https://japanonfilm.com/movies-to-cover/. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEPqXhQOPBnWuqCiHXxBPNw/ Facebook http://facebook.com/japanonfilm Twitter http://twitter.com/japanonfilm Instagram http://instagram.com/japanonfilm ★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ON PATREON ★ https://patreon.com/japanonfilm

5m
Nov 15, 2021