By Andrew Hamlin Northwest Asian Weekly Takeshi Kitano’s film “Outrage” began with the writer/director/actor, also known as Beat Takeshi, waiting outside a bigwig yakuza meeting. His character, Otomo, was a low-level flunky, obliged to put his own feelings and aspirations aside as he waited for orders. The new film “Beyond Outrage” follows the first film […]
‘Outrage’ aptly portrays yakuza, but too gory
By Andrew Hamlin Northwest Asian Weekly Takeshi Kitano’s new film “Outrage” opens with the camera panning slowly across a group of men slouching against luxury cars, some fanning themselves in the heat. They are the yakuza promised in the film’s advance publicity, but they are not stylish. They do not immediately look dangerous. The filmmaker […]
Q&A: Ryuichi Sakamoto, master composer, pianist, and … foodie?
Over his 30-year career spanning continents and styles, Tokyo-born keyboardist and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has worn so many creative hats
Designer Yamamoto files for bankruptcy protection
TOKYO (AP) — Yohji Yamamoto Inc., a fashion house famous for its austere black designer clothes, filed for bankruptcy protection on Oct. 9, a victim of slumping sales as Japanese women turn to cheaper casual outfits during a prolonged economic downturn.