*FILM FRIDAY* | Japan: A Story of Love and Hate (2008) | *Watch Now* (Patreon)

So I've been thinking about doing this for a while now and every time I decide it’s time to start this weekly series, I realise it’s not Friday and end up postponing it and then forgetting about it (BECAUSE IT HAS TO BE FRIDAY).

And that is, every Friday from now until forever I’d like to recommend you a Japan related film or documentary, that I’ve watched and given a thumbs up to. Given I’m a wannabe filmmaker, I do spend a lot of time immersed in films and documentaries and find myself often being asked for recommendations, so I consider this something of a pre-emptive strike on future requests!

The reason I chose Friday is for two reasons; first and foremost, I enjoy the cheeky alliteration of “Film Friday”. It has a nice ring to it.

Secondly, I find most folks sit down to watch films on Friday or over the weekend, so hopefully you’ll have the time to indulge in a viewing.

And just in case you’re worried that I’ll run out of ideas, I’ve already listed enough films to go beyond 2020. So without further ado here’s the first recommendation for Film Friday. 

Best of all, it’s not even a film…
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Japan: A Story of Love & Hate (BBC, 2008) Director: Sean McAllister
► Watch: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x56bwzc

Official Synopsis: Naoki, 56, had it all in Japan's bubble economy days - he ran a business with 70 staff, drove a brand new BMW and lived in a six-bedroom house. But when Japan's economy crashed in the early 1990s he lost everything, ending up divorced and penniless. He was saved from homelessness by his new girlfriend, 29-year-old Yoshie, who took him in despite living in a tiny one-room apartment.

 At his age, the only job Naoki can find is part-time at the post office, which means working seven hours a day and earning just 4,000 pounds a year. Yoshie now has to find extra jobs to support him, working 15 hours a day in three jobs. Each evening she leaves Naoki at home to do the housework and heads to a sleazy chat bar, where she is paid to drink, flatter and flirt with married men. Naoki sees his relationship with Yoshie like father and daughter and admits that since losing his business he has lost his confidence in both his professional and social life.

Abroad in Japan Review: I first saw this documentary back around 2010, when I’d decided I wanted to live in Japan and sought out any documentaries I could find. This was back in the days when foreign Youtubers in Japan were few and far between and it was difficult to actually uncover videos showing what life in Japan was like. (Seems almost unthinkable now!)

Suffice it to say, after watching this documentary it completely made me re-assess everything I knew about Japan, ripping down my romanticised daydreams about the country by revealing the downtrodden existence of the neglected working class.

The raw fly-on-the-wall, low budget style of filmmaking really allows the viewer insider access into the life of Naoki and his girlfriend Yoshie, the daily hardships they face and the awkward stigma of their gaping age gap in the run up to meeting her parents for the first time. 

Whether it’s sitting hunched over a dingy bar during a late night drinking session, witnessing Naoki participate in morning exercise at his workplace or slumped in his bedroom smoking a cigarette reflecting on his life, it’s an incredibly personal documentary and one that I’ve returned to many times over the years for inspiration.

There’s no doubt it influenced the making of Natsuki: The Movie, or Abroad in Japan videos in general; heck, the soundtrack for the documentary is predominantly the music of Sakamoto Kyu - one of Japan’s biggest artists back in the 60’s - and I loved the music so much, I used many of the tracks from the documentary in my earliest videos (before paying the ultimate price with copyright issues).

I feel a personal connection with the documentary in two big ways. Not only because it’s set in Yamagata city, just 90 minutes from where I used to live and I actually recognise many of the featured locations. (I couldn’t believe it when I was placed in the prefecture where it was filmed).

But also, by sheer good luck I once ran into Naoki himself at a karaoke bar in Yamagata city and got to thank him in person for taking part in the documentary and being so open with the audience in a way that I suspect many Japanese folks would perhaps be reluctant to do, given the sensitive circumstances and nature of the story.

I was utterly delighted to be able to sing a song or two with the man himself!

And even though it can be uncomfortable viewing at times, the story gives a real insight into the realities of life in Japan, and the ending is surprisingly positive with a couple of laugh out loud moments.

You can watch the documentary on Dailymotion for free; it’s a bit low-res but it’s perfectly viewable.
► Watch: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x56bwzc

I believe it’s also on Amazon as well in certain countries. Either way, I hope you’re able to check it out for yourself and see for yourself why I always sing its praises!

 (NOTE: After the documentary, Naoki got to travel the world with Sean (the Director) promoting the documentary at various festivals, which helped him turn his life around. And after being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, thankfully he later went on to a full recovery!)

Thanks for sending in all the questions by the way - currently mid way through filming the new video. Enjoy the rest of your Friday!

Chris