Japanese film Archives - No Man Is An Island

“During the Rains” Offers Character-Driven Look at Japanese Sex Workers Amidst COVID-19

·March 3, 2024·2 min read

Independent Japanese film "During the Rains" chronicles the lives of workers in a compensated dating cafe, offering little character background but much empathy Read More

“The Asadas” Snaps a Heartfelt Portrait of a Japanese Photographer and His Family

English Film

·February 18, 2024·2 min read

Based on the story of real-life Japanese photographer Masashi Asada, "The Asadas" teeters between cheer and melodrama Read More

“Yoko” Explores Liminal Spaces and Lingering Family Traumas on a Hitchhike Across Japan

English Film

·February 17, 2024·2 min read

Japanese indie film "Yoko" features Rinko Kikuchi as its titular character, who hitchhikes across Japan to her estranged father’s funeral Read More

“Life of Mariko in Kabukicho” Provides a Surreally Entertaining if Fleeting Glimpse of Tokyo’s District

English Film

·September 5, 2023·3 min read

With elements drawn from familiar manga and anime, “Life of Mariko in Kabukicho” offers quick tastes of its eponymous lead character and famous Tokyo nightlife district Read More

Japanese Indie Film “Amiko” Depicts the Inner Life of a Quirky Child

English Film

·August 25, 2023·2 min read

First-time director Yusuke Morii’s “Amiko” offers a narrowly focused but inspired look at a child’s life through its titular character Read More

“Convenience Story” Paints Surreal Picture of the Creative Process Using Japanese Convenience Stores

English Film

·February 14, 2023·3 min read

Director Miki Satoshi’s latest movie “Convenience Story” explores a scriptwriter and actress’ journey through a series of increasingly surreal situations Read More