James Hadfield
@jameshadfield.bsky.social
Tokyo-based word mangler. Immigrant. awfuldross@gmail.com
I post gig listings and the other drivel at https://tokyodross.blogspot.com/
I post gig listings and the other drivel at https://tokyodross.blogspot.com/
“Surveying American Experimental Cinema” kicks off at the NFAJ today and it looks juicy. A few things I know are brilliant (Greaser’s Palace, Born in Flames, Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One) and a lot of others that are new to me. www.nfaj.go.jp/film-program...
アンソロジー・フィルムアーカイブス – 国立映画アーカイブ
www.nfaj.go.jp
January 14, 2026 at 11:35 PM
“Surveying American Experimental Cinema” kicks off at the NFAJ today and it looks juicy. A few things I know are brilliant (Greaser’s Palace, Born in Flames, Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One) and a lot of others that are new to me. www.nfaj.go.jp/film-program...
Starting the new year with a rwoooooar, here's my review of Eisuke Naito’s “Higuma!! The Killer Bear” (ヒグマ!!), a giddy gorefest that had its theatrical release postponed until all the real-life killer bears were safely in hibernation. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026...
‘Higuma!! The Killer Bear’: Monster movie proves a little too timely
A bear with a taste for human flesh collides with illicit gig work and slapstick humor in this blood-soaked monster movie.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 8, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Starting the new year with a rwoooooar, here's my review of Eisuke Naito’s “Higuma!! The Killer Bear” (ヒグマ!!), a giddy gorefest that had its theatrical release postponed until all the real-life killer bears were safely in hibernation. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026...
Favourite Japanese films of 2025, unranked
A Unique Country in Asia (アジアのユニークな国)
1st Kiss (ファースト・キッス)
Escape (逃走)
How Dare You? (ふつうの子ども)
Jinsei (無名の人生)
Renoir (ルノワール)
Teki Cometh (敵)
Tokyo Taxi (TOKYO タクシー)
Transcending Dimensions (次元を越える)
Two Seasons, Two Strangers (旅と日々)
A Unique Country in Asia (アジアのユニークな国)
1st Kiss (ファースト・キッス)
Escape (逃走)
How Dare You? (ふつうの子ども)
Jinsei (無名の人生)
Renoir (ルノワール)
Teki Cometh (敵)
Tokyo Taxi (TOKYO タクシー)
Transcending Dimensions (次元を越える)
Two Seasons, Two Strangers (旅と日々)
December 31, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Favourite Japanese films of 2025, unranked
A Unique Country in Asia (アジアのユニークな国)
1st Kiss (ファースト・キッス)
Escape (逃走)
How Dare You? (ふつうの子ども)
Jinsei (無名の人生)
Renoir (ルノワール)
Teki Cometh (敵)
Tokyo Taxi (TOKYO タクシー)
Transcending Dimensions (次元を越える)
Two Seasons, Two Strangers (旅と日々)
A Unique Country in Asia (アジアのユニークな国)
1st Kiss (ファースト・キッス)
Escape (逃走)
How Dare You? (ふつうの子ども)
Jinsei (無名の人生)
Renoir (ルノワール)
Teki Cometh (敵)
Tokyo Taxi (TOKYO タクシー)
Transcending Dimensions (次元を越える)
Two Seasons, Two Strangers (旅と日々)
I forgot to post this yesterday, but I wrote something about Japan's penchant for films (and TV shows) based on songs. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
Can a pop song carry a movie? Japan thinks so.
Hollywood rarely tries it, but Japan keeps going back for more. Isao Yukisada’s drama “Kaede” is the latest reminder that hit songs make potent movie fuel.
www.japantimes.co.jp
December 25, 2025 at 11:56 PM
I forgot to post this yesterday, but I wrote something about Japan's penchant for films (and TV shows) based on songs. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
I'm DJing at a couple of events this weekend, both at SUBstore in Koenji (which is convenient for me, though perhaps not for you). Come along if you're free.
December 25, 2025 at 7:05 AM
I'm DJing at a couple of events this weekend, both at SUBstore in Koenji (which is convenient for me, though perhaps not for you). Come along if you're free.
Just finished this and it’s a remarkable piece of work. A deceptively slim book that kept me in a near constant state of whiplash, doubling back again and again to make sure I’d read what I thought I’d just read.
December 25, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Just finished this and it’s a remarkable piece of work. A deceptively slim book that kept me in a near constant state of whiplash, doubling back again and again to make sure I’d read what I thought I’d just read.
Spent Christmas Eve watching Rhodri Davies with Otomo Yoshihide and Sachiko M at Polaris, and I’m happy to report that Onkyo is alive and well.
December 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Spent Christmas Eve watching Rhodri Davies with Otomo Yoshihide and Sachiko M at Polaris, and I’m happy to report that Onkyo is alive and well.
Arashi and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto were on absolute fire tonight. Should probably have filmed more but I was too busy headbanging.
December 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Arashi and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto were on absolute fire tonight. Should probably have filmed more but I was too busy headbanging.
Had an absolute blast watching the 4K rerelease of NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER at Cinemart this morning. Glorious pulp from start to finish, even if that insane opening chase sequence (Mandy Patinkin and all) is definitely the highlight.
December 20, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Had an absolute blast watching the 4K rerelease of NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER at Cinemart this morning. Glorious pulp from start to finish, even if that insane opening chase sequence (Mandy Patinkin and all) is definitely the highlight.
Sorry to hear about Masato Harada's passing. A versatile and consistently interesting filmmaker who never underestimated the intelligence of his audience. eiga.com/news/2025121...
原田眞人監督死去、76歳 : 映画ニュース - 映画.com
「クライマーズ・ハイ」「燃えよ剣」などで知られる原田眞人監督が、12月8日に死去したことがわかった。76歳だった。原田監督は、静岡県沼津市出身。幼少期から映画好きで、高校生の頃には映画監督に憧れる。1972年、語学留学で英国滞在中に映画評論
eiga.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Sorry to hear about Masato Harada's passing. A versatile and consistently interesting filmmaker who never underestimated the intelligence of his audience. eiga.com/news/2025121...
The last film I'm set to review this year is a stinker, but in the meantime here's one I liked: THE CHATTERBOXES (みんな、おしゃべり！), Ken Kawai's puckish tale of a spat between the Deaf and Kurdish communities in suburban Japan. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
‘The Chatterboxes’: ‘A comedy of errors finds a common language
Ken Kawai’s comedy about a feud between a deaf Japanese man and a Kurdish immigrant tackles a range of themes including prejudice and communication.
www.japantimes.co.jp
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM
The last film I'm set to review this year is a stinker, but in the meantime here's one I liked: THE CHATTERBOXES (みんな、おしゃべり！), Ken Kawai's puckish tale of a spat between the Deaf and Kurdish communities in suburban Japan. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
I finally got around to writing about some recent* Japanese releases, including neo-scum, minyo exotica and Sapporo singeli. Don't worry, it's not an Albums of the Year list.
tokyodross.blogspot.com/2025/12/new-...
* a couple of these came out last December, but who's counting?
tokyodross.blogspot.com/2025/12/new-...
* a couple of these came out last December, but who's counting?
New (and old) music from Japan – Winter 2025 edition
Tokyo live music and club events – a curated list of the best underground gigs in Tokyo. Indie, electronic, jazz, experimental, etc.
tokyodross.blogspot.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I finally got around to writing about some recent* Japanese releases, including neo-scum, minyo exotica and Sapporo singeli. Don't worry, it's not an Albums of the Year list.
tokyodross.blogspot.com/2025/12/new-...
* a couple of these came out last December, but who's counting?
tokyodross.blogspot.com/2025/12/new-...
* a couple of these came out last December, but who's counting?
Getting to see both PJ Harvey and Beth Gibbons live this year has made my inner 15-year-old very happy indeed.
December 1, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Getting to see both PJ Harvey and Beth Gibbons live this year has made my inner 15-year-old very happy indeed.
Still updating the listings, but this month's gig calendar is absolutely stacked: Beth Gibbons, Arnold Dreyblatt, Tomeka Reid Quartet, Rhodri Davies, Congo Natty, Special Request, Jo Johnson, Geinoh Yamashirogumi... tokyodross.blogspot.com
Tokyo Dross
Tokyo live music and club events – a curated list of the best underground gigs in Tokyo. Indie, electronic, jazz, experimental, etc.
tokyodross.blogspot.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Still updating the listings, but this month's gig calendar is absolutely stacked: Beth Gibbons, Arnold Dreyblatt, Tomeka Reid Quartet, Rhodri Davies, Congo Natty, Special Request, Jo Johnson, Geinoh Yamashirogumi... tokyodross.blogspot.com
SATO AND SATO (佐藤さんと佐藤さん): Chihiro Amano's follow-up to MRS. NOISY is a more sophisticated film that also captures how apartment living can turn into an emotional pressure cooker. Here's my review. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
‘Sato and Sato’: Unraveling marriage story feels universal
Chihiro Amano’s film about a couple with Japan’s most common surname shows how even small cracks can split a relationship wide open.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 28, 2025 at 3:33 AM
SATO AND SATO (佐藤さんと佐藤さん): Chihiro Amano's follow-up to MRS. NOISY is a more sophisticated film that also captures how apartment living can turn into an emotional pressure cooker. Here's my review. www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
Five years ago, I started taking photos of things people had dropped on the hiking trail. I’ll be showing them at Gallery Rustico in Koenji this week, as part of a group show organised by @mattschley.com. Open 6-11pm. Stop by if you’re in the area.
November 26, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Five years ago, I started taking photos of things people had dropped on the hiking trail. I’ll be showing them at Gallery Rustico in Koenji this week, as part of a group show organised by @mattschley.com. Open 6-11pm. Stop by if you’re in the area.
These were a very unexpected find at Disk Union today.
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM
These were a very unexpected find at Disk Union today.
Mark wasn't wrong about this one. If you're in the mood for some Yamada (and I definitely was today), TOKYO TAXI is a real charmer.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
‘Tokyo Taxi’: A simple fare becomes a voyage through time
With heart and humor, veteran director Yoji Yamada’s 91st film may be his most moving yet.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Mark wasn't wrong about this one. If you're in the mood for some Yamada (and I definitely was today), TOKYO TAXI is a real charmer.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
The funny thing about the Panorama Trump edit is that there are surely few politicians who've benefitted more from being edited.
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
The funny thing about the Panorama Trump edit is that there are surely few politicians who've benefitted more from being edited.
Reposted by James Hadfield
R.I.P. Nakadai Tatsuya, one of the giant figures in history of Japanese cinema news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6558551
俳優・仲代達矢さん死去 92歳 - Yahoo!ニュース
映画「人間の条件」や黒沢明監督の「影武者」などに主演し、主宰する「無名塾」で後進を育てた俳優で文化勲章受章者の仲代達矢（なかだい・たつや、本名元久＝もとひさ）さんが死去したことが11日、分かった。9
news.yahoo.co.jp
November 11, 2025 at 2:42 AM
R.I.P. Nakadai Tatsuya, one of the giant figures in history of Japanese cinema news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6558551
So psyched for Season 5 of Stranger Things.
November 9, 2025 at 8:49 AM
So psyched for Season 5 of Stranger Things.
I spoke to Paul Schrader and Alan Poul about the Japan premiere of MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS for the JT. There will be additional screenings of the film in Tokyo this weekend, tickets for which go on sale at noon today.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
A 40-year wait for ‘Mishima’ ends at TIFF
Paul Schrader’s 1985 biopic of the radical author Yukio Mishima finds its Japanese audience at last.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 7, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I spoke to Paul Schrader and Alan Poul about the Japan premiere of MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS for the JT. There will be additional screenings of the film in Tokyo this weekend, tickets for which go on sale at noon today.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
I thought Oudai Kojima’s FLAMES OF A FLOWER (火の華) was flawed but interesting the first time I saw it. Fortunately I had to wait nearly a year to review it, because I liked it more the second time around.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
‘Flames of a Flower’: A bold interrogation of Japan’s pacifist identity
Oudai Kojima’s PTSD drama turned politically charged thriller takes aim at Japan’s postwar contradictions.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 1, 2025 at 12:40 AM
I thought Oudai Kojima’s FLAMES OF A FLOWER (火の華) was flawed but interesting the first time I saw it. Fortunately I had to wait nearly a year to review it, because I liked it more the second time around.
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
I’m not going to be able to watch as much as I would’ve liked at Tokyo International Film Festival this year, but here are some disjointed thoughts on what I’ve seen so far…
October 31, 2025 at 7:13 AM
I’m not going to be able to watch as much as I would’ve liked at Tokyo International Film Festival this year, but here are some disjointed thoughts on what I’ve seen so far…
I had a blast watching Toshiaki Toyoda’s TRANSCENDING DIMENSIONS (次元を越える), which opens in Japan tomorrow. Here's my review: www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
‘Transcending Dimensions’: A wild trip to enlightenment
Toshiaki Toyoda’s latest feature is a spiritual odyssey with punk energy and cosmic chaos.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 16, 2025 at 11:32 AM
I had a blast watching Toshiaki Toyoda’s TRANSCENDING DIMENSIONS (次元を越える), which opens in Japan tomorrow. Here's my review: www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...