The Man Who Went Beyond Manga: Fujio Akatsuka 2016

The late Fujio Akatsuka is revered by many Japanese artists and scholars for his developments to early comedy manga, but his contributions aren't just limited to the world of print media. Featuring commentary from family, friends, colleagues, and celebrity fans, Fujio Akatsuka's story is told with archival footage and animation, showcasing the life of the man who went beyond manga.

Artist of Fasting 2016

A wordless man stages an unexplained hunger strike and the people surrounding him exploit his silence to further their own cause...

Where Has Misawa Chiren Gone? 2011

Documentary on author, dissident and right-wing terrorist Misawa Chiren.

Arakinema KaoRi Iro Injo 2006

Arakinema KaoRi Iro Injo by Nobuyoshi Araki. A labyrinth of overlapping colors. KaoRi and Araki's dance.

Arakimentari 2004

A look at the life and work of Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki and his impact on Japanese culture.

Tokyo Noise 2002

Tokyo. A metropolis filled with sound, movement and culture. Through interviews with some of Tokyo's inhabitants, such as world-renowned photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, game designer Shono, musician Mayuko Hino and others.

Chicken Heart 2002

Former boxer Iwano, teamed up with Sada and Maru, who live in the same apartment building, makes his daily living as a punching bag for drunken businessmen in some corner of the amusement quarters. The three have continuously avoided putting themselves in a situation that could tie them down, especially Iwano, who is totally clueless about what he wants to do with his life. One day, they receive notice that their apartment building will be torn down. As a compensation for the eviction, their remaining rent is considered as settled. Having lost their place to live, the three each try to find their way.

Misuzu 2001

Tells the life story of Teru Kaneko, who was born and raised in a small coastal town. While working as a clerk in a book shop, Teru starts writing her own verses to get away from the worries of a disgraceful marriage. Under the pseudonym Misuzu, her works arrive to an important editor in Tokyo.

Utsushimi 2000

This faux-documentary follows a butoh master, a fashion designer, and a filmmaker racing against time to create art and help a young girl in love.

Tokyo Fair Weather 1997

This is a biographical film about the late Yoko Araki, who was the wife of Japan's leading photographer, Nobuyoshi Araki.

Ishoku Manga-shi 33-nen no Kiseki ~ Garo no Jidai o Yomu 1997

A documentary exploring the history and influence of the alternative manga magazine, Garo, with various artist and director interviews.

A Floating World 1995

A controversial documentary made for the 1995's edition of the "Rencontres d'Arles", focusing on the japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki.

A New Love in Tokyo 1994

A look a the lives of two sex workers in Tokyo: Rei, who works as an S&M dominatrix, and Ayumi, in the more straightforward profession of call girl. In addition to their working life, the film also looks at their private lives. Rei is acting in an amateur theatre company along with the receptionist from Ayumi's escort service, while Ayumi is living with her student-boyfriend as he struggles to finally get accepted to college.

Yumeji 1991

Following the life of Japanese artist and poet Yumeji Takehisa through the imagining of an encounter with a beautiful widow with a dark past.

12 millions de Tokyo 1987

High School Girl's Diary 1981

A high school girl is recruited by a photographer to be a model for a photo book. Thinking that she can make lots of money she agrees. He starts innocently enough but slowly convinces her to pose for more explicit shots.

Zigeunerweisen 1980

A surreal period film following a university professor and his eerie nomad friend as they go through loose romantic triangles and face death in peculiar ways.