SEPTEMBER NEW PROGRAMS
“Mystery Hour – Iryu Sosa SP,” premieres on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7:35 p.m.
“Why did the victim have to die? — We can hear the last voices of the victims in the items they leave behind.
Detective Satoshi Itomura pays a great deal of attention to the things that the victims always carried with them or treasured. He focuses on these things because they usually carry the victims’ last message. Fully subtitled in English.
“Kokoro ga Pokitto ne,” premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at
7:35 p.m.
Set in Tokyo, the story follows Kojima Haruta, a 40-year-old man who hits the rock bottom as he fell mentally ill which led him to lose his job, family, and even a place to live. After a certain turn of events, Haruta encounters Shin Otake, the owner of an antique furniture shop who takes Haruta in and hires him as a furniture repairman. Touched by such kindness, Haruta promised himself to try to put his life back together. However, things suddenly start to change as Haruta encounters Miyako, a 26-year-old woman who has a tendency to become overly dependent and extremely obsessed with a man she falls in love with. Fully subtitled in English.
“Choshichiro Edo Nikki,” premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at
8:30 p.m.
Choshichiro Nagayori Matsudaira is the son of Tadanaga Tokugawa, which makes him a nephew of the Shogun. Tadanaga died as a result of an alleged plot to overthrow his elder brother, the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Because of Choshichiro’s complicated background, he lives among the commoners in the shogunal capital city of Edo, punishing the evil when he sees wrongdoings and injustice. Fully subtitled in English.
“Kurobe no Taiyo,” premieres on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:35 p.m.
Based on a true story. Hitoshi Kuramatsu is a manager–foreman for Kumagai Construction. In order to solve an acute energy shortage in the Kansai region, Kansai Electric Power decided to build a massive hydroelectric dam on the upper Kurobe River in 1956. Hitoshi and Kunpei Takiyama, the assistant manager of Kansai Electric’s Kuroyon Building Office, are the two greatest contributors to the completion of Omachi tunnel, the most challenging undertaking in the journey to finish the Kurobe Dam. However, some including Hitoshi believe the drilling of a huge tunnel may not be possible. Fully subtitled in English.
Risk no Kamisama (The God of Risk), premieres on Monday, Sept. 21, at 7:35 p.m.
“The God of Risk” is a sensational social entertainment drama that revolves around Satoshi Saigyoji, a legendary expert in the field of crisis management who is known as “The God of Risk.” Satoshi worked in crisis management for General Electric and for the Japanese government. Trusting in Satoshi’s exceptional skills and professional talent, Sunrise, one of the largest general trading company, hires him to deal with the company’s numerous problems and scandals.
Meanwhile, Kaori, an intelligent, career-oriented woman, has been working for Sunrise for 10 years after graduating from Tokyo University. Despite her young age, Kaori earns an executive position of the new product development department. However, she soon faces a crisis: a recall on a next generation battery product. Now Satoshi and Kaori must work together. Fully subtitled in English.
NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. Movies are shown at various times. Check your digital on-screen guide for movie schedules, using either the GUIDE or INFO buttons (up to one week ahead). Or call NGN, Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 538-1966 for inquiries or to request an e-mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in Japanese language with full English subtitles.
PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH
Sept. 4: “Iga no Kabamaru (Kabamaru the Ninja Boy),” 1983 action film,
1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Noribumi Suzuki. Starring Hikaru Kurosaki and Hiroyuki Sanada.
Kabamaru is a young boy raised and trained by his grandfather as a ninja. After the sudden death of his grandfather, he starts living with Mai, his grandfather’s mistress, who is a school director. He is asked to help out on struggles against other schools, as he is master of the ninja mystical arts. As time passes he will make lots of friends as well as enemies, and fall in love with Mai.
Sept. 11: “Satsujin Yuugi (The Killing Game),” 1978 action film, 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Directed by Toru Murakawa. Starring Yusaku Matsuda and Yutaka Nakajima.
The second film of “Yuugi (Game)” trilogy. Shohei the killer comes back to
Tokyo after a five-year absence.
Sept. 18: “Chokugeki Jigokuken Daigyakuten (Karate Inferno),” 1974 action film, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Teruo Ishii. Starring Shinichi Chiba and Ryo Ikebe.
A former police captain recruits a group of deadly murderers to remove the corrupt and mafia Yakuza. Their first task is to intercept a briefcase from a band that trafficked drugs.
Sept. 25: “Gokudo Tosei no Suteki na Menmen (Those Swell Yakuza),” 1988 action film, 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Takanori Jinnai and Yumi Aso.
Ryo, a young former banker, gets beaten up over a debt from gambling. A yakuza boss saves him, and Ryo decides to train to become a yakuza under him.
NGN3 MOVIE OF THE MONTH
“Shundo (Bushido),” 2013 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Directed by Yasuo Mikami. Starring Takehiro Hira and Go Wakabayashi.
During the reign of the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, the western part of Japan suffered a severe famine in the year 1732. Three years later, a sword instructor Jyuzo Matsumiya is sent on a mysterious mission by the shogunate, culminating with an epic sword battle in the snow.
NGN3 COMMUNITY FAVORITE
“Shingo Nijuuban Shobu Dai-Nibu (Shingo’s Challenge, Part 2),” 1961 samurai film, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizou Okawa, Satomi Oka and Ryutaro Otomo.
Shingo’s adventure continues as he wanders Japan seeking to further his mastery of the sword.
NGN3 Movies (in alphabetical order)
“Aiyoku (Thirst for Love),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Junya Sato. Starring Yoshiko Sakuma and Yoshiko Mita.
Natsuko, a Tokyo bar proprietress, and Yuki, a Kyoto Ryokan owner, vie for the affections of an advertising professional.
“Daininjutsu Eiga Watari (Watari, the Ninja Boy),” 1966 ninja/action/samurai film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Funadoko. Starring Yoshinobu Kaneko, Ryutaro Otomo, Chiyoko Honma and Fuyukichi Maki.
Historic rivals, the Momochi and Fujibayashi ninja clans are governed by the strict code of the ninja, where disobedience is punishable by death.
A skilled ninja, Watari is befriended by a fellow young ninja, Kazura. Upon learning of Kazura’s sister’s death during a mission for the clan, Watari and Kazura set out to go after those who took her life. However, Watari and Kazura soon find their own lives at risk as they uncover the shocking details of lies and conspiracy among the heads of the Momochi and Fujibayashi clans in their efforts to maintain power and control.
“Fuji ni Tatsu Wakamusha (A Young Warrior in Mt. Fuji),” 1961 jidaigeki,
1 hour and 33 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Hiroko Sakuramachi.
Ten years after the defeat by the Taira Clan, a young warrior Yoritomo resolves to revive his Minamoto Clan.
“Gokuchu no Kaoyaku (Prison Boss),” 1968 action film, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yasuo Huruhata. Starring Ken Takakura and Junko Fuji.
Rival gangs fight over ownership of bicycle racetrack.
“Gokudo no Onnatachi Sandaime Ane (Yakuza Ladies 3),” 1989 drama,
2 hours.
Directed by Yaso Furuhata. Starring Yoshiko Mita and Rino Katase.
Upon the passing of the Sakanishi Clan’s boss, a fierce battle between his wife Hazuki and his disciple Terada breaks out. Will Hazuki be able to assume her husband’s position as the head of the established yakuza clan?
“Gozonji Kaiketsu Kurozukin Maguna no Hitomi (The Black Hooded Man),” 1955 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Directed by Kiyoshi Sasaki. Starring Ryutaro Otomo, Kunio Kaga and Chizuru Kitagawa.
A mysterious black hooded man intervenes when an anti-government group who plots to steal the precious blue diamond called “Manuga no Hitomi.”
“Hibari no Mori no Ishimatsu (Skylark Forest),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hibari Misora, Tomisaburo
Wakayama and Kotaro Satomi.
Japan’s legendary actress Hibari stars as Ishimatsu, a fearless yazuka determined to put a stop to the injustice from the society.
“Higoi Daimyo (Red Carp Lord),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Kinnosuke Fukada. Starring Satomi Kotaro and Wakayama
Tomisaburo.
A handsome samurai wins the heart of a beautiful princess and Daimyo status by solving a mystery surrounding a Koi given to a clan the Shogun.
“Kataku no Hito (House on Fire),” 1986 drama, 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Ken Ogata and Ayumi Ishida.
Adapted from autobiography by Kazuo Dan, the story depicts Dan’s turbulent life that involved his family, his mistresses and his work.
“Kaze to Onna to Tabigarasu (Wind, Woman, and Road),” 1958 jidaigeki,
1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Tai Kato. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Rentaro Mikuni and Satomi Oka.
Despite his attempt to become a law-abiding citizen, troubles follow orphan yakuza Ginji in every situation and force him to face opposition from his village.
“Ken to Mary Ameagari no Yozora ni (Ken and Mary: The Asian Truck
Express),” 2013 drama, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Kenta Fukasaku. Starring Naoto Takenaka and Hu Bing.
A former hardcore rocker in his youth, Ken Katakura has now become a bitter salary man after his wife dies. While traveling to Malaysia with the intention of stopping his daughter’s wedding, Ken’s plans change when the plane is forced to make an emergency landing. Ken is stranded on the opposite side of the island and grudgingly accepts help from “Mary,” a goofy, charismatic Chinese truck driver who has all the right intentions but seems to cause more harm than good.
“Kujaku Hicho (Peacock Secrets),” 1960 jidaigeki, 58 minutes.
Directed by Kokichi Uchide. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Kotaro Satomi and Tomisaburo Wakayama.
An adventure revolving around a family heirloom “Peacock Helmet.”
“Love Story wo Kimi ni (Memories of You),” 1988 drama, 1 hour and 44
minutes.
Directed by Shinichiro Sawai. Starring Toru Nakamura and Kumiko Goto.
With six months to live, young Yumi falls in love with handsome Akira who gives her purpose and the courage to fight against her fatal disease leukemia.
“Meimon! Takonishi Ouendan (The West Tako Cheerleaders),” 1987 comedy-drama, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Izo Hashimoto. Starring Ginji Gaou and Akie Yoshizawa.
A boy seeks manhood in joining his school’s militaristic cheer squad.
“Milocrorze (Milocrorze – A Love Story),” 2012 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yoshimasa Ishibashi. Starring Takayuki Yamada.
A mish-mash of the past and present. Tamon, a childish man meets and falls in love with his ideal woman, only to see her die soon after. His attempt to rediscover his short-lived happiness leads him on an adventure across multiple dimensions, becoming a one-eyed ronin, a sexist love counselor, and a blond-haired foreigner along the way. “Milocrorze – A Love Story” is a head-spinning jumble of zany skits and quasi-philosophical musings, united by the theme of obsessive love.
“Ooinaru Bakushin (Devotion to Railway),” 1960 action film, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Hideo Sekikawa. Starring Katsuo Nakamura and Rentaro Mikuni.
A human drama of crew and passengers on a special express train “Sakura.”
“Ooku ~Eien~ (The Castle of Crossed Destinies),” 2012 jidaigeki-drama,
2 hours and 4 minutes.
Directed by Fuminori Kaneko. Starring Masato Sakai and Miho Kanno.
The Lady Shogun rules the land in the wake of a devastating plague that has drastically reduced the male population during the late 1600s. Gender roles are reversed with political leadership firmly in female hands, now served by prettified and solicitous male concubines to cater to their whims while tasked with siring the next generation of Edo elites. While the Shogun has ostensibly forsaken love to fulfill her role undistracted, 3,000 men compete for her favor and affections. One is determined to stand above the rest to further his own ambitions. Can each stay the course they’ve so carefully adhered to until now, or will real feelings get in the way of political power moves and socially-ascribed destinies?
“Shikingen Goudatsu (Cross the Rubicon!),” 1975 action film, 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Kinya Kitaoji and Hiroki Matsukata
Battles without honor and humanity — after eight years in prison, Takeshi’s mission is a big heist from his own clan’s gambling parlor.
“Shusse Komoriuta (Lullaby for Worldly Success),” 1967 action film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori. Starring Sonny Chiba and Tetsuro Tanba.
Story of the strong bonds between a father and son living in the hills.
“Silk Hat no Ooyabun (The Silk Hat Boss),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 29
minutes.
Directed by Suzuki Noribumi. Starring Tomisaburo Wakayama.
A spin-off movie series of the popular “Hibotan Bakuto,” featuring the yakuza Kumakichi, a man who lived with honor during the Russo-Japanese war period.
“Tsuri Baka Nisshi 6 (Free and Easy 6),” 1993 comedy, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Tomio Kuriyama. Starring Toshiyuki Nishida and Rentaro Mikuni.
The sixth film of the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series. Su-san must give a lecture in far-off Iwate, which serves as another excuse for the company president and Hama-chan to go fishing. Once there, however, Hama-chan is mistaken for the company president and Su-san for his chauffeur! But Su-san is delighted at the mix-up: he gets to go fishing with a beautiful woman working at a local inn.
“Wakazakura Senryo Yari (Young Spears),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 51
minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma and Satomi Oka.
A masterpiece depicting the tumultuous life of a spearman who devotes his life to martial arts.
“Yoidore Musoken (Drunken Sword),” 1962 samurai film, 1 hour and 32
minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa, Kotaro Satomi, Jushiro Konoe and Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Tetsunosuke, an eccentric doctor and an owner of a fencing school, takes aim against corrupt authorities.
“Yureisen Zenpen (Ghost Ship, Part 1),” 1957 samurai film, 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Ryutaro Otomo and Yumiko Hasegawa.
After his father’s ship, the Kannonmaru sinks, Jiromaru decides not to take over his father’s occupation and goes to Kyoto to become a samurai. However Jiromaru quickly realizes that being a samurai is not everything he had hoped it would be. He then hears rumors of the Kannonmaru appearing at various locations and tries to find out about this mysterious ship.
“Zoku Beranme Geisha (The Prickly Mouthed Geisha 2),” 1960 drama, 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Directed by Eiichi Koishi. Starring Hibari Misora and Ken Takakura.
Young geisha Kohana scrambles to realize her dream of bringing back her grandmother’s restaurant business.
