PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
“Ikkyu-san/Ikkyu-san 2,” premieres on Monday, June 6, at 7:35 p.m.
The mischievous adventures of the historical Zen monk Ikkyu as a child are featured in this live-action drama special. Staying at the Ankoku Temple, clever and witty Ikkyu often relies in his wisdom in order to solve the many problems he encounters. From being a playmate for the shogun’s young nephew to helping Shinemon with a sudden matchmaking, Ikkyu’s mischievous adventures continue! Fully subtitled in English.
“Mentai Wide,” premieres on Monday, June 6, at 8:30 p.m.
Follow along as the “Ikinari Shokudo” team drop in unexpectedly to the best places to eat around Fukuoka in the popular FBS infotainment show, “Mentai Wide.” Watch as the intrepid reporters, armed with only their taxi driver’s recommendation, try to get permission to film inside restaurants and present Fukuoka’s tastiest cheap eats. Fully subtitled in English.
“Toto Nee-Chan,” premieres on Friday, June 10, at 7:15 p.m.
The 94th drama serial is about a girl Tsuneko who struggles to protect her mother and two sisters, following her deceased father’s lesson of: “How precious a normal life is.”
It is 1930. Inquisitive and energetic Tsuneko is the eldest of three daughters and the family lives in harmony. When Tsuneko is 11 years old, her father Takezo dies of tuberculosis, and her life drastically changes. She becomes ‘Toto Nee-chan,’ a paternal figure to her mother Kimiko and two younger sisters. Watching how women around her have not been able to live freely because they are female, Tsuneko wants a job that allows her “to be there for women’s lives.” Right after the war, she launches a lifestyle magazine created for the sake of females. The magazine becomes a must-read book for every woman living through the high economic growth period. Fully subtitled in English.
“Jishaku Otoko 2015,” air Fridays, June 17 and 24, at 7:35 p.m.
“Jishaku Otoko” is back. One look is all it takes for Sosuke to know a person’s lifestyle, personality, upbringing, and job. With this superhuman talent, he finds the perfect match. Because he brings people together, he is known as “Jishaku Otoko” (Mr. Love Chemistry). What does it mean to “love” and “be in a relationship?” Is there a shortcut to “happiness? “Jishaku Otoko,” who is considered to be the god of marriage, and four women in their 20s to 60s come together to share their views on love and marriage while searching for answers to these questions in this heartwarming and funny love comedy. Fully subtitled in English.
NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. “Movie of the Month” premieres on the first Saturday. 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
June 3: “Kenka Karate Kyokushinken (Champion of Death),”
1975 action film, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi. Starring Sonny Chiba and Yumi Takigawa.
Based on the true-life story of Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin karate in Japan. Mas is a martial arts champion who wants to leave the competitive world for a quieter life. But after he becomes involved in the death of an underworld figure, he finds himself on the run from thugs determined to take revenge against him.
June 10: “Jingi Naki Tatakai Chojo Sakusen (Operation Summit),” 1974 action film, 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Tatsuo
Umemiya.
The war for power among the yakuza families of Hiroshima escalates despite police pressure. It’s 1964, and with the Tokyo Olympics turning the eyes of the world to Japan, lawmen have set out to keep the Yakuza out of sight. While dozens of low-level mobsters are thrown into jail, crime lord Takeda tries to keep a lid on things. But when a low-level guy kills a high-ranking Yakuza figure in a moment of anger, an explosion seems imminent.
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
June 4: “Chiisai Ouchi (The Little House),” 2014 drama, 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Directed by Yoji Yamada. Starring Takako Matsu and Haru Kuroki.
In 1922, a young woman named Taki arrives as a maid to work for the family who resides in a small western-style house. The Hirai family consists of a toy company executive Masaki, his beautiful wife Tokiko, and their 5-year-old son Ryoichi. One day a young co-worker named Shoji visits Masaki. Over time, Taki quietly observes as a fleeting love affair develops between Shoji and Tokiko. Sixty years later, her version of events is finally revealed.
MOVIE SYNOPSIS (in alphabetical order)
“Ako Roshi (The Ako Retainers),” 1961 samurai film, 2 hours and 31 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Hashizo Okawa, Kinnosuke Nakamura, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Kotaro Satomi, Ryutaro Otomo and Utaemon Ichikawa.
Toei’s 10th anniversary film, featuring an all-star cast from the golden movie era of the 1960s. A famous story of the 47 loyal samurai. When Lord Asano is unjustly executed, his loyal retainers strike back for revenge.
“Aoi no Abarenbo (Fine Man),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Daisuke Yamazaki. Starring Kinya Kitaoji and Midori Isomura.
A young son of a master of the Kuwana clan gets disowned for his rebellious behavior. After he goes from the mountains to the ocean defeating the evil, he becomes a fine man.
“Bakuto Gaijin Butai (Foreign Gambling Corps),” 1971 action film,
1 hour and 33 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Hideo Murota.
A gangster gets driven out of Yokohama by a big gang from Tokyo and carves out a new niche in Okinawa.
“Bakuto Ikka (House of Gamblers),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 56
minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Ken Takakura and Junko Fuji.
Two prominent families battle a fierce turf war in the midst of a gambling ban during the Meiji Era.
“Bakuto Tai Tekiya (Gamblers and Racketeers),” 1964 action film,
1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Hiroki Matsukata.
A gambler gets caught up in a conflict between street racketeers.
“Benikujaku Dai-sanpen Tsuki no Hakkotsujo (Crimson Peacock, Part 3),” 1955 film, 53 minutes.
Directed by Ryo Hagiwara. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and
Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Adventures revolving the key to the treasure of Crimson Peacock continue. Bewitched by the ally of evil Ikkaku, Kumi pursues Kojiro to take his life.
Benikujaku Da-yonhen Kenmou Ukinemaru (Crimson Peacock,
Part 4),” 1955 jidaigeki, 53 minutes.
Directed by Ryo Hagiwara. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and
Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Exciting adventures for the quest of the Crimson Peacock treasures continue. Ukinemaru’s mystical flute saves Kojiro and Kazekozo from the evil magic of Ikkau.
“Bodo Shimane Keimusho (A Shimane Prison Riot),” 1975 action film, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Kunie Tanaka.
In 1948, a man incites prisoners of Shimane Prison to the biggest riot in jail history.
“Dump Wataridori (The Dump Truck Rascal),” 1981 drama, 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Directed by Ikuo Sekimoto. Starring Toshio Kurosawa and Tatsuo
Umemiya.
Depicting the turbulent life of truck driver Takashi, his fellow drivers, and the women he meets.
“Gincho Nagaremono Mesuneko Bakuchi (Red Cherry),” 1972 action film, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Masukazu Izuka. Starring Mieko Kaji and Shinichi Chiba.
Nami returns to Tokyo to find Hoshiden, the man who killed her father 13 years ago. Seeking revenge, Nami is now on the hunt. She once again becomes a hostess at a Ginza club, while searching every alley and gambling spot for Hoshiden, with the help of Ryuji.
“Gokudo Kamagasaki ni Kaeru (A Yakuza Goes Home),” 1970 action film, 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Tomisaburo Wakayama and Shingo Yamashiro.
A yakuza returns to his hometown and takes on another gang.
“Gokudo no Onnatachi Kejime (Yakuza Ladies: Decision),”
1998 action film, 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Shima Iwashita and Rino Katase.
Kasuga’s husband gets arrested for a murder of his beloved protégé. She and her family investigate and find out he was trapped by greedy
Nagoshi, the boss of their rival yakuza family. She has to make a decision to revenge Nagoshi.
“Hanafubuki Tekka Matoi (Glorious Standard Bearer),” 1957 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Hitomi
Nakahara.
A fireman exposes the corrupt activities of merchants.
“Hiroshima Jingi Hitojichi Dakkai Sakusen (The Yakuza Code Still Lives),” 1976 action film, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yuji Makiguchi. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Akira
Kobayashi.
A yakuza tries to prey on companies for funds.
“Ishin no Kagaribi (Restoration Fire),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
The story of Shinsengumi and one of its deputy leaders Hijikata Toshizo.
“Kenka Taiheiki (Epic Crash),” 1958 film, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Kotaro Satomi.
A justice-seeking samurai fights BAKUFU (government) soldiers.
“Kuruwa Sodachi (Raised in a Palace),” 1964 drama, 1 hour and 46 minutes.
Directed by Junya Sato. Starring Yoshiko Mita and Tatsuo Umemiya.
A young girl trains to become a geisha — hoping to become an entertainer, not a prostitute. However, she was forced to become a mistress and then goes to prison for a murder she didn’t commit.
“Mori no Ishimatsu Oni Yori Kowai (Scarier Than the Devil),” 1960 drama, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Koji Tsuruta.
A stage director who directs a “Mori no Ishimatsu” play time travels and becomes “Mori no Ishimatsu” himself.
“Onsen Osana Geisha (Three Little Geisha),” 1973 drama, 1 hour and 11 minutes.
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori. Starring Setsuko Tanabe and Rumiko Sawa.
A young girl works as a geisha to earn money for travel.
“Ooshobu (Grand Contest),” 1965 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 32 minutes
Directed by Umetsugu Inoue. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Hashizo Okawa.
The story of a vagabond, master less samurai and magistrate, who form an unusual friendship.
“Sannin no Bakuto (Three Gamblers),” 1967 drama, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Kyosuke
Machida.
Gambling duo Naojiro and Kansuke endure hardships to rescue
Naojiro’s family.
“Setouchi Kaizoku Monogatari (Samurai Pirates),” 2014 drama, 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Directed by Kenichi Omori. Starring Kyoka Shibata and Masaki Izawa.
The beautiful Seto Inland Sea is home to the legendary treasure of the samurai pirates, undiscovered for 400 years. When a modern dispute threatens her community, Kaede, an enterprising 12-year-old, leads three classmates on a perilous voyage to a secret island, to expose the legacy of Takeyoshi Murakami, her ancestor and the hero of the samurai pirates. But is the legend real?
“Shasou (Company Executive),” 1989 drama, 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Directed by Toshio Masuda. Starring Ken Ogata and Yukiyo Toake.
A fierce succession battle ignites at a newspaper company when the president passes away.
“Shirayukihime Satsujin Jiken (The Snow White Murder Case),”
2014 drama, 2 hours and 6 minutes.
Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura. Starring Mao Inoue and Go Ayano.
A beautiful cosmetics company worker named Noriko was brutally murdered and found burnt to a crisp in the woods of a national park. Soon, a tabloid television program is broadcast featuring interviews with various people including co-workers, family members and former classmates. Rumors pointing Miki, her meek, unassuming and “plain” co-worker, as the prime suspect begin to multiply and spread at a staggering rate thanks to the intense media attention and the rapid sharing of information and gossip on the internet.
“Shokei Yugi (Execution Play),” 1979 action film, 1 hour and 40
minutes.
Directed by Toru Murakawa. Starring Yusaku Matsuda and Lily.
Shohei Narumi, a deadly freelance assassin, gets set up by a mysterious woman. Abducted and tortured, Narumi is forced to take on a difficult job. The target is a veteran killer who is as good as him.
“Tenchi Meisatsu (Tenchi the Samurai Astronomer),” 2012 jidaigeki drama, 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Directed by Yojiro Takita. Starring Junichi Okada and Aoi Miyazaki.
In the early 17th century, Santetsu Yasui was a successful Go player who often performed demonstrations for the Shogun. In addition to mastering Go, Santetsu was also versatile in the arts of mathematics, surveying, and astronomy. With his knowledge for all three subjects, he was ordered by his clan chief to observe the North Star from vantage points throughout
Japan for an accurate survey. During his travels he began to realize that the calendar Japan had used for centuries was fundamentally flawed. When Yasui returned, he began shouldering the monumental task of identifying and correcting those errors. But undertaking such a task was considered a direct threat to the Imperial authorities administering the calendar.
