Digital Channel 677 (For Updated Information, Call 538-1966)
PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
“Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi (True Tales of Terror),” premieres on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7:35 p.m.
“Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi” is an omnibus drama based on real spiritual and supernatural experiences. Known as “HonKowa” in Japan, these realistic reproductions will send a chill down your spine. If you feel something behind you when you’re alone at night, don’t turn around . . . or you might be next! Fully subtitled in English.
“Beppin-san,” premieres on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:15 p.m.
The 95th drama serial is about Sumire, a girl born in the uptown of Kobe in the early Showa period. During World War II, Sumire gets married and becomes pregnant, but her husband is sent off to war. She gives birth to her first daughter. Right before the end of war, the city of Kobe is attacked. Due to the attack, Sumire loses property. While waiting for her husband to return, she works hard toward making children’s clothes for a living, and later establishes a first-ever children’s goods store in Japan. Fully subtitled in English.
“Futsu ga Ichiban (Simple is Best),” Friday, Dec. 9 and 16, at 7:35 p.m.
With dreams of becoming a Naoki Prize-winning author, Tomeji Kosuge is a widower who ekes out a living as a reporter for a trade newspaper. He lives with his young daughter, Noriko, and his mother, Takie. Based on the true story of writer, Shuhei Fujisawa, “Simple is Best” traces the life of protagonist, Fujisawa, up until his winning of the Naoki Prize in 1973 as seen through the eyes of his beloved daughter, Noriko. A moving and poignant depiction about a man’s abiding love for family and passionate pursuit of a dream. Fully subtitled in English.
“Akamedaka (The Way of the Comic Storyteller),” Sundays, Dec. 18 and 25, at 7:15 p.m.
One of the hottest selling tickets in town is to see the hugely popular “rakugoka,”or comic storyteller, Danshun. Danshun himself was inspired as a little boy to become a rakugoka after seeing the legendary Danshi. He had found his calling. After his resistant parents relented to their son’s pleas, Danshun at age 17 became an apprentice of Danshi, the man dubbed a “wunderkind” and “genius” of the rakugo world. He soon realized however how hard the training was, and embarked upon a rigorous existence in which he had to deliver newspapers to earn a living. Living with hardship and joys, Danshun and his fellow apprentices would eventually rise in the rakugo world. 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
Dec. 2: “Okinawa Junen Senso (The Okinawa War of Ten Years),” 1978 drama, 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Directed by Akinori Matsuo. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Shinichi Chiba.
After World War II, when Okinawa was under control of the United States, the local yakuza prospered. But when Okinawa is returned to Japan, the mainland yakuza tries to take over; the local yakuza tries to compete. Now sides are drawn among the local yakuza guys who used to be best friends since their childhood, and brother fights brother. It results in the biggest yakuza war in Okinawa.
(MOVIE OF THE MONTH)
Dec. 3: “Jake Shimabukuro: 4-gen ni Kakeru Jinsei (Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings),” 2012 drama, 55 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Nakamura. Starring Jake Shimabukuro.
“Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings” goes behind the amazing performances to tell the story of the charming musician who has captivated the world with his music. The rise of Hawai‘i’s ‘ukulele virtuoso from bedroom practice sessions to worldwide acclaim is documented. Jake’s passion for the ukulele helped him cope with his parents’ divorce. His musical skill, relentless touring, effortless charisma, and a little help from YouTube are key elements to his transition to the world stage with an instrument revered in Hawai‘i, but formerly relegated to novelty acts worldwide. As Jake tours you will witness his development as a man and musician trying to stay humble while dealing with the unique success of being a ‘ukulele master. Subtitled in Japanese.
MOVIE SYNOPSIS (in alphabetical order)
“Bakuto Kaisanshiki (Gambler’s Farewell),” 1968 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes. Directed by Fukasaku Kinji. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Tetsuro Tanba.
The story of men devoted to the yakuza lifestyle and their struggles during a time of fading yakuza power.
“Daidatsugoku (Great Jail Break),” 1975 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Teruo Ishii. Starring Ken Takakura and Nana Kinomi.
Prison escapee Shoichiro is blamed for a murder he did not commit, and is forced to continue his solitary journey for freedom.
“Edokko Hangan to Furisode Kozo (The Edo Official and Apprentice),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Hibari Misora.
Famous magistrate in disguise, Kinshiro confronts female thief Oen.
“Fukuzawa Yukichi (The Passage to Japan),” 1991 history/drama, 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Directed by Shinichiro Sawai. Starring Kyohei Shibata, Toru Nakamura and Yoko Minamino.
A portrayal of the extraordinary life of Yukichi Fukuzawa, founder of Keio University and a great visionary of his time.
