Kaori Shoji - The Japan Times

May 16, 2024

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Kaori Shoji

Kaori Shoji writes about movies and movie-makers for the Film Page, plus takes a turn at the Bilingual Column. Biggest mistake of her career: taking the very dignified Nagisa Oshima to McDonald's for an iced coffee.

For Kaori Shoji's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

May 24, 2002

Japanese women staying in touch with their inner virgin

What with the rise of the strong and professional Japanese woman, it may have escaped your notice. But the nation is currently undergoing a quiet boom in otome (innocent young girl) culture, to which a large number of aforementioned strong professionals are addicted.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

May 3, 2002

Just your average, run-of-the-mill salaryman sings the blues

So let me introduce myself. I'm your futsu (run-of-the-mill), heikin (average) salaryman, nothing special. What's wrong with that? I can remember a time when this particular jiko-shokai (self-introduction) at company functions and karaoke parties was perfectly acceptable -- even welcomed.

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Apr 5, 2002

Oh, to die under a cherry-blossom tree in spring

It's over for Tokyo, that brief period in spring known as hanami no kisetsu (the season to sit under a cherry-blossom tree and eat and drink oneself into oblivion).

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Mar 8, 2002

Gutsy manga classic that pulls no punches

Konjo-nashi (gutless) is a word often used to describe today's Japanese youth. But the people using it are frankly wakkachyainai (clueless). The truth is, young people love konjo (guts). They want it, they admire it. They'd ooze konjo from every pore -- if they could. And to prove it, an increasing number of them are reading "Ashita no Jo (Jo of Tomorrow)."

LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL

Feb 15, 2002

Pilgrims taking the long and winding road to ramen heaven

One mind-boggling feature of Japan's media is its sheer, singleminded dedication to and passionate obsession with food. This especially applies to the genre known as menrui (noodles). From somen and soba to Vietnamese pho and supa (spaghetti), the Japanese have always had an inordinate love for nagai mono (long stuff), not least because it connotes longevity and prosperity. Long live the long stuff.

CULTURE / Film

Dec 26, 2001

When men were men -- and spies were spies

Spy Game Rating: * * * 1/2 Director: Tony Scott Running time: 128 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Dec 19, 2001

Fun and family bonding

Spy KidsRating: * * * 1/2 Director: Robert Rodriguez Running time: 88 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Dec 12, 2001

Paths to survival in our century of sorrow

The Man Who Cried Rating: * * * * Director: Sally Potter Running time: 97 minutes Language: English Opens Dec. 15 at Shibuya Le Cinema and other theaters

CULTURE / Film

Dec 5, 2001

Wrong side of the tracks

The Yards Rating: * * * * Japanese title: Uragirimono Director: James Gray Running time: 115 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Nov 28, 2001

Refuge in the little shop of solace

Sekai no Owari to Iuano Zakkaten Rating: * * * Director: Kiseki Hamada Running time: 94 minutes Language: Japanese Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Nov 28, 2001

Some like it chemical

Original Sin Rating: * * * Japanese title: Poison Director: Michael Cristofer Running time: 116 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Nov 21, 2001

Oh Father, forgive us our cinematic trespasses

Bless the Child Rating: * * 1/2 Director: Chuck Russell Running time: 107 minutes Language: English Opens Dec. 1 at the Shibuya Tokyu 3 Theater

CULTURE / Film

Nov 14, 2001

See how happy we are?

The Anniversary Party Rating: * * * * Director: Jennifer Jason Leigh / Alan Cumming Running time: 115 minutes Language: English Opens Nov.23 at Chanter Cine Theater

CULTURE / Film

Oct 31, 2001

Like we didn't know already?

Someone Like You Rating: * * Director: Tony Goldwyn Running time: 97 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Oct 24, 2001

Escape to Allen's New York

Small Time Crooks Rating: * * * * Director: Woody Allen Running time: 95 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Oct 17, 2001

Uhfmm . . . wham, bam, thank you, ma'am

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Rating: * * 1/2 Director: Simon West Running time: 100 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Oct 10, 2001

There's more than one way to kill a vampire

Dracula 2000 Rating: * * Japanese title: Draculea Director: Patrick Lussier Running time: 99 minutes Language: English Showing at Marunouchi Piccadilly 2 and others

CULTURE / Film

Oct 3, 2001

Just who's ripping off who, here?

Score Rating: * * Director: Frank Oz Running time: 125 minutes Language: English Now showing

CULTURE / Film

Sep 26, 2001

Living on songs and a prayer

Duets Rating: * * * Director: Bruce Paltrow Running time: 112 minutes Language: English Now showing

COMMUNITY

Sep 23, 2001

The city within

There are three things that stir the heart of every true Tokyoite: sento (public baths), mazelike roji (alleys) and matsuri (festivals). Over the last couple of decades, all three have been gradually fading from the city scene, though there are still pockets in the megalopolis where they can be found in traditional harmony.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.

How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan

By Mai Yoshikawa

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Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

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