Shotaro Kobayashi

Film / Reviews May 15, 2019

'Only The Cat Knows': The dying days of a 50-year marriage

by Mark Schilling

The husband who gets home late and says nothing to his wife but "furo" ("bath"), "meshi" ("food") and "neru" ("sleep") is a cliche about Japanese married life that is often not far from the truth. The macho ideal has traditionally been the quiet type ...

Film / Reviews Jan 18, 2017

'Hamon: Yakuza Boogie': Dancing around the gangster issue

by Mark Schilling

Over the years, acquaintances of mine have boasted of their brushes with local gangsters. But few, I would wager, have become pals with one. Yakuza and katagi (straight citizens) tend to move in separate circles, with the former often viewing the latter as sheep ...