ryuganji: film news from japan

How’s this for some bullshit? As Aceface just announced in the comments section of this post, the three Tokyo cinemas and single Osaka theatre that decided to go ahead with plans to screen Li Ying’s “Yasukuni” documentary from April 12th despite Shinjuku’s Wald9 wussing out have now caved in to what appears to be political pressure, leaving the film currently without a single screen to play on. Naming names, that’s Cine Pathos in Ginza, Cinemart Roppongi, Q-AX Cinema in Shibuya and Cinemart Shinsaibashi in Osaka. Humax Cinemas, who manage Cine Pathos, gave a similar excuse as Wald9’s handlers in attributing possible disturbances to neighbouring commercial establishments for their decision. This Iza article anonymously quotes someone connected with the film as saying that some “political organisations” have been working to prevent it from screening after certain MPs demanded a preview screening. Let’s hope some cinema owner with cojones steps up and gives the finger to these ideological bullies.

Update: Cinema Today reports that distributor Argo Pictures has been forced to cancel the film’s scheduled opening date of April 12th. A spokesperson announced “It is extremely regrettable that we find ourselves in this kind of situation, and sense that freedom of speech and freedom of expression in Japanese society is endangered.” Argo will try to find new screening venues, but none have been found as yet.

Update: The Asahi adds a claim by Humax Cinemas that right-wing sound trucks held a demo near Cine Pathos on March 20th. Subsequently, on the 27th Humax told Argos Pictures of their change of heart about screening the film.

Update: Kyodo’s coverage as featured in the Japan Times.

Update: Reaction from Japanese bloggers, as collated by Global Voices Online.

Update: Mark Schilling covers the story for Variety.