Ambitious Japan!

The above words were seen written all over Tokaido Shinkansen trains in 2004. No, doubt they were to celebrate the service's 40th anniversary, but I wondered who would think of such a phrase? I viewed these words as being an enormous understatement, after all, who was the 20th Century's, post-war economic miracle before the buburu burst in the late 80's?. Or was Japan suffering from a local version of 'Cultural Cringe' and needed to be convinced to of their strong economic performance (despite 14 years of recession)? It sounds like the work of comedian and film maker extraordinaire, Takeshi Kitano to me.

Not a man who fills his films with trains (let me know if I'm wrong), Kitano has produced some stellar works including 'Dolls', 'Kikujiro', and, my most recent favourite, 'Zatoichi'. Capable of a range of moods from the super-soppy to the hard-as-nails brutal, Takeshi Kitano always keeps his viewers wanting more. I'm sure there are many films of his I have missed, but I always try to catch them when I can. One of the few filmmakers capable at poking fun at his own country, I recommend strongly you treat yourself to a Kitano film. You'll enjoy it.