Showtime at Japan Expert Insights
“Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” is an exciting new podcast that brings listeners up close and personal with the leading figures of Japan’s dynamic industries, from technology and business to entertainment and culture. Each episode features live interviews with top Japanese professionals, offering insider perspectives and expert commentary on the latest trends and innovations shaping the nation.
Starting in January 2025, I will host a new podcast series, the entertainment industry-focused version of Japan Expert Insights. Co-host Maya Matsuoka and I will explore the multifaceted world of Japanese entertainment, culture, and industry trends. We feature in-depth discussions with leading experts who offer valuable perspectives on the latest developments and timeless aspects of Japan’s entertainment landscape.
Our podcast aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s entertainment industry, including everything from television and anime to gaming, film, and beyond. The format is conversational, very similar to the current Japan Expert Insights programming, and we aim to keep the discussions engaging, yet informative, allowing our audience to gain deeper knowledge about Japan’s dynamic cultural scene.
Mid-Year Wrap-Up & From Chicago to Osaka
Get ready for a special recap episode of “Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” as we highlight our most renowned guests and dive back into the wonderful and diverse expertise they’ve brought to the show. We’re also taking a deeper dive into something you’ve all been asking about: Michael’s original screenplay, “From Chicago to Osaka.”
Challenges Independent Filmmakers Face In Japan
This week, we have Mayu Nakamura. Her feature “Intimate Stranger” premiered at the 2021 Tokyo International Film Festival, and her documentary “Alone Again in Fukushima” debuted at the 2020 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. Most recently, she received a BAFTA award for her work as a producer on the BBC documentary “Atomic People”.
Stand Up Comedy: From Osaka to Chicago
This week’s guest is Fujiko, a vibrant and rising Japanese comedian based in Chicago who brings laughter, insight, and a unique cross-cultural perspective to the stage. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Fujiko discovered her passion for comedy through her gift for connecting with audiences, delivering joy with her positive energy, sharp wit, and empowering humor.
Making the film Crosspoint
This week, we welcome Donie Ordiales and Sho Ikushima—two dynamic voices in contemporary Japanese cinema. The duo will delve into their latest collaboration, Crosspoint—a gripping 2024 Philippine-Japanese action thriller. They’ll take us behind the scenes of filming in Japan, exploring the creative challenges and cultural intersections that shaped the project.
The Life of a Japanese/Filipino Actor in Tokyo
This week, we have Kei Kurosawa, a Filipino-Japanese actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and content creator. She is known for the Japanese indie horror film, The Red Dress (2023), the Filipino youth-oriented series, Zoomers (2024), and the international Japanese action-drama film, Crosspoint (2024).
In Person: A Samurai in Time
We are thrilled to share that Michael recently sat down with director Jun’ichi Yasuda and acterss & assistant director Yuno Sakura to discuss their breakout film A Samurai in Time (侍タイムスリッパー)—a fantasy comedy that has captured the hearts of Japanese moviegoers. Made on a modest budget of 26 million yen and initially screened in just one theater, this indie gem has won several awards, among which is the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize.
Boys’ Love & Girls’ Love: Thai Boom & Japanese Revivial
This week, we have Moeka Iida, a reporter and researcher at The Economist’s Tokyo bureau, covering Japanese politics, society, business, and culture. With a keen interest in subcultures and social trends, she has written about host clubs in Tokyo’s red-light district, the rise of female writers in Japan’s literary scene, and the changing face of masculinity. She also contributes to The Economist’s daily podcast, The Intelligence, and has reported from Thailand and South Korea.
How to Direct, Produce and Distribute Japanese Movies
This week, we have Chiaki Yanagimoto, a Japanese-born, Los Angeles-based producer. After producing a series of genre films, Chiaki switched gears to documentaries, including “KAMPAI! For the Love of Sake,” which premiered at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and was released by IFC Films/Sundance Selects. She is also a founder of SAKKA, a US-based distribution hub for Japanese independent films.
A LifeLong Journey Through Japanese Cinema
Mark Schilling is a reporter, critic, and author who specializes in Japanese films and popular culture. Since 1989, Mark has been a regular film critic for The Japan Times and has covered the Japanese film industry for Screen International (1990–2005) and Variety (2005–present). Mark has written or contributed to several books, including The Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture (1997), Contemporary Japanese Film (1999), and No Borders, No Limits: Nikkatsu Action Cinema (2007).
Finding Japanese Culture in New York City
In the fourth episode, we’re excited to welcome Susan Miyagi McCormac, the founder, and Editor-in-Chief of JapanCulture•NYC, a website that introduces New Yorkers to Japanese culture and promotes Japanese-related events. Susan is a Vice President of the Japanese American Association of New York, serves on the JET Alumni Association of New York’s Board of Directors, and co-chairs the Communications Committee of the U.S.-Japan Council’s New York Region.
A Conversation About Japanese Film & Television
In the third episode of Showtime at Japan Expert Insights, we’ll chat with Tetsuki Ijichi about his extensive experience in the entertainment industry. With over 45 years in the field, especially independent film world. Tetsuki is an acclaimed film distributor and producer, having distributed more than 200 films local and worldwide.
The Intersection of Data, Media and Technology
In the second episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Douglas Montgomery, founder and CEO of Global Connects. Douglas will share his insights on the urgent need for Japan to leverage more data in the entertainment industry, while also exploring the dynamic intersection of media and technology.
The Future of Japanese Entertainment & Culture
In this premiere episode, guest Waka (Konohana) Ikeda will discuss the rise of Japonism in the 20th Century and the problems facing Japan that have been revealed through recent international co-productions. Then, she’ll make insightful suggestions on how the Japanese entertainment industry can move forward.
Alongside interviews with professionals in the Japanese entertainment industry, the podcast delves into the world of Japanese-centric cinema, television, and new media, with special episodes dedicated to in-depth reviews, hidden gems, and deep dives into iconic films and filmmakers. Whether you are a Japan enthusiast or a newcomer, “Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” is your go-to source for all things Japan, wrapped in engaging conversation and expert analysis.