Commemorative cast and crew photograph for Akira Kurosawa’s RASHOMON (1950). Kurosawa’s celebrated picture premiered 75 years ago today at the Imperial Theatre on August 25, 1950.

"I like silent pictures and I always have... I wanted to restore some of this beauty. I thought of it, I remember in this way: one of the techniques of modern art is simplification, and that I must therefore simplify this film."—Akira Kurosawa

Just announced! Based on a Yukio Mishima novel, Kon Ichikawa’s stark adaptation involves the psychological breakdown of a troubled youth, whose desire for pure beauty leads him to Kyoto’s golden pavilion. CONFLAGRATION screens 9/27 on a 35mm import: japansoc.org/Conflagration

Original Japanese B2 poster for CONFLAGRATION (1958).

Kon Ichikawa and Raizo Ichikawa, circa 1950s. CONFLAGRATION catapulted Raizo into stardom beyond his reputation as handsome swordsman, earning him praise for his acting. Kon would compliment his performance, “I think he deserves a perfect score. There's nothing more to say.”

Some coverage from the The Wall Street Journal on the ongoing Mikio Naruse celebrations we kicked off and co-organized! wsj.com/arts-culture/f…

Legendary chambara star Raizo Ichikawa was #botd in 1931. Coming to fame as a kabuki star before taking on film roles as handsome swordfighters for Daiei, Ichikawa would prove himself a serious actor with his turn as Mizoguchi in CONFLAGRATION (1958).

Ichikawa starred many notable classics, including Misumi's Sword trilogy, the NEMURI KYOSHIRO series, , A CERTAIN KILLER, AN ACTOR’S REVENGE and THE BETRAYAL.

Three animated avant-garde shorts from the '60s—LOVE, AOS, and CRAZY WORLD—from the late independent animation pioneer Yoji Kuri are currently streaming through this weekend at Collaborative Cataloging Japan!

One of the best viewings I had watching this trilogy over at Japan Society Film late last year which was a first time watch. Was always curious who would picked these films up and behold Third Window Films strikes again.

More Tess 1980 promotional tour Nastassja because why not

Kaizo Hayashi's singular "Maiku Hama" trilogy premiered in new 4K restos for the 1st time outside of Japan last year as part of our Hayashi retro. The series now has US distro thanks to 🦀 KANI 🦀 and UK distro via Third Window Films!