Why Japanese?

     I can thank both of my older brothers for exposing me to Japanese culture. My oldest brother has been obsessed with film and television for as long as I can remember. He would always find the most brilliant movies from cultures all over the world. This started my own obsession with Japanese cinema, especially from the 60's and 70's. I was utterly fascinated by the culture I saw in these films.

     My other brother ended up stationed in Iwakuni at a US Marine base and had great stories of a wonderful people. But more importantly he brought me back a book that profoundly impacted my life, Taiko by Eiji Yoshikawa. It is a wonderful story of humanity.

     I have taken an elementary Japanese course at community college prior to coming to Columbia, and it is a good thing I did. We move much faster here at Columbia and I am glad to have a base of knowledge to draw upon. But as intensive as it feels, I feel I am learning more than ever.

     I look forward to supplementing my school learning with the availability of Japanese cinema, past and present, here in NYC. It is not uncommon for Akira Kurosawa films to play, and I would love to see them on the big screen.