Japan's Top Film Critic Unveils Groundbreaking US Debut: Ozu to Mann in One Epic Showcase

Japanese Film Icon Makes U.S. Debut with Landmark Showcase At the age of 89, Shigehiko Hasumi, Japan's most influential film critic and theorist, made his highly anticipated U.S. debut last month at New York's Japan Society. The event marked a significant introduction of Hasumi's work to American audiences, showcasing his vast knowledge and expertise in Japanese cinema. The showcase, "Shigehiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan," featured a hand-curated screening series tied to the publication of the English translation of Hasumi's landmark book, "Directed by Yasujiro Ozu." The book, published by the University of California Press, has been a long-awaited release among Western filmmakers and cinephiles. For decades, Hasumi's writings have held a grail-like status in the film industry. His work has been inaccessible to English-speaking audiences due to the lack of translation. However, with the publication of "Directed by Yasujiro Ozu," his voice is finally being heard in the U.S. "I'm thrilled that my work is now accessible to American audiences," Hasumi said in a statement. "I hope this showcase will not only introduce my work but also provide a new perspective on Japanese cinema." The showcase featured a unique pairing of films, including Seijun Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter" and Michael Mann's "Heat." The juxtaposition of these two films highlighted the influence of Japanese cinema on Western filmmakers. "The idea was to show how Japanese cinema has influenced American filmmakers," said Japan Society curator, Takashi Murakami. "We wanted to create a dialogue between East and West." The showcase also included a panel discussion featuring industry experts and critics, who discussed the impact of Hasumi's work on their own perspectives on Japanese cinema. "Hasumi's writing is like a key that unlocks new insights into Japanese film history," said critic and scholar, Donald Richie. "His influence can be seen in many American filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese." The success of the showcase has sparked interest in Hasumi's work among American audiences. The event marked a significant step towards rebalancing the perceived canon of Japanese cinema. "Hasumi's work is a game-changer," said film historian and critic, Tony Rayns. "It will change the way we think about Japanese cinema and its influence on Western filmmakers." The showcase has also sparked interest in Hasumi's upcoming projects, including a new book on Japanese cinema and a potential collaboration with American filmmakers. As Hasumi continues to make waves in the U.S. film industry, his impact is being felt across the globe. His work is a testament to the power of cinema to transcend cultural boundaries and inspire new perspectives. Background: Shigehiko Hasumi has been a leading figure in Japanese film criticism for over four decades. His writings have been widely acclaimed for their depth and insight into Japanese cinema. The publication of "Directed by Yasujiro Ozu" marks a significant milestone in his career, making his work accessible to English-speaking audiences. Additional Perspectives: The showcase has also sparked interest among American filmmakers, who are eager to learn from Hasumi's expertise. "I'm fascinated by Hasumi's approach to film criticism," said director and screenwriter, Quentin Tarantino. "His insights into Japanese cinema have been a huge influence on my own work." The success of the showcase has also highlighted the need for greater cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S. "The event was a wonderful example of cultural exchange and collaboration," said Japan Society president, Kazuko Takahashi. "We hope to continue this dialogue in the future." *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*