RecommendationKW

We are starting this series of "Hoga for beginners" as our New Year resolution 2006. We hope to introduce some easy-access movies and dramas for the new fans who want to know where to start. Unfortunately many DVD's are not available internationally, but you can purchase Japanese version from Amazon Japan. Please see the instruction on the bottom of this page.

First of the series is movies and TV dramas starring Ken Watanabe. Kazuyon from Watanabe Ken-san An (Japanese fan site authorized by Ken Watanabe's business office) provided these recommendations. Although not included in this list, "Year One in the North" (2005) is planned to be released in the U.S. this year, so please stay tuned.

Tampopo (1986)
Director: Juzo Itami
Cast: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe

An acclaimed Japanese director Juzo Itami is known for his sharp sense of humor and delightful satire, and "Tampopo", dubbed "noodle Western", is one of his most internationally known pieces. Ken Watanabe appears as a supporting role as his early work, as well as young Koji Yakusho, who recently also appeared in "Memoirs of a Geisha". Wanderer truck driver Goro (Tsutomu Yamazaki) helps a ramen noodle restaurant owner and widow Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto), while Ken plays the driver partner of Goro.

The Last Samurai (2003)
Director: Ed Zwick
Cast: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada, Koyuki

Although this is not a Hoga, it is Ken's most prominent movie so far, with which he was nominated in Academy Award Supporting Actor Category by his impressive acting. Kazu4 believes that Ken looks great in period dramas, but there has not been too many good period films (as supposed to TV dramas) in the past. "The Last Samurai" showed the charm of Ken and other Japanese actors to many fans young, old, men and women, both in Japan and the world, so Kazuyon has to recommend it as his "master piece". here.

Dokuganryu Masamune (1987)
TV Drama
Cast: Ken Watanabe , Junko Sakurada

Mega-hit TV period drama, with which Ken's popularity broke out nationwide. The story is about another maverick samurai general in the same era, Masamune Date, who was nicknamed "One-Eyed Dragon" ("Dokuganryu") because he lost sight in one of his eyes when young. The one shown on the right is the summary version, and the 50-episode full DVD set is also available.

Oda Nobunaga (1989)
TV drama
Cast: Ken Watanabe, Yuko Natori

Historical drama featuring Nobunaga Oda, prominent samurai general in the 16th centruy and supposedly Ken's most favorite historical figure. Ken's Nobunaga is majestic, spectacular and sexy! Extras include Ken learning the traditional dance and quite fun.

Ningen no Shomei (2001)
TV Drama
Cast: Ken Watanabe , Reiko Takashima

Ken's another popular role is a detective with a dark past. This detective drama based on Seiichi Morimura's novel was also made into a hit movie in 1977, starring Yusaku Matsuda. This TV remake version includes some new characters and scenes not seen in the original novel. His acting in the climax scene to call onto the mother-child love is moving.

Region: <Region 1> is for North America and <Region 2> is for Japan and Europe. If your DVD player is for Region 1 only, Region 2 DVDs don't play on your DVD player. To watch the DVD with region code other than where you live, you need to obtain "region-free" DVD player. PC's also can play different regions, but there may be a limit of how many times you can change the region code. Please refer to the manuals of your PC.

Shopping at Amazon Japan: Amazon Japan ships to overseas and they take major credit cards. Just as you do for US Amazon, click the Amazon link and go to Amazon Japan to shop. You need to set up a separate account specific to Amazon Japan, even if you have an account in another country. Click "Add to Shopping Cart" or "Buy now with 1-click" button to go into the English shopping cart page. If all the buttons are displayed in Japanese, find "Display in English" line on the upper right corner of the page. In the shipping instruction page, if you are puzzled by a line asking for "furigana", just input your name in alphabet again.