This video contains two filmstrips. Part I explores the history of Japanese women from ancient times to World War II. Part II covers World War II, the Allied occupation of Japan, and recent conditions and concerns for Japanese women. The overall objective of the filmstrip is to demonstrate the diversity of women's status and roles in the history of Japan depending on their historical time period, class, and individual talents. The unique and rich history of Japanese women is suggested by the many historical photographs included --- as well as by the contemporary, colored transparencies used.

This video encourages geographic awareness and cross-cultural understanding. The video is divided into segments pertaining to geography, history, economy, government, culture, and daily life. The video is accompanied by a loose-leaf teacher's guide that includes reproducible quizzes, vocabulary lists, outline maps, sample lesson plans, activity suggestions, critical thinking questions, and scripts. Recommended for grades 7 - 12. (over-sized)

A cinema classic, Rashomon introduced the Western world to the greatness of Akira Kurosawa and paved the way for fellow masters of the Japanese film industry. Characteristic of Kurosawa’s humanism and innovative narrative style, this eloquent masterpiece illuminates the subjectivity of truth through flashbacks, vigorous editing, and luminous photography. Four different narrators describe the same brutal act – a woman’s rape and her husband’s consequent death – yet the facts elude us because each interprets the story to make himself appear in the best light. Through subtle gestures, Machiko Kyo (Ugetsu, Gate of Hell) conveys the woman’s supreme loss at the hands of her attacker, played by Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood) with a savage heat. This visually rich tale poignantly confronts man’s potential for kindness and corruption.

During war, the samurai thrives on killing, but in peacetime, it is his turn to die. In this violent yet poetic masterpiece, Masaki Kobayashi exposes the harsh code of honor of the 17th-century samurai. After an unemployed warrior is forced by a feudal lord to commit harakiri, his father-in-law returns to the scene, seemingly to play out the same agonizing suicide ritual. Tensions grow to excruciating levels until the thrilling climax, when the elder warrior strikes out one last time against the abusive society that crafted such cruelty.

Texas Instruments, an American corporation, conducts research and development in Japan and competes with Japanese-owned companies in selling computer chips; Jaron Lanier, an American entrepreneur who invented "virtual reality," had to go to Japan to find serious backing for his cutting-edge invention. Meanwhile, other Asian countries are trying to leapfrog out of third-world status by building a well-educated work force --- and even some places in the U.S. are trying to lure high-tech industries with the same approach. So whose fault is it that Japan took almost the whole consumer electronics industry away from the United States?

A collection of video artists in Japan that at once represents a diversity of expression, and indicates three themes which underscore Japanese sensibility: nature, the persistence of cultural traditions, and the embracing of new technology. Features: Mt. Fuji, Ko Nakajima's electronic interpretation of Hokusai's 19th century woodblock prints, One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji; Flow (3) Part 2, by Shinsuke Ina, a cascading waterfall rendered and manipulated in video; Koto Buki, by Tetsuo Sekimoto, which documents a ritualistic performance of incantatory music, voice, and movement at the tidepools of an inland sea; Listen the Body, by Yoshiomi Yamaguchi, a body art sound work; My Gaijin Tengoku, a humorous view of the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture; Alley of Alley, by Akira Matsumoto, an unobtrusive journey through a poor community in Osaka; and, Japanese Syllabary, by Yoh Hayafuji, a sound poetry rendition of the kanji alphabet.

A masterpiece fit to stand beside Tokyo Story, this film is quintessential Ozu. Unique among all filmmakers, Yasujiro Ozu developed a beautifully restrained style by positioning his camera three feet above the floor and rejecting such techniques as the dissolve, pan, and fade. He also avoided excessive plot, concentrating instead on the everyday activities that mold our lives. As a result, his compositions are exquisite and his stories heartfelt. This film focuses on Noriko, a 28-year-old woman who must choose between staying single or marrying the man her family has picked for her. Glimpses into the lives of Noriko's brother, young nephews, and aging parents underscore the conflicts between three generations. Written by Ozu and Kogo Noda and featuring a cast of Ozu regulars, this film is a moving --- and universal --- family portrait.

First employed by the emperor to "quell the barbarian horde" roaming 12th-century Japan, shoguns controlled vast samurai armies, repelling foreigners and vying with rival warlords. This video reviews shogunate history, which ended in the mid-1800s when Commodore Perry's gunboat diplomacy forced the last shogun to yield to the emperor. Shown on the History Channel on November 29, 1997. Includes commercials.

This exciting and informative program will take you on a trip to Japan you'll never forget. Filmed on location in Japan, it will give you an inside look at the number one consumer market in history. You'll go into the department stores, grocery stores, neighborhood markets. You'll meet, face to face, with Japanese business people. And you'll venture out into the fascinating world of after hours business entertainment...the mizu shobai! You'll learn how to be successful selling to the Japanese. This program is packed with essential information that is presented in an entertaining style. You'll learn...How and where to research the market. How to make and nurture important contacts. How to master the business and social etiquette that will earn the respect of your Japanese customers. How to "sell" and negotiate in Japan. How to understand the basics of Japanese culture, psychology and religion. How to visit Japan on a small business budget. How to profit from this huge, growing market. And much, much more.

This program explores the glories of summer in Kyoto. The video starts with a tour of the Kurama-dera Temple, spotlighting its history as a shrine to the Sonten trinity, its fire festival and bamboo-cutting ceremony, and the locale's natural beauty. It continues with visits to the gardens of the Tendai Buddhist Manshu-in Temple and Zen Buddhist Ryoanji Temple, as well as to the Gion festival, which dates back to the year 869, and some of the celebrations and ceremonies associated with the Bon festival. And it concludes with a number of eel-based dishes - a staple of summer cooking - and an introduction to Kawadoko cuisine at the renowned Hiroya restaurant.