Japanese American Movies
Hi guys! Recently, I've gotten back into watching some of my favorite horror flicks that have managed to cross the ocean from Japan to America. My favorite? The Ring.The Ring vs Ringu
Most of you may be aware of the Hollywood horror hit 'The Ring'. What with the well, the "sssseven daysssss" and the dead girl in obvious need of a haircut. But what only some of you may know is that The Ring spawned from the twisted minds of the Japanese first in the J-hit movie 'Ringu' (Ring). Let's compare them, shall we?Let's start with the title.
The Ring
Named after the circle image seen looking up from the bottom of the well. The American version is littered with this image as a symbol of when the evilness is about to begin.
Ringu
Named after the sound of the telephone ringing from of the call made by the dead girl after someone has watched her cursed video.
Now the main non-evil characters.
The Ring
Reporter woman with balls of steel, freaky bug-eyed boy, videographer ex-husband who seemed more scared and awkward then his ballsy ex-wife.
Ringu
Reporter woman with balls of regular size, loner child with sad eyes and a normal amount of psychic ability, professor ex-husband with a bit of psychic ability.
Now the evil girl character and basic story.
The Ring
Named Samara, she was adopted by a horse breeding family who revered her for the things she could see and do due to her strong psychic powers. Her adoptive father forced her to live above the stable where she was riddled with insomnia due to the horses. This possibly made her power even stronger. Eventually her parents killed her by dropping her in a well. Her mother, fraught with the guilt, killed herself shortly after. How and why the video came into it, who knows. Over the years, a rental cottage was built above her well. Wanting revenge and a mother's love, after someone watches her video, she first calls her victims to tell them their fate, then kills them after 7 days.
Ringu
Named Sadako, she was born into a family of psychic ability. Her father a professor of the study and her mother a strong, though not as strong as Sadako, psychic. Her mother and father sought to prove the existence of psychic ability to the general public using her mother as a subject. Becoming enraged by the incessant non-believers, Sadako lashes out at one of them to protect her mother’s pride. Her mother instead becomes upset and later kills herself as she senses her daughter’s evil. Daddy-dearest then kills Sadako and the plot thickens. Her last thoughts of not wanting to be forgotten, she began emitting strong psychic images that even after death carried on. Over the years a cottage was built above her well and a young family came for a weekend trip. The son decides he wants to tape a baseball game but doesn’t set the vcr properly. The vcr then tapes the images projected by Sadako and there we have her cursed video. With her wish to not be forgotten she kills everyone who watches her video after 7 days. The phone rings only at the cottage when someone watches her video and if picked up, you can only hear the sound of the grinding of the cassette tape while in the vcr.
So, on the whole, similar stories but a bit faked-up, in my opinion, for Hollywood with changes to the story to help along the American audience. But I definitely felt that in the Japanese version you got a little more history and story instead of straight-out killing. But hey, that's good too!There are sequels of course to The Ring and Ringu.Here is couple more horror movies that Hollywood has borrowed from Japan.
The Grudge / Ju-on (The Grudge) (Japanese title)
About a dead woman (again) who’s only crime was loving someone outside of her wedlock. She and her freaky kid were cruelly killed by her husband and she has decided to kill well…anyone who comes to her house. It’s that simple. The interesting thing about the American version is that it was set in Japan with the same Japanese actors for the evil people.
Pulse / Kairo (Japanese title)
I actually didn’t know Pulse was from a Japanese movie until much later. But I’m glad. I had no idea what was going in Pulse. It made no sense. Watching the Japanese version, I understood the idea, though I can say it was very deep. Ghosts have escaped from their world and emerged into ours via the internet line (ethernet in the American, dial-up in the Japanese). They slowly spread and venture to kill the living. Should they find you, they leave their mark. The person then suddenly withdraws from everyone until they die, soulless and alone. Soon almost everybody has been affected. The Japanese film was a big look at Japanese culture in a negative way. Suggesting that technology alienates people and causes communication breakdown and trying to deter those from committing the empty act of suicide by displaying voluntary death as lonely and depressing. I guess people die in the same manner in the American version, though they say nothing to let viewers know, EVER! Things just happen. The ending is different for both as the American version tries to save the day while the Japanese version is just a look at what life/death in that manner would be like.
All six are decent movies, so if you haven’t seen them, why not make this weekend a horror weekend?
Photo/Video Album Updated!
Hi everyone!
Sorry we haven't updated the photo album in a little while. We were doing some error-fixing and now it's done! Well, except for a couple of new features we're hoping to add in the near future. Please stay tuned!
We've just added tons of new pictures and tons more videos. Please go to Blog 'o Fudocom - Photos! to have a look.
As always if you have ideas, comments or complaints, feel free to contact us. Don't forget about our new Blog Chat feature on the right-hand side bar. If you'd like to skinny on the chat feature, check out this posting.
We can't wait to hear your feedback!
Do you Pasmo?
Have you seen this symbol everywhere lately and don’t know what it means? It’s Pasmo!
Some of you may be familiar with the JR (train) line’s “Suica” card as well as the Metro (subway) line’s Passnet card. These cards gave you the benefit of purchasing train tickets in advance using a magnetic card that can be read by scanner (like at the supermarket). It could also be used at specified shops to eat, drink and be merry while waiting for your train.
Now JR have teamed together with Metro as well as the bus lines to create a universal magnetic credit-card sized card (called Pasmo - "pass" from Passnet and "mo" meaning “and” in Japanese) that could be used in conjunction with the train, subway, bus as well as vending machines, convenience stores and even some regular stores. All you do is place your card on the scanner (it often doesn't even need to be taken out of your wallet) and it will be read and deducted from your electronic balance.
Here are 3 more great features of the card:
1. It can be registered to your name and address and if you lose it, can be reissued.
2. If you don’t want to use the card anymore, you are able to request a refund of the balance.
3. You can add your existing or a new monthly commuter pass to this card and use them in conjunction with each other. (A commuter pass is the pass used generally for commuting to and from work. It allows you to buy a 1/3/6 month pass for the set route to and from home (however, if you travel a part or all of this route on an off day, you can also use the commuter pass). A discount is applied for purchasing a commuter pass dependant on the length. Obviously the 6 month pass will have more of a discount, but most people avoided this in the past due to the possibility of losing the card. With Pasmo, this will no longer be a worry.
Passmo just began March 18th. To get yours, please go to your nearest station. Recently there have been more personnel available to help you register. But make sure you are armed with your 7 digit postal code, phone number, birthdate, name and gender. Most, if not all, of the registry systems are in Japanese.
It is expected that Pasmo will also join together with the current electric balance scanning system called FeliCa that is installed in many of the cell phones currently on the market.
If you would like more information, please view the website in English here. This applies to Tokyo and surrounding areas.
New feature!! IM us!
Wow, it seems to have been ages since we've added anything new to our blog. Well the wait is over! Introducing, Fudocom Chat. This feature will allow you to send a private instant message to our blog admin, namely Rei-chan or I. Feel free to use this feature to comment or suggest changes for our site, ask questions or just to say hi! You may have already noticed the "Chat with us" box on the right hand side of this page. First, please click on the "edit nick" portion close to the bottom of the page. You can change it to anything you like. Once you have done this, it should remember your nickname whenever you return to our site. Any message you send cannot be viewed by other site users. It will only be viewed by Fudocom employees. Under the "Chat With Us" title bar you can see our online status. If we are away or not online, you can still send us a message. It's safe and fun!
We welcome your messages and look forward to hearing from you!
Is Tokyo actually retro?
Hi everyone!! I'm so sorry that I forgot to post this last week. So I'll post twice this week. Please enjoy!
At first glance Tokyo appears to very much be a city of lights. But venture to the outskirts and you'll see mountains and vast rice fields. Venture into a suburb area and you'll swear you've been transported back to the 70's. And with its population sporting a very retro fashion look (see my Ode to Fashion in the photo album if you haven't already!), it only adds to the atmosphere of the setting. Which brings me to my point: Why is it that in such a technologically advanced society that most of Japan's housing and buildings have yet to be caught up to its expensive standards? The buildings I speak of are the archaic, flimsily-made structures just waiting for a fire or a drastic change in the weather to come a-tumbling down. One could argue that the homes are flimsily made due to the tropical weather conditions. But Florida has tropical weather and regular hurricanes, yet they manage to have stylish and beautiful homes. One could also argue that because of only the recent upgrading in building standards that upgrading all the older homes and buildings would be an expensive project. But surely the safety of citizens and the avoidance of the traumatic experience of losing one's home is just as, if not more important.In the real estate world, the term for this type of structure is apaato (apartment (see below)). While abroad the word apartment refers to most rental-type homes, in Japan this word is strictly used for the two to three-floored older apartment buildings often made from wood. These types of rooms, though quite inexpensive to rent often mean giving up a bit of your privacy. With not much between you and your neighbors, you'll often hear everything they do and vice versa.
The newer cement rental buildings have adopted the name manshon (mansion (see below)). Knowing the stereotypically small size of apartments in Japan, one can guess this word does not have any relation to its size. But it sounds good when you tell the friends back home right?
Tokyo is generally not a threat for the tsunami's and earthquakes that hit Japan. But if you live in northern or southern parts of Japan it definitely is more of a concern. Regardless of where you choose to settle, please be careful, especially if you have small children, to find out every detail possible about your new home. It's definitely better before than after. As always, if you would like advice or have questions you are always free to contact us.
Disney's Season of the Heart
Ahhhh...nothing symbolizes the romance of a season like commercialism, don't you think? And Disney, the masters of commercialism, have brought us yet another feat of love, romance and togetherness in a show labelled "Season of the Heart" at DisneySea (the adult and possibly less exciting version of Disneyland). As the ultimate date outing, DisneySea will provide this romantic night time show until March 14. Daters will enjoy the entertainment, the lights, the song, the decorations, the special love-love food and, probably most importantly, the merchandise.
Of course, while you're at the night-time show, why not stay overnight? Disney Sea is already on the ball with special lovey-dovey hotel packages. Check out the below:The below is quoted from DisneySea's Hotel MiraCosta WebsiteTokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta Season of the Heart
Thursday, January 11 through Wednesday, March 14, 2007Hotel MiraCosta has prepared a variety of plans for couples to enjoy some special dates during this most romantic of seasons. For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, a special buffet has been created which allows you to explore a variety of chocolate delicacies. Package plans have also been created that include dinner courses for two and stays in luxurious suites. Only a few reservations can be accepted for each day, so be sure to make yours early!
"Season of the Heart" Special Plan ~ Per Due ~ (Limit 5 couples per day)These course menus for two are available at both Oceano and Silk Road Garden (¥50,000 for two persons), and come with glasses of wine and more.
Please make reservations at least 3 days in advance.
"Season of the Heart" Special Package (Limit 1 couple per day)This special package (¥500,000
OH MY GOSH!!!!! ) includes a stay for two in the finest suite in the hotel.
Package Details:
・A stay in the "Il Magnifico" Suite
・Fine dinner for two at a hotel restaurant
・2001 vintage wine (with dinner)
・Chocolates in the room
・A special room-service breakfast
・Park tickets for the Disney Parks (four 1-Day Passports)
・A commemorative gift
・Use of the Terme Venezia Spa & Pool Area
Please make reservations at least one week in advance.
To make reservations for the above plan or package, please call:
Disney Hotel Restaurant Information 047-305-2666 (9:00 - 19:00)
Well....500,000 yen??? That's like 5000 US dollars! That dinner better be good!
Kafun!! Excuse me.
Hi guys!!
After reading Cee-chan's beautiful post about the soon-to-come cherry blossoms, I couldn't help think of another sign of spring. Kafun, as we Japanese call it, refers to the common pollen allergy (hayfever) that most Japanese suffer from during the spring. What I find most interesting is that, in this season, virtually every ailing you can think of can be attributed to it. "Ah my leg!!!!! Must be the kafun season."
Seriously though, if you're not sure if you have allergies or not, please pay close attention to fever-like symptoms like sneezing, coughing, headaches, itchiness (eyes, nose or throat), fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, watery eyes, or swollen eyes/eyelids. If any of these symptoms persist for longer than a week, it's best to see a doctor. In some cases, it can develop into a more serious condition.
Around Japan you may have already seen many a Japanese donning the ever popular surgical mask. At this time of year, the masks are most often used for prevention to keep the pollen away. This is also a popular time of year to get the air conditioner completely cleaned out with the addition of a new filter to fight off pollen entering the home.
If you'd like to find a doctor who can speak English in Tokyo, please call 03-5285-8181. The person who answers will speak Japanese but they have fully capable English staff available too. Just describe your symptoms and current location and they will give you a list of the nearest doctors, clinics and/or hospitals. Definitely a good number to have!
