On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Jonathan Wroot tells us about the movies of Ktano Takeshi, the fascinating history of the Zatoichi films, and more..

About Dr. Jonathan Wroot Dr. Jonathan Wroot is a senior lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Greenwich and the author of the book The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman. Topics Discussed

• About the boom in Japanese films in the early to mid 2000s
• About Kitano Takeshi and his films
• On studying Asian cinema
• About Kitano Takeshi's Violent Cop
• About Kitano Takeshi's remake of Zatoichi
• About the Zatoichi films and their history
• Jidaigeki vs chanbara
• About the influence of Zatoichi on film and pop culture around the world
• The influence of Zatoichi on Daredevil
• About Shintaro Katsu
• About some of the differences int he Zatoichi films
• The Zatoichi TV show
• The original Zatoichi short story in which Zatoichi first appears
• The crazy finale of the Zatoichi film directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara
• About dubs and subtitling
• Voice actors in Japan that always do the same voices of Western actors
• Crazy Japanese commercials featuring Western celebrities
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• • Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• • Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To pick up a copy of The Paths of Zatoichi, you can use the link below. Remember to use the discount code LXFANDF30 to get 30% off (valid until the end of 2022).

• The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman

The link below is for the list of blog articles about Dr. Wroot's experience watching 30 Zatoichi films in 30 days.

• 30 Zatoichi films in 30 Days

Here is Dr. Wroot's ranking of the Zatoichi films.

• From Best To Worst – My Opinions on the Zatoichi films

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.

• What is a famiresu? (About Japanese "Family Restaurants") | Ichimon Japan 61

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/