Pray for Japan World Premiere

After doing a music video shoot for the Japanese rapper AK69 earlier today, Mari and I went to the World Premiere of Pray for Japan here in Tokyo. For those who haven't heard of it yet, it is a documentary that chronicles Japan's 3/11 Tsunami/Earthquake disaster as well as Tohoko's journey towards recovery. It was interesting sitting in the audience as a foreigner, but more importantly as someone who has lived here a long time. In general Japanese people tend to be quite conversative about any kind of emotional expression in public, but even with that you could still see how deeply personal and meaningful it was to those watching. Throughout the documentary, I could hear the sounds of people holding back tears, and quietly see people wiping their eyes.

The documentary itself was beautifully made with both animation from Nagahama Hiroshi (the #1 animation director in Japan), production and direction from Stu Levy (the executive producer of Priest) as well as a myriad of other entertainment professionals as a 100% charity-based project. Despite the level of those producing it however, the film did a great job of staying "close to the ground" and revolved around the real lives and struggles of the people who had to survive and find meaning in the tragedy.

As with any movie premiere, before the show we had a chance to listen to those involved in the project speak about it, which was cool. What really made this premiere stand out however was 1) that refreshments were provided (also by volunteers and businesses that wanted to chip in) and 2) that there was a live performance after it by M's Japan Orchestra. For those who have never heard it before, Japanese drumming is an incredibly primal, organic and energized form of music, and hearing it live is always an amazing experience. I posted a video as well, but Im afraid that it just won't do you justice. The group that performed was the same one that performed in the film alongside a teenage drummer who lost his grandparents, mother and younger brother in the disaster).



Whether you have a particular interest in Japan or not, Pray for Japan is a documentary worth seeing. It encompasses the power of hope and positivity does a great job of portraying humanity at its best. For those who are interested in Japan, seeing how people dealt with this situation, mentally worked through their issues and solved their personal problems offers a lot of unique insights into the beauty of Japanese culture as well. If you would like to know more about Pray for Japan, you can visit the website at www.prayforjapan-film.org. The website also lists places and theaters it is playing at in the states and abroad if you'd like to check it out. I'd recommend it!