Kashima Paradise (1973) Yann Le Masson & Bénie Deswarte

A documentary, with commentary by Chris Marker (spoken by Georges Rouquier and Jacqueline Taouss in the french version), which focuses on Kashima Paradise, an industrial complex some sixty miles from Tokyo. It examines the effect of total change in Japan, and the transition in one part-village from an almost medieval way of life to advanced industrial practice all within the space of a year. Japan is probably the country most susceptible to this type of rapid change at the moment, but it’s something that’s happening to us all. This explores the conflict between modern values and material comforts in Japan and the more traditional obligations (giri) and culture which are still the real backbone of the society. Among the topics touched on are the Osaka Expo, battles against pollution, and Japanese leftist movements.