Chikamatsu's "Love In Osaka" (1959)

Naniwa No Koi No Monogatari (a.k.a Chikamatsu's "Love in Osaka") - Directed by Tomu Uchida
浪花の恋の物語 (監督：内田吐夢)

We digress from the world of music for a moment to briefly introduce a fabulous film of the Shōwa period, director Tomu Uchida's production of Tokugawa-era master playwright Monzaemon Chikamatsu in Love in Osaka. Uchida's films are being shown during a series of screenings presented by the Pacific Film Archive, housed on the campus of UC Berkeley.

"The plays of Monzaemon Chikamatsu have frequently been adapted into films, most notably Mizoguchi's Crucified Lovers, but few with the experimental intensity of Uchida's version of the kabuki classic The Couriers of Love Fleeing to Yamato. The adopted son of an Osaka courier falls in love with a prostitute and, discovering that she is about to be purchased by a client, steals money from his employer to redeem her. The young lovers take flight to Yamato, but, as in Chikamatsu's other domestic tragedies of love and duty, they must be pursued and their passion destroyed by death. Favorite Uchida themes, such as the indenturing of a prostitute (see Yoshiwara and Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji), and his characteristic emphasis on performance and theatricality re-emerge here; but the daring device of having Chikamatsu himself appear as a character is just one of many surprises this remarkable film holds." (James Quandt)

Tomu Uchida: Japanese Genre Master runs until September 29th.

Akiko Wada - Doshaburi No Ame No Naka De (1969)

Akiko Wada is one of the most prominent media personalities in Japan today. She is best known as a constant fixture on Japanese television, appearing in countless shows throughout the years as host, actor, and performer. But in addition to her own radio and television programs, "Akko", as she is affectionately known, boasts a musical recording career that has spanned across nearly four decades.

Born and raised in Osaka, Wada spent her teenage years as somewhat of a delinquent: dropping out of high school, running away to Tokyo, and listening to rock and roll and rhythm and blues. It was through her interest in black music, however, that she developed early on as a singer. Wada began performing in jazz clubs and coffeehouses in the early 60s, creating a sound and style that was equal parts fierce, sexy, and tender. With her husky voice and tall, tough build, she rivaled most other male performers in both strength and character.

Wada was only 18 when she made her recording debut in 1968, scouted and signed by famed production company Hori Pro the previous year. Her second single and first major hit, the remarkably funky "Doshaburi No Ame No Naka De", was released to much applause in 1969. One can easily tell from her voice that Wada is no pushover. Her strong, powerful vocal chops and uncompromising attitude clearly set her apart from most other performers of her time, or of any other. With these characteristics in mind, it's no wonder why Akiko Wada quickly became a towering figure in the Japanese media.

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Akiko Wada - Doshaburi No Ame No Naka De
和田アキコ - どしゃぶりの雨の中で