Lisa Akikawa - Watashi No Record (1973)

Though little is known about the origin of this record by the staff at Showa OK!, we do know that the original pressing of this 45 is quite rare. The daughter of an American soldier and a Japanese mother, Lisa Akikawa was a model and actress during the 1970s and 80s, appearing in various magazines, films and television shows during her career. This single, her debut recording, was produced by the late Kazuhiko Katō around the same time his group Sadistic Mika Band released their first album.

The title of the record, Watashi No Rekōdo, or "My Record", is for all intents and purposes a misnomer. The lyrics to both songs were penned by Akikawa herself, though as is the case with most media personalities-turned-musicians, the real effort here seems to be the result of another: the songwriting and arranging talents of producer Nobuyuki Takahashi, not to mention Katō's experience behind the boards. But as each side of the record reveals its own distinctive sound and mood, we thought it wise to include both songs for your consideration.

The title track starts off with a soulful, moody melody, complete with sweeping string arrangements and some choice guitar licks. The lyrics seem to be aimless in their discontent, carried by a spacy yet subtle chorus.

The b-side (which when translated means simply just that) is a little more plaintive in its emotion. The longing melody here begins softly, sprinkled with a quirky synthesizer line, building steam until it climaxes on a solid groove. Again, the tasteful chorus arrangements complement the rest of the recording, with Akikawa's delicate voice in particular.

Download:
Lisa Akikawa - Watashi No Record
秋川リサ - 私のレコード
Lisa Akikawa - Watashi No Record B-Side Version
秋川リサ - 私のレコードB面用

Samurai Rebellion (1967)

Jōiuchi: Hairyō Tsuma Shimatsu (a.k.a. Samurai Rebellion) - Directed by Masayuki Kobayashi
上意討ち：拝領妻始末 (監督：小林正樹)

After a near two-year hiatus (I can't believe it's been that long!), we here at Showa OK! plan on skipping the lengthy apology and picking up right where we left off with another local screening of a powerful Shōwa-era film, director Masayuki Kobayashi's Samurai Rebellion.

Kobayashi's tale of duty, honor and revenge is being presented jointly by the San Francisco Public Library and the Consulate General of Japan in conjunction with the currently ongoing Lords of the Samurai exhibit at the Asian Art Museum. This special screening is free and open to the public.

"Toshiro Mifune stars as Isaburo Sasahara, an aging swordsman living a quiet life until his clan lord orders that his son marry the lord’s mistress, who has recently displeased the ruler. Reluctantly, father and son take in the woman, and, to the family’s surprise, the young couple fall in love. But the lord soon reverses his decision and demands the mistress’s return. Against all expectations, Isaburo and his son refuse, risking the destruction of their entire family. Director Masaki Kobayashi’s Samurai Rebellion is the gripping story of a peaceful man who finally decides to take a stand against injustice." (The Criterion Collection)

As an added bonus, the screening will be followed by a discussion led by iaido ("the way of sword drawing") master Andrej Hendryk Diamantstein concerning the film and its depiction of the samurai way of life.

Lords and Loyalty: Kobayashi's Samurai Rebellion and the Samurai Ethos will be held at Koret Auditorium in the San Francisco Public Library on August 22nd from 2-4.45p.

Lords of the Samurai runs until September 20th.