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Japanese film scholar Shiguéhiko Hasumi is making his U.S. debut this month. The 89-year-old critic is curating a major film series in New York. The event coincides with the English release of his landmark book on director Yasujiro Ozu.

This introduction is a significant event for American cinephiles. Hasumi’s work has influenced generations of Japanese filmmakers. His perspective offers a crucial rebalancing of Western-dominated film criticism.

Hasumi’s Influence Reshapes Japanese Cinema

Hasumi revolutionized cinema scholarship through legendary lectures at Rikkyo University. His teachings directly shaped acclaimed directors like Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Shinji Aoyama. Even recent Oscar winner Ryusuke Hamaguchi identifies as his acolyte.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, his influence extends beyond academia. Hasumi served as president of the University of Tokyo. He also forged connections with international auteurs like Jean-Luc Godard and Wim Wenders.

His new book translation finally makes his theories accessible. Western audiences have long relied on critics like Paul Schrader and Donald Richie. Hasumi’s voice provides an essential Japanese perspective on their own cinema history.

A Curatorial Vision Blending East and West

The New York series reflects Hasumi’s unique curatorial approach. Japan Society gave him complete freedom to select films. The result collapses traditional boundaries between American and Japanese cinema.

The lineup pairs Michael Mann’s “Collateral” with Seijun Suzuki’s “Tokyo Drifter.” It places Richard Fleischer’s “The Boston Strangler” beside Kenji Mizoguchi’s classic “The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum.” This programming demonstrates Hasumi’s cross-cultural analytical method.

Contemporary disciples like Sho Miyake will participate in closing events. The series includes a montage film Hasumi co-directed with Miyake. This creates a living dialogue between his scholarship and modern filmmaking practice.

The New York series represents a landmark moment for film studies. Shiguéhiko Hasumi’s belated introduction to American audiences promises to reshape understanding of Japanese cinema. His unique perspective bridges cultural divides that have long separated Eastern and Western film appreciation.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is Shiguéhiko Hasumi?

Shiguéhiko Hasumi is Japan’s most influential living film scholar and critic. He taught generations of acclaimed Japanese directors and served as president of the University of Tokyo. His work has remained largely untranslated until recently.

Why is his New York debut significant?

This marks his first major curatorial presentation for American audiences. It coincides with the English translation of his seminal book on Yasujiro Ozu. The event introduces his unique critical voice to Western film discourse.

Which filmmakers did he influence?

Hasumi directly taught directors like Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Shinji Aoyama. Contemporary masters like Ryusuke Hamaguchi also credit his influence. His teachings helped shape Japanese cinema after the studio system collapsed.

What makes his film programming unique?

Hasumi’s selections blend American and Japanese films in unexpected dialogues. He places Hollywood classics beside Japanese masterpieces to reveal new connections. This approach demonstrates his cross-cultural analytical method.

Where is the film series taking place?

The series runs at New York’s Japan Society from October 9-18. It features film screenings, director appearances, and special discussions. The program showcases Hasumi’s personal cinematic vision and influences.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, Japan Society, University of California Press