Toshiro Mifune: Japanese Duke?
I’ve always been a Mifune fan, and though I barely speak enough Japanese to be polite, I love the culture.
I’ve spoken of this before- the japanese were once a feared and hated enemy of the United States, and an island nation barely the size of Montana managed to terrorize our entire country. And we defeated them, using horrible tools. And we learned they have a fascinating and complex culture, in many ways radically different from our own, but in many ways strikingly similar. The Japanese seem to value strength, and honor, and decency, and respect for Religion, similarly to Americans.
At least, that’s the impression I get based on their cinema. I’ve just finished watching “Samurai 2: Duel at Ichijoji temple” one of, arguably, Mifune’s best films. In it he’s a samurai posessed of mythical strength and ability, who is haunted by his desire to posess a true samurai soul, delicate and sensitive.
The “Samurai” trilogy is incredible, and I hope, someday, to be able to watch it without subtitles.
Mifune died in 1997. A great man with an incredible legacy.
Last week, the J.R. made me watch Seven Samurai in order to educate me about The Magnificent Seven westerns. Little did I know!
It was good, if a bit long, and overwrought. Actually, it was quite daring for its time.
When I was in my first year in high school my name appeared in the yearbook’s index after 27 Japanese names. Gardena High School was, in 1968, 37% Americans of Japanese ancestry.
Anybody else ever have a history teacher who was actually THERE for a part of the lesson they taught?
I did…
My teacher for California History, one Mr. Okui, had, as a twelve-year-old been interned at Manzanar with his family.
And I still have a truely formidable weakness for “hoppa” girls, the mixture of half white and half Japanese that so often comes out 100% gorgeous.
Mifune is the Man.
Yojimbo.
“…in many ways strikingly similar…”
Not. Even. Close.
Go read Japan Unmasked. You can get it in paperback from Amazon.
Japan is the most racist society on the planet. Still.
I haven’t lived in Japan, but I’ve spent the last seventeen years dealing with and working closely with Japanese. The culture is biased against Gaijin, but individuals are incredible.