The e-Japan Journal is the electronic webletter of the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago (CGOJ) and the Japan Information Center (JIC). We hope it proves useful, interesting, and exciting as a window into Japanese culture in the Midwest. As always, your feedback, comments, and suggestions are encouraged and can be sent to our editor, Chip Meyer, at jicoutreach@webkddi.com.

The 2007 Chicago International Film Festival (October 5 through 19), supported by the Japan America Society of Chicago, includes the first annual Anime Focus—an all-day extravaganza beginning at noon on Saturday, October 7. The event features director Yoshiyuki Tomino’s trilogy Mobile Suit Z Gundam I,II & III, as well as an exclusive opportunity to speak to the legendary director in a Q&A session following the screenings. This is the North American premiere of the three-part compilation movies (based on the 1985–86 Zeta TV series), and they are digitally remastered with significant additional footage and the promise of a surprise ending. For newcomers to Japanese animation, the trilogy provides a thrilling introduction to the popular genre.

Mobile Suit Z Gundam I
It was year 0079 UC (Universal Century) when the Earth Federation defeated the colony nation Principality of Zeon during the “One-Year War” and almost halved the population of the galaxy. Now, in the year 0087, the degenerated and corrupt Earth Federation military has created a breeding ground for hostility, and the Titans, who fancy themselves Earth supremacists, have risen to power. In opposition to this movement, the Anti-Earth United Government (AEUG) is formed. As the beginnings of another grand war are underway, we meet young Kamille Bidan, whose experience in engineering and piloting lead him to join the AEUG and work with mentor Quattro Bajeena to battle the Titans.
94 min.

Mobile Suit Z Gundam II
The battle between the Titans and the AEUG proceeds onto the Earth Federation military’s Jaburo base on Earth. At New Hong Kong, one of the few large cities that escaped the destruction of the “One-Year War," Kamille meets the mysterious and beautiful Four Murasame, who he soon discovers is an enemy in the war. What’s worse, under the Titans, Four was artificially enhanced with Mobile Armor Psycho Gundam. As Four desperately tries to regain her memory, Kamille finds himself drawn to her. But the great vortex of war will not permit them time together.
90 min.

Mobile Suit Z Gundam III
As the Titans and the AEUG continue their warfare, a third resistance force, Axis, tips the balance of power. Kamille, now a young man, has grown as a fighter and continues to learn more about the war he is in, those who surround him, and the events of the “One-Year War.” The destiny of the galaxy hangs in the balance, as the audience waits in anticipation to see what the fates have in store for Kamille and the human race.
99 min.

Director Yoshiyuki Tomino will be available to sign copies of the book Mobile Suit Gundam: Awakening, Escalation, Confrontation, as well as the DVD Mobile Suite Gundam: Char's Counterattack, at the Border's bookstore at 150 N. State St. in Chicago on Friday, October 6 from 12:30 pm.

"Giant Robots and Salarimen: Anime's Social and Economic Impact"
Demonstrating the significant impact of the multibillion-dollar Japanese Anime industry on Japanese and American society, the Anime panel will feature experts from all facets of the genre—from creation to production to sales to social impact. The panel will also feature Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the Gundam animated television series and feature films, which make a special appearance in this year's Chicago International Film Festival.

From diverse backgrounds and with varied knowledge of Anime, these experts will share how Anime impacts their particular areas of interest—discussing the history of the genre, the cultural effect on Japan and abroad, translation, and numerous other topics.

Presented in cooperation with Columbia College and JETRO.

In addition to the Gundam trilogy, two other Japanese films will be screened as part of this year's Film Festival.

Paprika
Director: Satoshi Kon
Satoshi Kon’s (Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue) ocular odyssey, Paprika, further pushes the conventions of traditional Anime. Adapted from acclaimed Japanese author Yasutaka Tsutsui’s short story, Paprika barrels head-first into its science-fiction roots with the proposal of a revolutionary psychotherapy device - the "DC-Mini" - which allows users to cast themselves into the dreams of others. Once deemed an impossible adaptation, Satoshi Kon and revolutionary animation studio Madhouse bring Tsutsui’s quixotic vision to the silver screen with astonishing resonance.
Japanese with English subtitles. 90 min.

Retribution
Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Following the tradition of Kurosawa’s previous films, Retribution is a genre-bending, heavily atmospheric film offering comment on the breakdown of societal mechanisms, and the individual, when faced with supernatural and irrational forces. A North American premiere, Retribution is a provocative and frightening addition to the Kurosawa oeuvre and a testament to his unique vision.
Japanese with English subtitles. 103 min.