Tokyo Wrestlingエディターズの編集後記。
編集にまつわる裏話や、世界をまたぐTokyo Wrestlingフレンズからのお便りを紹介。
Personal notes from our editors. Also discover postcards from TW friends around the world!
Notes personnelles des editrices. Decouvrez aussi les messages des Tokyo Wrestling friends du monde entier.
On August 20th, just a few days prior to the film's official public release on August 23rd, TW attended the "Sex and the City" Japan Premier. For the complete article - with video, follow the link here!
※Norika Fujiwara and the eternally sexy and powerful Patricia Field at the "Sex and the City" Japan Premier.
The "Sex and the City" Japan Premier was held in Tokyo's Roppongi Hills Arena. Present at the event were stylist Patricia Field, director Michael Patrick King and a lush assortment of Japan's own celebrities drawn to the affair by their passion for the show.
※Misaki Ito, decked out in the Vivian Westwood wedding dress from the film, along with out gay director Michael Patrick King.
Guests attending all arrived in elaborate outfits in line with the "Love and Pink" dress code, and walked the shocking pink runway to the stage, grabbing fans attention with every step. Rounding out the finale, Patricia Field entered as only she could - glamorously seated in a Swarovski crystal bedecked Mercedes Benz. Afterwards, an exclusive after party was held - bringing some of NY's cool style straight to Tokyo.
※Patricia Field makes the scene seated in a Swarovski Benz.
※Noriko Aota, a celebrity perfect for the spirit of "Sex and the City", was showered with attention as she appeared surrounded by some of the most notable personalities the Japanese queer scene has to offer.
★For the full-length Sex and the City Japan Premier report with a video message from Patricia Field, follow the link here.
★For more TW coverage on the Sex and the City movie, see here.
(C) MMVlll New Line Productions, Inc.
Sex and the City(tm) is a trademark of Home Box Office,
Inc.All Rights Reserved.
A special press premier for the film "Sex and the City" was held here in Tokyo recently.
Most likely, no one needs an introduction to Sex and the City, the sizzling US drama that came to an end four years ago after 6 extremely popular seasons. Now, at last, in 2008 the sensational drama has made its big screen debut, and it's already been making quite a splash around the world!
As most TW readers know, the lead characters on the show walk a fine line between straight (women) and gay (men), both in terms of personality and conversation. Moreover, links bringing the women intimately into gay culture are found in story lines including Charlotte's crush on a power lesbian and Samantha's involvement with a woman, all the while Carrie and Charlotte's best friends, gay men, carry a steady influence throughout the program.
In particular, the super stylist and pride of New York, Patricia Field, is herself an outstanding example of a power lesbian - which is clearly a source of her unique and edgy stylistic energy.
（★For TW's interview with Rebecca Weinberg, a Sex and the City designer and Patricia Field's ex-partner, see here.）
※The characters appearing in the film wore over 1000 different outfits. The fashion worn by Carrie during the opening scene is most notably cool - Power dyke fashion doesn't get any better than ties against vests.
Cynthia Nixon, who plays Miranda, has been involved for several years with a same-sex partner. In an interview with "Harper's Bazaar" (page 66 of the August 9, 2008 issue) she talks a little about her relationship and how she has become more open because of it. (For more on her coming out, see here.) In the drama there is an episode where Miranda is mistaken for a lesbian and, in the film as well, similar teasers are in place making exciting viewing for us queers in the crowd.
Jason Lewis, who plays Samantha's love interest and attended the Tokyo event, is also well known for being an outstanding supporter of the LGBT community. In fact, he attended the May 2008 GLAAD Annual Media Awards, a ceremony that celebrates gay-friendly actors and actresses.
And there's so much more.
The only regret we have for the film was the fact that Standford and Anthony, Carrie's and Charlotte's best friends had less presence than we would have liked. However, the zing of queer culture was still palpable in many parts of the film. And, the film itself is great fun for even non-queer folks, or people who have never seen the TV drama as well, so it's definitely worth going out to see!
※The ever and always close friendship between the leading women is stunning.
★For a full report on the Sex and the City Japan Premier with a video message from Patricia Field, see, here.
●Director: Michael Patrick King
●Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
●Run Time: 144 minutes
●Showing in theaters across Japan from Saturday, August 23, 2008
●Distribution (Japan): GAGA Communications
●Official (Japanese) Homepage→ http://sexandthecity-movie.gyao.jp/
(C) MMVlll New Line Productions, Inc. Sex and the City(tm) is a trademark of Home Box Office, Inc.All Rights Reserved.
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
As mentioned in our previous TW Note, American actresses Cathy DeBuono and Jill Bennett were here in Tokyo last month to be a part of the Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival's closing session - a showing of their film "Out at the Wedding", in which DeBuono appears in a lead role... and Bennett packs a punch!
Both DeBuono and Bennett are both high-profile actresses, especially within America's lesbian scene. You can find their video blogs posted on the hot mama of all lesbian entertainment sites, AfterEllen.com, and you can catch Jill Bennett starring with Jenny Shimizu on the hit LGBT horror show, Dante's Cove.
These two stellar actresses are also girlfriends, and currently working on a project together. They have just started to film a video blog introducing gay areas from all over the world...and their first installment may just be Tokyo!!! Upon getting wind of this, TW was thrilled to grab the opportunity to interview them "on location" at the Cocolo Café in Nichome. Afterwards, we had some street portraits taken, and went out to places like the tried-and-true lesbian bar KinsWomyn.
So, first and foremost, we'll post a video message from Cathy and Jill right here. Also, it won't be long before we post our interview in the Articles section, so be sure to check back!
★Incidentally, CoCoLo Cafe is now offering an L Word-themed cocktail, so fans of the drama may want to go to see what it's all about!
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
Though many of you most likely already know, The L Word will reach its end with the final episode of Season 6 - although plans for a spin-off are in the works. For this reason, our queer American media and blogging sisters are abuzz with questions as to WHO will be selected as the central character for the new spin-off series. To say the least, it's a fun and spirited discussion!
Grace Moon, the editor for OurChart - a social networking service set up by The L Word producer/director Ilene Chaiken and run in part with Katherine Moennig and Jennifer Beals - has also posted her own hopes and predictions with regard to the new series. In her posts, Moon has also written about some of the stars’ visits to Tokyo - and introduces Tokyo Wrestling to her readers. Rock!
She wrote a bit about Jennifer Beals' trip to Tokyo in February - including her impromptu visit to KinsWomyn, complete with a photo of the lovely-and-leggy poster Beals signed - and the write-up itself conveys a good sense of Beals’ favorable impression of Japan. → http://www.ourchart.com/content/
Also, she mentions Katherine Moennig's voyage east (to the mobs of Narita airport) and covers some of the Premier Fan Conference, attended by TW readers. This shows that fans in America are just as curious about Kate’s time in Japan as anyone else! → http://www.ourchart.com/content/
The ever-magnanimous Grace Moon has long shown interest in Japan - from before the days of TW’s start. She's helped out TW’s editor-in-chief during her stays in the US and was there with us at this year’s Dinah Shore Weekend. She was also formerly an editor for the lesbian culture magazine, “Velvet Park”, showing that her roots in disseminating information on the lesbian scene extend way deep. We’d like to thank her for including TW in the OurChart circle, and - by the same token - we encourage our readers to check out and get more involved in OurChart as well!
Here’s to sharing strengths and knowledge through networking!
We know all you honeys made it to the Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival last month. The record number of audiences at screenings this year stand as evidence that hardly a soul missed the event. And, as many people at the venue may have noticed, lesbian artists from around the world were here in Tokyo taking part. TW will be posting interviews with these spunky media movers and shakers, but first - before we post the full-length conversations and video messages - we'll be delivering a brief report right here!
To highlight our interviews held around the TIL&GFF, TW approached Miwa Tosaki - renowned photographer of Japan's lesbian scene (her collected works are published in "Love Voice" (Artone), among others) - asking if she'd like to capture the directors and actresses in a series of photographs. The collaboration not only produced terrific results, it also gave everyone the opportunity for an excellent international exchange on lesbian culture!
The resulting series of artistic prints will be posted along with the interviews. But for now, we'll give you just a taste with a couple snapshots!
★For TW's interview with director Zero Chou, click here.
※Zero Chou (right), director of "Spider Lilies", with the cast of her newest film "Drifting Flowers", Chao Yi-Lan (left) who plays Diego and Selena Fan (center) who plays Jing.
Both of the actresses were so lovely and adorable that they inspired calls of "Kawaii!" from the audience when they made a special appearance on stage at the film festival. This was Chao Yi-Lan's first role as an actress, but it's clear that - judging by the number of Japanese women's hearts she's stolen - they hit the jackpot by casting her!
Also in Japan were Cathy DeBuono and Jill Bennett, star and supporting actress in the American release "Out at the Wedding" - the TIL&GFF's selection for its closing film this year. These two powerful forces from the American lesbian scene spoke as guests in a Q & A after the film showing.
Seeing as how Cathy and Jill are not only out and proud lesbians, but also girlfriends, TW took the opportunity of our interview with them to take them out for a special night on the town in Nichome. As you can see from their portrait below, when it comes to hot couples, Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan have nothing on these two!!
※Of "Coming Out at the Wedding" fame, actresses and girlfriends Cathy DeBuono (left) and Jill Bennett (right) in Nichome.
★For the official Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival homepage, click here.
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
As one would expect, the most wonderful bit of information came to light on Tanabata - Japan's holiday celebrating star-crossed lovers. According to the British magazine, "The Sun" Lindsay Lohan gave a brief speech this February at her birthday party declaring, "I just wanna live a happy healthy year, continue on the path that I've been on and be with the person I care about. And my family." This appears to be quite a modest coming out statement.
Naturally, "the person I care about" that Lohan is referring to is Samantha Ronson, TW's own pick for our Lesbian Hotlist. Together the two have already endured endless gossip and prying attention regarding their relationship. Now Lohan, who is clearly in love with her current steady paramour, has entered the same gray territory already occupied by Jodie Foster, that is, being out while never really coming out. Let's just call this being out - for the most part.
Even in Japan, talk of the couple has rippled through women's magazines - and just when you thought it may stop there...the couple made print today in the men's sports magazine, "Nikkan Gendai". Along with a photograph of the two kissing taken at the end of May, the magazine excitedly ran the headline "A real, lesbian kiss!" They were so enthused that you'd think they'd discovered the cure for cancer.
At Disneyland after the birthday party
We here at Tokyo Wrestling wish them all the best in life and love...and love.
※A RoHan fan has uploaded pictures of the two lovebirds at Lohan's birthday party...and to the tune of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" at that!
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
※Kate Moennig at the Premium Fan Conference in Tokyo
Yesterday was a day to remember.
With a press conference in the morning, a Premium Fan Conference with TW readers at noon, and an interview shortly afterwards, Tokyo Wrestling spent most of the day indulging in the company of Katherine Moennig, which was - to say the least - very HOT! Over the next few days, I will update the Tokyo Wrestling website with our interview with Kate, a video message, information from Kate's press conference, and some behind the scenes details, but for now I'd just like to quickly let you know the scoop on our Premium Fan Conference!
First of all, I would like to thank the Tokyo Wrestling readers that we invited to the Fan Conference yesterday for receiving Kate so warmly and with such terrific manners. Each of you were so polite and kind, and Kate told me during our interview that she was really touched by your consideration. Thanks to you, Kate can head back home with a wonderful impression of us here in Japan! Also, Kate gave me a special message for all our readers who unfortunately couldn't be with us yesterday. I will post it shortly, so please keep an eye out!
The Premium Fan Conference began with Kate walking out as the opening song for The L Word's Season 2 was playing. Our fans began to cheer and the heat in the venue immediately picked up! When telling everybody about her arrival at Narita airport Kate happily shared, "After an 11 hour flight, I was a bit shocked to see so many people! I was a little taken aback. I had no idea that would happen. It was very sweet. It was very kind of them."
Apparently, after arriving in Tokyo, Kate went to see Harajuku, Naka-Meguro, and Ebisu. She also made a point to see Meiji Jingu - which is absolutely charming! This is Kate's first time in Japan, but it was clear that she already has a special affinity for the culture, people, and food. When asked what her favorite kind of sushi was, Kate replied, after giving it some thought, "Toro" - which stirred giddy bursts of joy from her fans.
While her cool is undoubtedly the most striking part about her, Kate let her fun side show with a winning grin after she accidentally hit herself in the mouth with a microphone when answering a question.
One fan was chosen by a drawing to read a handwritten fan letter and, though the initial plan was that the two would then shake hands, our lucky girl got not one, but two hugs from Kate! Kate even put her arm around her for a special photo of the both of them. It was a heart-warming moment. And the warmth didn't stop there. On her way out, Kate shook hands and sweetly said good bye to each of her fans. We were all overjoyed to see everything go so well!
Also, if you would like to know more about upcoming articles on Kate, this is your lucky day! You will be glad to hear that several writers I met at the press conference will be keeping me up to date on future releases! I'll be passing information on to you as I get it, so be sure to check back!
Also, Tokyo Wrestling is now being inundated with emails and messages on Mixi from fans who want to know more about when Kate will fly back to the States. Since, it's impossible for us to answer each of you one by one, I'll be answering here. Kate's return to the US will not be a public event. To respect her privacy, the media is not being given any information, meaning that we have no details to share here at TW. We hope you understand and wish Kate well from wherever you are.
[Readers' Bonus]
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
We would like to announce that Tokyo Wrestling just celebrated its first anniversary this June!
To commemorate the occasion, we changed our home page a little and spruced up our "Tokyo Wrestlers" with a 1st anniversary version. Thank you for visiting the site and keeping up with our articles, notes, and information during this year of growth. Your support truly means a lot to us!
When we first started Tokyo Wrestling, there was very little in Japan that authentically embodied our "lesbian culture". At the time, almost all of our interviews and news coverage focused on people and events overseas. However, starting at the end of last year, lesbian culture has gradually begun to make its presence known here in Japan as well. Since then, it has flourished with lesbian-themed movie after movie - including the soon-to-be-released "Topless" and "Water Lilies" as well as the advent of taboo-shattering TV dramas, such as The L Word and Last Friends. NHK has even decided to broadcast new conversations on sexual minorities. In addition, novelist Eiko Matsuura and manga writer Sachiko Takeuchi have also played significant roles in promoting the lesbian scene. With this boom in lesbian culture at hand, we have been very, very busy covering lesbian-related events here in Japan.
Tokyo Wrestling's Hot List will be making print this month in a special article in the women's fashion magazine, Gisele. Following coverage in the January issue of TV Bros, this will be the second time this year that TW has appeared in magazines. Just the other day, access to our site rocketed to 10 thousand hits in one day. These developments along with the constant heart- warming messages sent to us by each of you has kept us motivated and inspired. Thank you very much for your infective support.
At around this time last year, we held a launch party in Los Angeles to celebrate the inauguration of Tokyo Wrestling online. This summer we plan to get involved in one of Tokyo's own greater cultural events - one very close to the hearts of our base. We'll be bringing you more on these events soon, so please keep watching!
Now, we have many fresh and exciting projects on hand that are sure to pique your interest.
Stick with us and let's all do our part to promote knowledge of, and passion for, lesbian culture around the world!
Here's to the tough girls!
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
I wasn't able to do much blogging once I arrived in LA, but since so many exciting things did take place while I was there, I'd like to take this chance now to give you a brief report!
First of all, Jamie Babbit, a director for The L Word since season 4, kindly arranged a place for me to stay while I was in LA - at her house! Actually, I've known Jamie for several years now - when she came to Japan I showed her around Nichome and took her shopping in Tokyo.
Jamie has an incredibly warm household; she shares a home with her partner Andrea and their two wonderful children AND two cute dogs. Her father was also staying at the house while I was there - so not only did I have a place to stay, but also a warm and caring family to spend time with! I'd catch Jamie’s father in his pajamas in the morning and couldn't help but notice that he wore an L word T-shirt for a pajama top! I did get a sense that indeed, for some families in America, the atmosphere surrounding gay and lesbian issues is so open that watching The L Word can be a family affair.
As I stayed at Jamie's I also went out to grab some amazing stories!
I headed to a park suggested by Daniela Sea, known for her role as Moira/Max from season 3 on The L Word, and met her there for an interview. The park was located in West Hollywood, right by the infamous café, The Abbey. Every year, this park and this stretch of LA are overrun with rainbows and people for Gay Pride.
As I sat and talked with Daniela, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the natural beauty of her captivating eyes, and understood quite well her popularity with both women and gay men. This was the first time I had ever interviewed someone under the expansive blue sky of LA and, I must admit, it felt liberating.
Daniela Sea in her car
Keep checking back - soon I'll be posting interviews from LA such as, oh, Jenny Shimizu!
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
As introduced in our INFO section the other day, the film "Topless" will be showing in Tokyo theaters starting tomorrow!
"Topless" portrays with skilled realism the environment that many Japanese lesbians live in today, and warmly depicts the human drama of bittersweet love. This off-beat film was directed by Eiji Uchida, known for his adept visual crafting of stories about modern youth, and written by lesbian writer, Purin. The line-up of endearingly fresh-faced acting talent in "Topless" is gratifying, with actresses including the young and dynamic Mina Shimizu and the TV-advertising-queen-turned-film-star Erika Okuda.
"Topless" delivers a lesbian perspective on life with sincerity and honesty. Japanese queer girls will surely be struck by the resonance between the story reflected on-screen and their own lives, while straight viewers will also enjoy this wistful-yet-heartful tale that speaks to the universality of love. Without a doubt, every soul will walk away from this film with more hope and daring. On Saturday, June 7th, the creators and cast will be present at the theater. Tokyo Wrestling emphatically recommends catching this flick on the big screen!
★For TW's interview with director Eiji Uchida, starlet Mina Shimizu, and original story crafter Purin Watanabe, follow the link here.
STORY
The ever-lively and upbeat Natsuko tries to mend a broken heart by carrying on with a string of short-lived affairs after her break-up with Tomomi. But when Tomomi announces her plans to marry - a man - Natsuko becomes inconsolable. While all this is taking place, Natsuko's straight male roommate is grappling with his own feelings for her, and a young high school girl comes to Tokyo searching for the mother that long ago left her for a female lover. Each character - queer, straight, male, female, young, old, and in-between - struggles to make peace with him/herself as all their lives overlap. This story captures the power of young love, and the web of the city.
