Journey to Japan

Title:	Rashomon (1950), d. Akira Kurosawa
Starring:	Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo
Summary:	In 12th century Japan a samurai and his wife are attacked by a bandit. The samurai is killed. At the murder trial, four witnesses give four different views of the incident, each revealing more – but contradictory – detail. What really happened? Kurosawa’s haunting meditation on the nature of truth has captivated generations.
Dress:	Asian kimono or yukata robes. Here’s an inexpensive source if you’re going all out.
Music:	Try Japanese folk music – if you’re unfamiliar, here’s a fine primer. For a more modern Japanese jazz sound, sample Gontiti.
Food:	Sushi and sashimi fresh from an Asian market for those who like it. For those who don’t, serve a veggie-shrimp stir-fry with udon noodles – quick and simple to make. Seaweed salad on the side; finish with green tea ice cream from that same Asian market.
Drink:	It’s a good time to learn about sake, Japan’s national beverage – compared to (and sipped like) wine, but brewed like beer. Here’s a primer. Playing it safer? Kirin Ichiban and Sapporo are crisp, light Japanese beers easy to find in the US.
Farr Notes:	Pass around this ready-to-print leaflet on Rashomon

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