Oshima was one of the most interesting, varied and individualistic directors to come out of the so called new wave of Japanese cinema. From the late '50's throughout the '60s he put out an incredible string of unique films in a constantly evolving style - political, transgressive, exploratory all, but so distinctive from one another you'd be hard pressed to identify that they all came from the same helmsman unless you were told. He slowed down his output some after that, but each subsequent film was no less interesting than the last. I love each one that I've had the fortune of seeing.

He may have passed, but I can't stress enough how rewarding looking in to his 40 some years behind the camera. Do yourself a favor and help keep his art immortal!

I will finish watching "In the Realm of the Senses" in his honor. Recently revisited "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," which is much better than I'd remembered. Truly one of the innovative greats, not only of Japan but of world cinema.

"My husband is drinking with Koji Wakamatsu right now," says Akiko Oshima.