Hey guys,

As you have probably seen mentioned here, one of my fellow RFSO noobs, KLaddict, is travelling to Japan next week to make a documentary film. The film will examine Japanese youth culture and its clash with traditional Japan, and will be looking at trendy clothing stores like Bape as well as the whole kaiju/neo-kaiju phenomenon.

Through the good graces of a generous member here, two interview requests from KLaddict are already being forwarded directly to Miro at RxH and to Rockin' Jellybean, and with any luck, they will grant him interviews for the film. It looks like I have also hooked him up with a Japanese toy retailer and a Tokyo print dealer for interviews.

But, it occurs to me -- I know there are other members here with personal relationships in Japan, and i thought some of you might be willing and able to forward a similar request to other 'leading lights.' Naturally, his dream interviews would be big shots like Nigo at Bape, or Murakami, but anyone working in the area would be a possibility (artists, manufacturers, retailers, etc.).

KLaddict speaks enough Japanese to conduct the interviews, but it may be that English-speakers would be slightly preferred (at a minimum, it would cut down his postproduction time spent writing subtitles!). He will be in Japan from June 16 through early July, so he could probably accommodate most people's schedules in arranging the interviews.

Anyway, I think he is a little hesitant about asking for this sort of favor here, but ... Hell, I'm not shy, and I think this sounds like an interesting and fun project. I am also confident that he would be happy to send a DVD of the resulting film gratis to anyone who's able to offer him some assistance.

So, if any of you here could get an interview request into the hands of people working in this field (and perhaps even include your personal note asking that the interview be granted, if it's convenient), I'm sure any offers of help will be much appreciated - PM directly to KLaddict with any info, and he can email you directly with his 'interview request package' for forwarding to your contact(s).

Thanks in advance for any assistance,
CC

Too bad i'm not going to Japan yet. I would have totally helped him do the documentary. I love journalistic work.

Thanks Clay for this post. I really appreciate it. I leave for Japan to start this project this thursday. If anyone in Tokyo, or who knows someone in Tokyo could give me any tips, pointers, people to talk to etc. that would be FANTASTIC! Thanks in advance.