Help on "Tattoo-IREZUMI" film by DAEI

[Li Hoo Cheong]

My 1995 Pia Cinema Club Annual listed Masumura's <Irezumi> as 
available on video tape by Daei, but that is a color film.
There is a good chance that it is still available.  Checking 
the latest ed. of the annual will ascertain its availability.

H. C. Li

>I finally got a lead to the possible identity of the medieval-looking
>film I saw on late night Japanese TV in 1985.  When Stephen Sarrazin
>joined the list last week, I contacted him privately to ask about the
>film.  Here's a portion of his response:
>
>"...Of course I thought of Tanizaki's novel, Tattoo-IREZUMI, which was
>made as a period film, by DAEI, in 1966, and directed by Yasuzo
>Masumura. This could be the version you saw...."
>
>When I asked if he had any idea how I might find a video of this, he
>wrote:
>
>"Concerning the video, I would think that it's available only in
>japanese; Daiei has a vhs collection called 'daei film museum' and it
>might be one of their titles. I've never seen it in Europe (I have a
>pretty good idea as to what's available on tape in Europe).  Through the
>magazine I write for, HK, I can check with Daiei, but it will take a
>little while. Unless someone on the list is already in Japan and could
>look it up quickly for you (by dropping by at the local Tatsuya)."
>
>Is there by any chance anyone in Japan willing to look this up for me? 
>I'd be very grateful.
>
>Many thanks in advance,
>
>Kathleen
>