Seeing Japanese movies in Japan

[Mark Schilling]

Oliver Petipas asks how to reduce the high price of movie-going in Japan.

The way to cut expenses to zero is to finagle your way onto the screening
invitation lists of Japanese film distributors (my own method). 

Failing this, you can sometimes wangle invitations to pre-release "fan
screenings." Check out distributor Web sites or film and entertainment mags
for ads and notices.  

Failing this, buy advance tickets at Playguide or other ticket agency or at
the theater box office. Save Y300!

Failing this, buy cheap tickets at discount ticket shops. Usually the
selection is not that wide or good, but you can get some amazing bargains.
The latest Godzilla for Y1,000!

Failing this, wait for the video release and, if the video you want is not
in your neighborhood shop, check out the monster Tsutayas in Shinjuku,
Shibuya or Ebisu Garden Place. If they don't have it, well, you can always
send out a call for help to this mailing list!

Mark Schilling
schill at gol.com