Photo courtesy of Third Window Films.
Source: Third Window Films, Terracotta
Special Thanks to Adam Torel
Third Window Films is pleased to announce the release of TOKYO POP (1988) on Blu-ray and digital May 5th.
An underseen gem of ‘80s American independent cinema by Fran Rubel Kuzui (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), TOKYO POP takes us on a breezy tour through bubble era Tokyo, replete with knowing nods to the city’s vibrant pop culture.
Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton, daughter of comedy legend Carol Burnett and producer Joe Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners) and takes up work as a hostess at a karaoke bar. Just when she’s at her breaking point, she meets Hiro (Diamond Yukai), a rock ‘n’ roller whose band is looking for their big break. They form a romantic and musical connection and Hiro convinces Wendy to become their lead singer. Through a combination of hustle and luck, they stumble into their 15 minutes of fame, but Wendy soon comes to realize that being a gaijin rocker may be nothing more than a passing fad.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films.
Running Time: 100 minutes plus bonus
Language: English & Japanese
Subtitles: English *for the Japanese dialogue only
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: 2.0 Stereo
Region Code: A,B
UK Rating: 18
Street Date: 05/05/25
SRP: £20.00 (UK), $26.00 (US)
Special Features
• Director Fran Rubel Kuzui audio commentary
• James Balmont video essay
• Director Q&A at the Japan Society
• Panel Discussion at the Tokyo Film Festival
• Trailer
• 8 page booklet
• Slipcase Edition (Limited to 2000 copies)
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films.
About Third Window Films
The Third Window Films brand was born in 2005 when its film-loving founders grew bored of the stream of worn-out shock horror vehicles from the Far East. Third Window Films works hard to bring you the wonderful world beyond long-haired ghost films and mindless Hollywood action copies, sourcing the finest works in new Far Eastern cinema. We strive to represent a rich variety of film genres, be they dramas, comedies, political satires, action or anything else in between. Expect everything from the unknown and cult to the off-beat and even the occasional mainstream masterpiece... or expect nothing but quality Asian cinema! Let Third Window Films be your window to the East!