Foreign filmmakers have long been aware of Tokyo as a surreal and dynamic movie backdrop. The dazzling neon lights, the crowds that swarm the streets, and the unique culture, are notable highlights to this city of contrasts. It is here that filmmakers are provided with both serenity and action all in the blink of an eye. Here’s a look at some of the Japan-inspired cinema favorites and their locations.

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For many, the words “Japan” and “movie” evoke just one word: Godzilla. The 1954 classic first helped put Japan on the movie map and fans of the great beast can see a miniature version of the star a few minutes walk from Hibiya station, near the Hibiya Chanter building.

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Story by by James Coulson

Thanks to plate tectonics, Tokyo lies equidistant of America and Europe. For us here in Japan this means we are recipients to regular shipments of the best international DJs from around the world. As many of us already know, someone can always be found somewhere spinning the wheels of steel alongside Japan’s own legion of talent, in ground-shaking venues so good it borders on otaku…but in a good way! The following are some such locations that regularly host the best of these East-meets-West DJ events, yielding dangerously enjoyable nights of pure club magic.

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