Kizuna, Parts 1 & 2

Friday, May 13
6:30 pm

1994 (newly subtitled in 2005), 60 min, OVA (DVD to be released in early 2006), color. In Japanese with English subtitles. Directed and written by Rin Hiroo. Based on a graphic novel by Kazuma Kodaka. Music by Fujio Takano. Courtesy of Central Park Media/Be Beautiful. 

Image: Kizuna Vol. 1 © 1992 Kazuma Kodaka. Originally published in Japan in 1992 by BIBLOS Co., Ltd. English version © 2004 A 18 Corporation

These two episodes of the anime adaptation of one of the bestselling Yaoi comics depict a love triangle between Ranmaru, Kei and Kai, as well as a tangled family drama between two brothers, Kei and Kai. Yaoi is a cultic subculture genre of manga with a theme of male to male romantic love that is primarily read by women, but also has a strong presence in the Comicket (comic market) estimated to draw one million fans in Japan. Akiko Mizoguchi of the National Film Center, Tokyo gives an introductory lecture on yaoi, followed by a talk by manga artist Kazuma Kodaka.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.