JSB Film Club: Pom Poko (1994)

This month the JSB Film Club will discuss Isao Takahata's Pom Poko (1994).

In this brilliant and often overlooked Studio Ghibli masterpiece, the forests are filled with groups of magical tanuki, mischievous raccoon-like animals from Japanese folklore that are capable of shape-shifting from their standard raccoon form to practically any object. The tanuki spend their days playing idly in the hillsides and squabbling over food – until the construction of a huge new Tokyo suburb clears the nearby forest and threatens their way of life. In an effort to defend their home, the tanuki learn to transform into humans and start playing tricks to make the workers think the construction site is haunted, ending in a spectacular night-time spirit parade, with thousands of ghosts, dragons and other magical creatures descending on the city. (Synopsis from GKIDS)

Watch the trailer here. 

Films should be viewed independently in advance of our meetings. Find the film available to stream online or check out your local library.

The Japan Society of Boston Film Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great classic and contemporary Japanese films. The purpose of our club is to support the community of Japan enthusiasts in the New England region by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.

The JSB Film Club Website has supplementary materials for past films available to members. See the JSB Member Portal for the code to access the blog!

The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members. Interested in joining but not yet a Member of the Japan Society of Boston? Consider becoming a member today!