The Izu Dancer/The Dancing Girl/A Ghost Story DVD

The Izu Dancer by Kawabata Yasunari:
Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972) won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968. A young student falls in love with a traveling dancer, but societal differences may tear them apart.

The Dancing Girl by Mori Ohgai:
Mori Ohgai (1866-1922) was a pioneer in the Japanese Romantic literary movement. A Japanese man working in turn of the century Berlin fathers a child with an impoverished dancer. But political difficulties force him to choose between his career or the woman he loves.

A Ghost Story by Koizumi Yakumo:
Koizumi Yakumo (1850-1904) is the author of many books on the Japanese culture. A blind lute player chants the old legend. His music attracts the attention of the dead, who request a special performance.

TITLE: The Izu Dancer/The Dancing Girl/A Ghost Story DVD
RUNNING
TIME: 75 minutes
RATING: Ages 13 & Up
SRP PRICE: $29.99
CATALOG #: USMD 2277
STREET DATE: February 11, 2003

Botchan: Parts 1 & 2/Student Days DVD

Botchan: Parts 1&2 by Natsume Soseki:
Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) is considered one of the pioneers of modern Japanese literature. The new teacher Botchan has arrived, and he challenges students and peers alike in one hilarious situation after another!

Student Days by Kume Masao:
Kume Masao (1891-1952) was a prolific novelist, playwright, and literary critic who devoted much of his life to improving the state of art and theater in Japan. Young Kenkichi is determined to enter a prestigious school. He sacrifices every waking hour to his studies, but at what cost?

TITLE: Botchan: Parts 1 & 2/Student Days DVD
RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes
RATING: Ages 13 & Up
SRP PRICE: $29.99
CATALOG #: USMD 2275
STREET DATE: February 11, 2003

The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2/Season of the Sun DVD

The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2 by Takeyama Michio:
Takeyama Michio (1903-1984) was a noted scholar and translator. He received the Mainichi Shuppan Bunkasho literary prize, for his depiction of war in The Harp of Burma. Near the end of World War II, a soldier is missing and presumed dead by his captured comrades. A mysterious monk may hold the key to his disappearance.

Season of the Sun by Ishihara Shintaro:
Ishihara Shintaro (b. 1932) is a prize-winning author, cultural icon, and outspoken politician. In 1955, he was awarded the Akutagawa Literary Prize for his novel Season of the Sun. A boxer and a beautiful woman share a tumultuous relationship in post WWII Japan. Will love guarantee them a happy life, or will pride tear them apart?

TITLE: The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2/Season of the
Sun DVD
RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes
RATING: Ages 13 & Up
SRP PRICE: $29.99
CATALOG #: USMD 2273
STREET DATE: February 11, 2003

The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2/Growing Up DVD

The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2 by Mishima Yukio:
Mishima Yukio (1925-1970) was awarded the Shinchosha Literary Prize for his novel The Sound of Waves. A poor fisherman falls in love with the daughter of the most powerful man in his village. To overcome this obstacle, he must prove his bravery in a terrible sea storm.

Growing Up by Higuchi Ichiyo:
Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896) overcame poverty and ill health to publish some of the most acclaimed works of her generation. Two friends are torn apart when one joins a gang, betraying the bond of trust between them.

TITLE: The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2/Growing Up DVD
RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes
RATING: Ages 13 & Up
SRP PRICE: $29.99
CATALOG #: USMD 2280
STREET DATE: February 11, 2003

All DVD Listings offer the following behind-the-scenes features:

• Author Biographies
• Trailers
• Japanese with English Subtitles
• DVD-ROM Features Art & Sketch Gallery