Watch Made In Japan

Made in Japan is a 2015 documentary about the fascinating life of Tomi Fujiyama, a Japanese country music singer who becomes an emblematic representative figure of an entire nation. As the first Japanese woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1964, Tomi spent years touring America and performing country music, garnering a large following of fans and admirers along the way. After becoming friends with musician and actor Elijah Wood, Tomi decided to embark on one final tour of the US, playing small shows in bars and honky-tonks as she reflects on her incredible career and the impact she has had on country music culture.

The film delves into the story of Tomi’s rise to fame, exploring her childhood growing up in post-war Japan and her early love of music. Her father owned a record store, and Tomi would listen to country albums and dream of one day playing her own music in America. She started performing in her teens and quickly became known for her beautiful voice and unique style. The film shows how Tomi overcame many struggles and obstacles in her life to achieve her dream, including financial difficulties, cultural stereotypes, and language barriers.

Throughout her career, Tomi forged many meaningful relationships and connections with people across America, and these relationships are highlighted in the film. We see how Tomi’s music touched the lives of countless individuals who came to see her play, and we witness the profound impact she has had on the genre of country music as a whole. The film also explores Tomi’s personal relationships, including with her former husband and children, and delves into the emotional struggles she has faced in her life.

Elijah Wood plays a key role in the film as a friend and supporter of Tomi's. As a lover of music himself, Elijah helps to introduce Tomi to new audiences and experiences during her tour of America. His passion for the industry and appreciation of Tomi's talent helps to bring her story to life, and viewers get a sense of the deep friendship that has developed between the two.

The film is shot in a beautiful and intimate style, with many scenes showing Tomi and Elijah laughing and sharing stories together, or Tomi reflecting on her life as she flips through old photo albums. These moments give the viewer a sense of the warmth and humanity behind the music, and help to make Tomi's story feel personal rather than grandiose or distant.

Made in Japan is a fascinating look at one woman's journey to pursue her dreams, as well as a celebration of the power of music to connect people across cultures and continents. The film highlights the ways in which Tomi's music represents a unique blend of Japanese and American cultures, and how it has touched the hearts of people from all walks of life. The film's message is one of resilience, perseverance, and the unifying power of music, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired and moved.

Made In Japan is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.