NEW WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING

For those of you who have been waiting for an update on Figure8's progress and Jamie Morris' bosozoku and uyoku documentaries, visit the new and completely improved website.

A special thanks goes out Dave Seward, who has spent a lot of time and energy to finally organize all the content Jamie has compiled over the years into a user friendly but sleek website. It looks and feels like the website I have always wanted.

Dave you're  a legend and a true master of the dark art of flash. From hence forth you will be known as DARTH FLASH!

(Jamie)

So many interesting (and challenging) developments have happened in the last couple of years. Please do check out the new site to catch up on the latest. 

But here are some tidbits:

The bosozoku (Japanese biker gang) documentary feature has really blossomed into a story about the end of a subculture and is appropriately called: "Sayonara Speed Tribes." Visit the bosozoku film section for more info. The film (in post production) should be completed in the form of a rough cut this year(2008).

"A Quiet Revolution," Figure8's  second documentary is currently in production. The main story tracks Igarashi, an uyoku true-believer and street activist. His right wing or ultranationalist views stem from the belief that the emperor is in fact a deity and should take his place at the core of Japanese society. On the opposite end is the sayoku or left wing, most of whom protest in favor of ending the imperial family and the emperor's status as head of state. 

Somewhere in between are the non-loudspeaker-touting  silent majority. The country is changing rapidly and the imperial family's role in the nation's affairs is reflecting a new era in Japanese society. Will they fade away or adapt to a new Japanese culture which seems to regard them with less and less favor each year.

Please visit the uyoku film section for more info.

WE HAVE A NEW STORE FOR MERCHANDISE!

Have a look and let me know which items appeal to you and your pocket book.

In other news, Yoshinaga Masayuki,  photographer and collaborator with Figure's "Sayonara Speed Tribes," has been promoting his work in New York and Los Angeles. 

NEW YORK:

Figure8 submitted a short documentary about him for the International Center of Photography's Heavy Light exhibition. 

LOS ANGELES

Keep posted for photographs and an article by JM Moorghen about about Yoshinaga-san's exhibition in L.A. His work on Lolita and Goths - Japanese style- is getting attention from domestic as well as international audiences. 

You can also track Yoshinaga-san's movements at Wakasa Presents.

END OF NEWS UPDATE 5/31/2008