#Japan #Tokyo #Roppongi Tsutaya #Cinema Ratatouille #Akio Fujimoto

A Unique Live Podcast Experience at Roppongi Tsutaya

On April 6, 2026, Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore located in Minato, Tokyo, will host a special live recording of the podcast "Cinema Ratatouille" featuring acclaimed director Akio Fujimoto. This event marks the second recording of the show, hosted by Yoshi Yatabe, former programming director of the Tokyo International Film Festival. The episode will explore Fujimoto’s latest film, "LOST LAND," which is set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, and has garnered significant international acclaim, including a Special Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, making Mr. Fujimoto the first Japanese director to achieve this honor.

The event will be structured in two sections. The first segment will be the live podcast recording of "Cinema Ratatouille," where Yatabe will engage Fujimoto in a discussion about his film. The host for the event, writer and MC Reira Okuhama, will join in to present a special edition of "Monthly Check," where recent theatrical releases will be introduced. The second segment will be a deeper dive into Fujimoto's career and creative journey during the "WATCH PLAN Talk," offering attendees a chance to gain valuable insights into the director’s body of work.

Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore has always prioritized film-related activities, aided by its proximity to a movie theater. Its movie section, "WATCH PLAN," focuses on curating cinematic experiences and information, utilizing the SHARE LOUNGE on the second floor to create a hub for film enthusiasts.

About "Cinema Ratatouille"

"Cinema Ratatouille" is a podcast helmed by Yoshi Yatabe, where he whimsically discusses both Japanese and overseas films, akin to a hearty ratatouille dish filled with diverse ingredients. Yatabe invites various film-loving guests each week to explore cinema, transcending eras and genres while introducing film festivals and special screenings. The podcast features several interesting segments, including "What Did You Watch Recently?" where participants share their latest cinematic experiences, and "Cinematic Themes," where audience members suggest movies based on prompts such as flowers or gold, leading to wide-ranging discussions.

Guest Profiles

• - Yoshi Yatabe: Originally from Paris, he began working in film distribution and promotion in 2000. He was involved in documentary filmmaking and led programming at the Tokyo International Film Festival for 19 years. Post-independence in 2021, he continues to support film festivals worldwide.

• - Akio Fujimoto: Born in Osaka in 1988, he studied film production at Visual Arts School Osaka. His debut feature, "My Place" (2018), received several awards at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. He has continued to make waves in the industry with his second feature, exploring the lives of Vietnamese technical interns.

• - Reira Okuhama: Hailing from Kanagawa, she is an MC and writer specializing in film and music, known for her engaging presentations at film screenings, radio programs, and her writing for magazines and film pamphlets.

Event Details

Live Recording and Talk

• - When: April 6, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00 (doors open at 18:45)
• - Where: SHARE LOUNGE event space, Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore
• - Capacity: 50 attendees

Schedule:
1. First Part - Live recording of "Cinema Ratatouille"
2. Second Part - WATCH PLAN Talk with a deep dive discussion

Admission Fee

1. On-site Attendance: ¥2,000 (including tax)
2. Video Archive of Second Part: ¥1,000 (including tax)

*No live streaming will be available for both parts. The audio from the first part will later be published on Spotify and YouTube.
The video archive will be available for viewing until June 7, 2026.

How to Participate

• - To attend the event, make sure to apply online by the deadlines:

1. On-site Tickets: By April 5, 2026, 23:59
2. Video Archive Viewing: By May 31, 2026, 23:59.

For inquiries, please contact Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore at +81 (0)3-5775-1515.
For further details and ticket information, visit Roppongi Tsutaya Event Page.
Get ready to dive deep into the world of film with acclaimed director Akio Fujimoto and the dynamic team behind "Cinema Ratatouille!"