Blu-ray release: ‘Tokyo Pop’

By   |  Mar 16, 2025

Third Window Films are bringing the 1988 Japanese-American musical romantic comedy ‘Tokyo Pop’ (トーキョー ポップ) to UK Blu-ray on May 5, 2025.

Co-written and directed by Fran Rubel Kuzu, the film follows a young American singer who travels to Tokyo and meets a local rock musician, with whom she develops a romantic and musical connection. The cast includes Carrie Hamilton, Diamond Yukai, Taiji Tonoyama, Tetsuro Tamba, and Masumi Harukawa.

Synopsis: Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners) and takes up work as a hostess at a karaoke bar. Just when she’s at her breaking point, she meets Hiro (Diamond Yukai), a rock ‘n’ roller whose band is looking for their big break. They form a romantic and musical connection and Hiro convinces Wendy to become their lead singer. Through a combination of hustle and luck, they stumble into their 15 minutes of fame, but Wendy soon comes to realize that being a gaijin rocker may be nothing more than a passing fad.

Features:
• Director Fran Rubel Kuzui audio commentary
• James Balmont video essay
• Director Q&A at the Japan Society
• Panel Discussion at the Tokyo Film Festival
• Trailer
• 8-page booklet
• Slipcase Edition [2000 copies only]
• Region: B

‘Tokyo Pop’ is available to pre-order now from Terracottadistribution.com and HMV.com.

Phil Mills
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