COVERCHORD CULTURE
The Creators’ Choice
Recommended viewing for the holidays
2023 - 2024
We ask leading creative personalities
to share their recommended viewing for the holiday season
Now an annual tradition, COVERCHORD has once again asked six creators from various fields about the movies and series they want to watch during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
From timeless masterpieces to niche documentaries and even TV programs, there's something for everyone.
So, grab the popcorn and settle in for some quality viewing during your time off.
UNDERCOVER
Jun Takahashi
Perfect Days
2023 France
Director: Wim Wenders
A movie brimming with the compassion that we, living in the modern world, are beginning to forget.
I felt a sense of shame for the greedy way I’ve lived my life.
Among the numerous works by Wim Wenders, this is undoubtedly his masterpiece.
After Life
2019~ USA/UK
Director: Ricky Gervais
This is a drama series available on Netflix.
The story follows a middle-aged journalist from a local newspaper who, having lost his beloved wife, spirals into despair before embarking on a path of renewal. The series, starring, written, and directed by British comedian Ricky Gervais, weaves in his signature black humor, making it an outstanding watch.
Torakku Yarô: Bôkyô Ichibanboshi
1976 Japan
Director: Noribumi Suzuki
When I was a child, the staple New Year's movies on TV were either the 'Planet of the Apes' series or the 'Torakku Yarô' series. While 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo' with Tora-san dominated the theaters, Momo-san from the 'Torakku Yarô' series held a special place for me – he’s like an anarchic version of Tora-san and the epitome of a man among men.
Among the series of films, my absolute favorite is 'Bôkyô Ichibanboshi’.
Momo-san comes to a ranch during one of his journeys and falls in love at first sight with a woman there. There’s nothing cuter than watching him try to impress her with his hastily acquired horseback riding knowledge.
Every film in the series follows the exact same pattern, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's a masterpiece with tears, crude humor, and everything in between.
Jun Takahashi
UNDERCOVER Designer/Director Born in 1969 in Gunma Prefecture and started Undercover while at Bunka Fashion College in 1990. Takahashi made his debut at the Tokyo Fashion Week in 1994 and Paris Fashion Week in 2002, and has received the Mainichi Fashion Award In 2001 and 2013.
Having partnered with diverse brands like GU and THE NORTH FACE, they introduced their inaugural collaboration with nonnative, unveiling the OZISM capsule collection in December of last year.
Website_undercoverism.com
Instagram_@joniotakahashi
2023 France
Director: Wim Wenders
A movie brimming with the compassion that we, living in the modern world, are beginning to forget.
I felt a sense of shame for the greedy way I’ve lived my life.
Among the numerous works by Wim Wenders, this is undoubtedly his masterpiece.
After Life
2019~ USA/UK
Director: Ricky Gervais
This is a drama series available on Netflix.
The story follows a middle-aged journalist from a local newspaper who, having lost his beloved wife, spirals into despair before embarking on a path of renewal. The series, starring, written, and directed by British comedian Ricky Gervais, weaves in his signature black humor, making it an outstanding watch.
Torakku Yarô: Bôkyô Ichibanboshi
1976 Japan
Director: Noribumi Suzuki
When I was a child, the staple New Year's movies on TV were either the 'Planet of the Apes' series or the 'Torakku Yarô' series. While 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo' with Tora-san dominated the theaters, Momo-san from the 'Torakku Yarô' series held a special place for me – he’s like an anarchic version of Tora-san and the epitome of a man among men.
Among the series of films, my absolute favorite is 'Bôkyô Ichibanboshi’.
Momo-san comes to a ranch during one of his journeys and falls in love at first sight with a woman there. There’s nothing cuter than watching him try to impress her with his hastily acquired horseback riding knowledge.
Every film in the series follows the exact same pattern, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's a masterpiece with tears, crude humor, and everything in between.
Jun Takahashi
UNDERCOVER Designer/Director Born in 1969 in Gunma Prefecture and started Undercover while at Bunka Fashion College in 1990. Takahashi made his debut at the Tokyo Fashion Week in 1994 and Paris Fashion Week in 2002, and has received the Mainichi Fashion Award In 2001 and 2013.
Having partnered with diverse brands like GU and THE NORTH FACE, they introduced their inaugural collaboration with nonnative, unveiling the OZISM capsule collection in December of last year.
Website_undercoverism.com
Instagram_@joniotakahashi
Glass Artist
Miyo Oyabu
Mauvais Sang
1986 France
Director: Leos Carax
This film was released in Japan when I was a student, and it left a profound impact on me. Set in the near future at the turn of the century in Paris, it unfolds a love story involving three individuals.
The scene featuring Denis Lavant racing through the city to David Bowie's "Modern Love" and Juliette Binoche's sheer beauty is captivating.
She looks so striking in a bright red cardigan, it’s a scene I want to savor again with a glass of red wine in my hand.
Where Is the Friend's House?
1987 Iran
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
The story revolves around a boy who, in an attempt to return a friend's notebook that he mistakenly took home, wanders through an unfamiliar town. Despite being a simple tale, the film manages to evoke frustration towards unreasonable adults and suspense over the actions of the innocent boy. Before you know it, you find yourself completely absorbed in the narrative.
The cinematography is reminiscent of the works of Ozu, a director admired by Kiarostami, and it stays with you for a while after watching it.
La vita è bella/Life Is Beautiful
1997 Italy
Director: Roberto Benigni
This is a masterpiece among masterpieces that has received numerous awards.
It tells the story of a parent and child sent to a concentration camp during WWII.
The Jewish father, in an effort to shield his son from fear, weaves a gentle lie, saying that they are all playing a game together. Despite addressing the Holocaust, the film highlights the father's earnest efforts to persist in the lie for the sake of his loved ones, adding a comical touch that intensifies the underlying sadness.
I highly recommend watching this movie with someone dear to you.
Miyo Oyabu
Established an atelier in Okinawa in 2003. Since then, she has exhibited domestically and internationally, as well as creating various works for store lighting and commercials.
Owns the gallery HIZUKI located in Yomitan Village.
Ｗebsite_hizuki.org
Instagrm_@hizuki_okinawa
Instagrm_@miyooyabu
1986 France
Director: Leos Carax
This film was released in Japan when I was a student, and it left a profound impact on me. Set in the near future at the turn of the century in Paris, it unfolds a love story involving three individuals.
The scene featuring Denis Lavant racing through the city to David Bowie's "Modern Love" and Juliette Binoche's sheer beauty is captivating.
She looks so striking in a bright red cardigan, it’s a scene I want to savor again with a glass of red wine in my hand.
Where Is the Friend's House?
1987 Iran
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
The story revolves around a boy who, in an attempt to return a friend's notebook that he mistakenly took home, wanders through an unfamiliar town. Despite being a simple tale, the film manages to evoke frustration towards unreasonable adults and suspense over the actions of the innocent boy. Before you know it, you find yourself completely absorbed in the narrative.
The cinematography is reminiscent of the works of Ozu, a director admired by Kiarostami, and it stays with you for a while after watching it.
La vita è bella/Life Is Beautiful
1997 Italy
Director: Roberto Benigni
This is a masterpiece among masterpieces that has received numerous awards.
It tells the story of a parent and child sent to a concentration camp during WWII.
The Jewish father, in an effort to shield his son from fear, weaves a gentle lie, saying that they are all playing a game together. Despite addressing the Holocaust, the film highlights the father's earnest efforts to persist in the lie for the sake of his loved ones, adding a comical touch that intensifies the underlying sadness.
I highly recommend watching this movie with someone dear to you.
Miyo Oyabu
Established an atelier in Okinawa in 2003. Since then, she has exhibited domestically and internationally, as well as creating various works for store lighting and commercials.
Owns the gallery HIZUKI located in Yomitan Village.
Ｗebsite_hizuki.org
Instagrm_@hizuki_okinawa
Instagrm_@miyooyabu
NOWHAW
Kotaro Togawa & Chuson
Altered States
1980 USA
Director: Ken Russell
This film depicts the story of Edward, a brilliant scientist obsessed with a trip to the spiritual world. In the end, his physical form regresses into something resembling a gorilla, but he is saved by love.
The trip sequences and visual effects create a feeling of having glimpsed something you shouldn't, making it a perfect confrontation and reward for welcoming the end of the year. The opening isolation tank and title scenes are already so cool!
Curriculamachine
1974~1978 Japan
This isn’t a movie or a drama series, but I’d like to recommend it anyway. Curriculamachine was a children's educational program broadcast on Nippon TV from 1974 to 1978. It’s a vivid, nostalgic record of Japan in that era, full of un-PC content that would never make it through compliance regulations now. Whether to show this program to our own children is a decision that the future of Japan may hinge on. Anyway, even for adults – I mean, especially for adults, these videos, which can only be watched by obtaining the DVD now, are highly recommended during this era and timing. (Digests are also available on YouTube.)
Game Record GP
2007~2011 Japan
Again, this isn’t a movie, but I must recommend it. Airing on the SKY PerfecTV channel 'MONDO TV' from 2007 to 2011, this show focused on mahjong, pachinko, pachislot, gravure idols, etc. It was hosted by Sujitarô Tamabukuro and Hime and featured young comedians taking on retro games (mostly Famicom) with rules created specifically for the show – like an Olympics tournament of the gaming world. Fujita, Akira Boy, and Curry Oh impressed us many times with unlikely strategies that we didn’t see coming. The show faced trouble later, with some of the young talents involved facing legal issues such as theft, making a rebroadcast impossible, so the only way to watch it now is on DVD. I highly recommend watching this during the year-end and New Year's holidays, ideally while enjoying mochi under the kotatsu!
1980 USA
Director: Ken Russell
This film depicts the story of Edward, a brilliant scientist obsessed with a trip to the spiritual world. In the end, his physical form regresses into something resembling a gorilla, but he is saved by love.
The trip sequences and visual effects create a feeling of having glimpsed something you shouldn't, making it a perfect confrontation and reward for welcoming the end of the year. The opening isolation tank and title scenes are already so cool!
Curriculamachine
1974~1978 Japan
This isn’t a movie or a drama series, but I’d like to recommend it anyway. Curriculamachine was a children's educational program broadcast on Nippon TV from 1974 to 1978. It’s a vivid, nostalgic record of Japan in that era, full of un-PC content that would never make it through compliance regulations now. Whether to show this program to our own children is a decision that the future of Japan may hinge on. Anyway, even for adults – I mean, especially for adults, these videos, which can only be watched by obtaining the DVD now, are highly recommended during this era and timing. (Digests are also available on YouTube.)
Game Record GP
2007~2011 Japan
Again, this isn’t a movie, but I must recommend it. Airing on the SKY PerfecTV channel 'MONDO TV' from 2007 to 2011, this show focused on mahjong, pachinko, pachislot, gravure idols, etc. It was hosted by Sujitarô Tamabukuro and Hime and featured young comedians taking on retro games (mostly Famicom) with rules created specifically for the show – like an Olympics tournament of the gaming world. Fujita, Akira Boy, and Curry Oh impressed us many times with unlikely strategies that we didn’t see coming. The show faced trouble later, with some of the young talents involved facing legal issues such as theft, making a rebroadcast impossible, so the only way to watch it now is on DVD. I highly recommend watching this during the year-end and New Year's holidays, ideally while enjoying mochi under the kotatsu!
SASUKE
1997~ Japan
Despite being asked to recommend three movies or drama series, Chuson, without being asked, barges in with another recommendation. Seemingly uninterested in introducing movies or dramas, she passionately insists on recommending TBS's nationally beloved event, SASUKE (Ninja Warrior), which airs at the end of each year. According to Chuson, SASUKE is where the real drama unfolds! She particularly emphasizes the phenomenon known as 'Sasuke High’, the intense and passionate state that engulfs even the viewers. She's been especially captivated by the trance-like state of Snow Man's Iwamoto Teru in recent years. She earnestly hopes everyone can savor the joy of watching SASUKE in real-time in their native language at the end of the year.
Kotaro Togawa & Chuson
Beginning in 2012, the pajama brand NOWHAW’s name stands for "New Odd Wonder Holiday And World”.
Their lineup prominently features pajamas made from the incredibly soft denim fabric produced in Okayama Prefecture, known as "Baby Denim," and emphasizes the use of natural materials.
With a theme of "Wearing Art to Sleep," the latest release in their "Art of Pajama" series showcases a collaboration with Tadanori Yokoo. Adopted as amenity pajamas in some luxury accommodations both in Japan and abroad, NOWHAW is a pajama brand that brings artful design and comfort to everyday life.
Website_nowhaw.com
Instagram_@nowhaw_pajama
1997~ Japan
Despite being asked to recommend three movies or drama series, Chuson, without being asked, barges in with another recommendation. Seemingly uninterested in introducing movies or dramas, she passionately insists on recommending TBS's nationally beloved event, SASUKE (Ninja Warrior), which airs at the end of each year. According to Chuson, SASUKE is where the real drama unfolds! She particularly emphasizes the phenomenon known as 'Sasuke High’, the intense and passionate state that engulfs even the viewers. She's been especially captivated by the trance-like state of Snow Man's Iwamoto Teru in recent years. She earnestly hopes everyone can savor the joy of watching SASUKE in real-time in their native language at the end of the year.
Kotaro Togawa & Chuson
Beginning in 2012, the pajama brand NOWHAW’s name stands for "New Odd Wonder Holiday And World”.
Their lineup prominently features pajamas made from the incredibly soft denim fabric produced in Okayama Prefecture, known as "Baby Denim," and emphasizes the use of natural materials.
With a theme of "Wearing Art to Sleep," the latest release in their "Art of Pajama" series showcases a collaboration with Tadanori Yokoo. Adopted as amenity pajamas in some luxury accommodations both in Japan and abroad, NOWHAW is a pajama brand that brings artful design and comfort to everyday life.
Website_nowhaw.com
Instagram_@nowhaw_pajama
Model
Hiromi Yamamura
Kiki’s Delivery Service
1989 Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
When I was a child, I watched this movie so many times that I knew all the lines. I practiced flying on a broom every day, imagining that I would leave home at the age of 13, like Kiki.
As time went by, I became an adult, double the age of Kiki when she set out on her journey. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, training to become a model.
Like Kiki, I arrived in a new land with great expectations and excitement. At times things were hard in this unfamiliar terrain, but I took inspiration from Kiki, who, in a letter to her family, declared, "I love this town." Despite setbacks, I embraced everything and moved forward. Perhaps, I have learned this way of life from this movie. For me, it's a film that encapsulates everything.
Julie & Julia
2009 USA
Director: Nora Ephron
I love Meryl Streep, and among the characters she has portrayed I particularly love her as Julia Child, the iconic chef who transformed the culinary landscape in America.
Both Julia and the chefs at the cooking school in Paris teach us the importance of cooking without worrying about mistakes, focusing on the joy it brings.
As someone who is not great at cooking, I also own Julia Child's legendary recipe book.
While some ingredients like lobster may be challenging to find, I hope that after watching this movie and feeling the warmth it brings, you'll be inspired to don an apron and pearls, just like Julia, and enjoy cooking.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
2022 USA
Director: Anthony Fabian
Like Mrs. Harris in this film, I am one of those people who is captivated by Dior during the Monsieur Dior era. In my line of work, I see lots of clothes every day, and I always hope to encounter garments that move someone in some way.
The power that a single piece of clothing holds is incredible.
But just like Mrs. Harris discovers, whether you’re dressed up or not, whatever you’re wearing, you’re still you.
There’s something so beautiful about that. Watching this movie I realized that it’s okay to have dreams, that's what life is all about.
Hiromi Yamamura
Model Born in Nara Prefecture, moved to Tokyo in 2009. Joined a modeling agency in England in 2013, and has appeared in numerous shows and magazines both domestically and internationally.
Website_fridayfarm.net/hiromi-yamamura
Instagram_@hiromi_yamamura
1989 Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
When I was a child, I watched this movie so many times that I knew all the lines. I practiced flying on a broom every day, imagining that I would leave home at the age of 13, like Kiki.
As time went by, I became an adult, double the age of Kiki when she set out on her journey. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, training to become a model.
Like Kiki, I arrived in a new land with great expectations and excitement. At times things were hard in this unfamiliar terrain, but I took inspiration from Kiki, who, in a letter to her family, declared, "I love this town." Despite setbacks, I embraced everything and moved forward. Perhaps, I have learned this way of life from this movie. For me, it's a film that encapsulates everything.
Julie & Julia
2009 USA
Director: Nora Ephron
I love Meryl Streep, and among the characters she has portrayed I particularly love her as Julia Child, the iconic chef who transformed the culinary landscape in America.
Both Julia and the chefs at the cooking school in Paris teach us the importance of cooking without worrying about mistakes, focusing on the joy it brings.
As someone who is not great at cooking, I also own Julia Child's legendary recipe book.
While some ingredients like lobster may be challenging to find, I hope that after watching this movie and feeling the warmth it brings, you'll be inspired to don an apron and pearls, just like Julia, and enjoy cooking.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
2022 USA
Director: Anthony Fabian
Like Mrs. Harris in this film, I am one of those people who is captivated by Dior during the Monsieur Dior era. In my line of work, I see lots of clothes every day, and I always hope to encounter garments that move someone in some way.
The power that a single piece of clothing holds is incredible.
But just like Mrs. Harris discovers, whether you’re dressed up or not, whatever you’re wearing, you’re still you.
There’s something so beautiful about that. Watching this movie I realized that it’s okay to have dreams, that's what life is all about.
Hiromi Yamamura
Model Born in Nara Prefecture, moved to Tokyo in 2009. Joined a modeling agency in England in 2013, and has appeared in numerous shows and magazines both domestically and internationally.
Website_fridayfarm.net/hiromi-yamamura
Instagram_@hiromi_yamamura
Ceramicist
Futoshi Yamashita
Gaia Symphony No. 1
1992 Japan
Director: Jin Tatsumura
This is an omnibus documentary series based on the Gaia theory advocated by Dr. James Lovelock, a British biophysicist.
The theory posits that the Earth itself is a single living organism. The series has 9 episodes and it's a collection of films that I highly recommend watching at least once.
Sketches of Myahk
2011 Japan
Director: Koichi Ohnishi
This documentary follows people on Miyako Island who pass down the sacred songs born from faith in the islands’ Gods. These precious songs and rituals are considered national treasures and I was deeply moved to learn about this rich history.
The Seburi Story
1985 Japan
Director: Sadao Nakajima
I was intrigued by the theory that the mysterious ethnic group Sanka, which is said to have once existed in Japan as recently as the 1970s, were descendants of the Jōmon people.
This is a hidden gem of a movie that depicts the Sanka people’s lifestyle as one closely aligned with nature, isolated from society.
Futoshi Yamashita
Ceramicist Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1972. Studied Koishiwara-yaki Pottery and established the Aso Bougama kiln, where he continues to create ceramics utilizing materials derived from volcanoes.
Instagram_@futoshiyamashita
1992 Japan
Director: Jin Tatsumura
This is an omnibus documentary series based on the Gaia theory advocated by Dr. James Lovelock, a British biophysicist.
The theory posits that the Earth itself is a single living organism. The series has 9 episodes and it's a collection of films that I highly recommend watching at least once.
Sketches of Myahk
2011 Japan
Director: Koichi Ohnishi
This documentary follows people on Miyako Island who pass down the sacred songs born from faith in the islands’ Gods. These precious songs and rituals are considered national treasures and I was deeply moved to learn about this rich history.
The Seburi Story
1985 Japan
Director: Sadao Nakajima
I was intrigued by the theory that the mysterious ethnic group Sanka, which is said to have once existed in Japan as recently as the 1970s, were descendants of the Jōmon people.
This is a hidden gem of a movie that depicts the Sanka people’s lifestyle as one closely aligned with nature, isolated from society.
Futoshi Yamashita
Ceramicist Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1972. Studied Koishiwara-yaki Pottery and established the Aso Bougama kiln, where he continues to create ceramics utilizing materials derived from volcanoes.
Instagram_@futoshiyamashita
atelier ST, CAT
Seiko Hayashi
Gattaca
1997 USA
Director: Andrew Niccol
Featuring modern interiors and architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, every scene is captivating.
The film portrays a dystopian near-future influenced by an extreme eugenics ideology, and despite the cold and futuristic setting the human drama narrative unfolds beautifully and calmly leaving a warm feeling in your heart by the end.
Nocturnal Animals
2016 USA
Tom Ford
I love both Tom Ford’s films for their aesthetics, but I prefer this one over “A Single Man”.
The impeccably designed home of the gallery owner, the contemporary art gallery, and the stylish outfits enhance and evoke a serene yet serious tone to this mystery.
I also like the enigmatic ending that leaves room for interpretation.
Midsommar
2019 USA/Sweden
Director: Ari Aster
This horror film is quite vivid and grotesque, so it may not be for everyone, but the combination of a romantic atmosphere and grotesque horror is incredibly innovative and quite unforgettable.
I also appreciate the unique visual methods that hint at foreshadowing future events in the film. Maybe don’t watch it as a couple, I’d recommend watching it with female friends. You’ll understand why when you do!
Seiko Hayashi
CEO of atelier ST,CAT Born in 1986. A native of Tokyo, an entrepreneur, and a mother.
After working as a fashion editor, she set up the jewelry brand "atelier ST, CAT," specializing in crafting personalized, unique wedding and engagement rings.
Website_st-cat.com
Instagram_@payacat
Instagram_@atelierstcat
1997 USA
Director: Andrew Niccol
Featuring modern interiors and architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, every scene is captivating.
The film portrays a dystopian near-future influenced by an extreme eugenics ideology, and despite the cold and futuristic setting the human drama narrative unfolds beautifully and calmly leaving a warm feeling in your heart by the end.
Nocturnal Animals
2016 USA
Tom Ford
I love both Tom Ford’s films for their aesthetics, but I prefer this one over “A Single Man”.
The impeccably designed home of the gallery owner, the contemporary art gallery, and the stylish outfits enhance and evoke a serene yet serious tone to this mystery.
I also like the enigmatic ending that leaves room for interpretation.
Midsommar
2019 USA/Sweden
Director: Ari Aster
This horror film is quite vivid and grotesque, so it may not be for everyone, but the combination of a romantic atmosphere and grotesque horror is incredibly innovative and quite unforgettable.
I also appreciate the unique visual methods that hint at foreshadowing future events in the film. Maybe don’t watch it as a couple, I’d recommend watching it with female friends. You’ll understand why when you do!
Seiko Hayashi
CEO of atelier ST,CAT Born in 1986. A native of Tokyo, an entrepreneur, and a mother.
After working as a fashion editor, she set up the jewelry brand "atelier ST, CAT," specializing in crafting personalized, unique wedding and engagement rings.
Website_st-cat.com
Instagram_@payacat
Instagram_@atelierstcat
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