The aim of this website is to provide students and faculty with a database of film clips for class use. The content of the site will be useful for analysis and will instill a greater interest in Japan, providing a template for this type of research in the future. Not only am I hoping to provide a useful resource for classrooms at St. Olaf, but also to construct a model for future students to make lasting contributions with their own work. The function of this site hinges upon peoples' abilities to teach and interpret film for its linguistic and cultural content.

Each clip is from a film directed by the legendary Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa. A user may first watch the clip and then read the text, which gives a brief overview and analysis of the clip. The text serves as a starting point for discussion, allowing educators to expound upon what is in the text and move on to relevant discussion. For students or researchers, the 18 film clips and text will serve as a springboard for further research, depending on one's goals and interests.