Word: nikkatsu
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...more than 1.1 billion tickets in 7,067 theaters. Today, in an entertainment world that moves to Sony Walkman rhythms and Pac-Man blips, Japanese cinema is troubled and timid. The five studios that have survived the national movie recession of the past decade or so-Toho, Toei, Shochiku, Nikkatsu and Daiei-find their profits in real estate, supermarket chains, Kabuki theater troupes and bowling alleys. Most of the 322 films produced last year were roman poruno, or lowbudget, soft-core-sex pictures. The number of theaters is down 68% since 1958, and ticket sales were a pathetic 150 million...
Japan, having had a fling at making its own westerns (starring Jo Shishido, whom studio admen modestly call the "third fastest gun in the world"-after Gary Cooper and Alan Ladd), is still watching 20 U.S.-made western serials on television. In two glorious years, though, Nikkatsu studios turned out nearly 30 eastern westerns, starting with The Quickdrawer and finally losing heart with Mexican Vagabond this year. Mexico was the nearest Nikkatsu dared come to the real thing. Said a studio spokesman: "We have too great respect for American cowboys to invade the real wild West...
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