Tokyo's willing cog in an enormous machine requiring long hours, low pay, total dedication. And sometimes, what's called koroshi, death by overwork. Here in a society of tight spaces and many expectations, the pressure is on to keep up appearances, to do what's expected, to not let the interior life become exterior. But at night, things are different. Deep, deep waters. The first time I came here, it was like -- it was a transformative experience. It was powerful and violent experience. It was as if -- it was just like taking acid for the first time.
Meaning what do I do now? I see the whole world in a different way. I often compare the experience of going to Japan for the first time, going to Tokyo for the first time, to what Eric Clapton and Pete Townsend must have gone through, the reigning guitar gods of England, what they must have gone through the week that Jimi Hendrix came to town.
You hear about it, you go see it. A whole window opens up into a whole new thing. And you think what does this mean? What do I have left to say? What do I do now? Welcome to Tokyo. You are not invited. This is the other Tokyo. Twelve-hour flight and I'm baked.
No sleep. Might as well -- must go out. Joining me is Japanese film producer and production manager, Maso Sokubel.
Always a good sign when protective chains protect entertainers from the soon to be entertained. Prepare yourself for the greatest show in the history of entertainment.
