Japan often conjures up images of crowded metropolises, crazy game shows, an abundance of vending machines, and a culture permanently set to overdrive that never sleeps. On the fringes lurk some of cinemas strongest images: Shinya Tsukamoto’s industrial nightmares spawned the visceral TETSUO film; RAMPO NOIR’s quartet of moody J-horror tales updates the genre beyond creepy, white-faced children; and, with over 70 films on his resume the works of prolific auteur Takashi Miike could fill a whole booklet – from over-the-top yakuza tales to children’s ghost stories. Japanese cinema provides a world of confronting and rewarding viewing.