In this 17th installment of "Today's Book," a series selecting books perfect for camping or solo travel, we feature Kenichi Nakane's "China Aims for Cinema: The Front Lines of China's Film Business." Nakane is an associate professor of law at Hokkai Gakuen University, specializing in Chinese language and culture.
The transformation of the Chinese film market in the 1990s began with the massive success of "Titanic." From this period, various foreign films were introduced to mainland China via Hong Kong, and Japanese films also gradually started to penetrate the Chinese market. China's enormous population represents a colossal market for the film industry, and achieving success in China is economically very attractive even for Hollywood.
Hollywood has adopted a strategy of actively incorporating Chinese cultural elements, filming locations, and even Chinese actors to appeal to Chinese audiences. This cultural adaptation is intended for films to play a direct role in promoting tourism, and places that served as film locations are often visited by fans as tourist destinations. Hokkaido, in particular, is known as a filming location for a majorly popular movie in China, and this background has significantly contributed to the increase in Chinese tourists visiting Japan.
The book also elaborates on the influence of children's programs, citing the example of Ultraman. It is natural for children to imitate the content of movies and TV shows, which can sometimes lead to safety-related issues. As a father of two, I was initially cautious about letting my children watch intense content like "sentai" (super-squad) shows. However, through my parenting experience, I came to understand that movies and programs are not just entertainment but have an important educational role in helping children correctly perceive fiction and distinguish it from reality.
This book highlights the significant impact of movies and television on culture and, by thoroughly analyzing the complex dynamics of the Chinese market, clarifies China's position and influence within the global film industry. It is a highly beneficial read not only for film industry professionals but also for general readers interested in cultural exchange.
"Today's Book" #17 "Chinese Cinema's Global Ambition: The Frontier of China's Film Business" by Kenichi Nakane
