The essence of a documentary lies in its documentation of the subject. Tokyo Banana stays true to this credo. It follows the lives of three artists from Tokyo striving to make it big in show business. Tokyo Banana shares their experiences and recounts their challenges. We meet the people around them, who have stood steadfast through their struggles. We also hear about those who decided to move away mid-way. The documentary takes us through the streets of Tokyo, its pedestrian plazas and residential quarters to catch up with our subjects at their homes, during their practice sessions and amidst their performances.
Tokyo Banana from director Fumito Fushi is an elaborate presentation about three artists, striving to find their own identities in the entertainment industry. It has breezy, open conversations, about their lives, art and the experiences that have shaped them thus far. The camera remains non-intrusive and a silent spectator while the artists perform in their practice sessions, on the streets and on stage, but gives the three enough space when they open up about themselves during the one-to-one chat sessions.
While it is a peep into their lives so far, Tokyo Banana also help us understand their aspirations. We learn about the incidents that have shaped them so far, and the challenges they face every day. Be it the cultural shock when interacting with a new culture, the burnout of a broken marriage or the fallout of Asperger syndrome; It is these conditions that go on to shape one’s life and one’s art.
