Bill Murray is Japan's newest poster boy

[Taro Toporific]

Bill Murray Does His Bit for Japan's Economy
Bloomberg - June 16-- Seven thousand miles away, in New York City, Chris Alcazar heard Japan's siren song. The 36-year-old hastily booked a flight and visited the world's No. 2 economy for the first time.
Why? He saw ``Lost in Translation,'' Sofia Coppola's award- winning film set here in Kyoto and Tokyo.
``After seeing the movie, Japan didn't seem too foreign anymore,'' explains Alcazar ...

[AssKissinger]

I just finally saw this movie this morning. I really liked it. Great soundtrack (same with Virgin Suicides), too; which always helps. Bill Murray is great, if you think about it: Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day and this one, the guy has some funny films on his resume. One thing I like about this movie is even though they got money to burn they still can't buy happiness. Having a good time overseas isn't only about having the cash, it's about having the right frame of mind. It's a cool scene when they go out partying and Bill Murray sings that Roxy Music song. Who's to say if it captures the 'real' Japan? Japan is much too vast for anyone to know. But Coppola does seem to know a lot about the place. Does anyone know why? Has she spent time over here? Real Japan or not it does capture a kind of isolation/culture shock you can get when in a foreign country. I know I'm late as Hell on this one but that's Livin' Mi Vida Inaka!

[cstaylor]

Has she spent time over here?

Yes she has, although just on short visits. The hotel featured in the movie is where she usually stayed IIRC.