True Films 3.0 - Kevin Kelly

Kintaro Walks Japan
A restless young Californian sets out to walk the length of Japan in order
to impress his half-Japanese girl friend, whose father walked the length of
North and South America. What makes this autobiographical travelogue
worth watching is the sheer fun and exuberance of the hero, nickname
Kintaro, as he pulls everyone he meets into his movie. Smile, you are
part of my adventure! Walk all day for months? Life is beautiful! Kintaro
inspires fun every step of the way, in every frame of the movie, as he plays
with film and life, and jokes, bonds, learns, and shares his walk. His joy is
incredibly contagious. Once in your life you should do what this guy did.
Make a fool of yourself and see what’s down the road. Feeling low? Watch
this! And as a bonus, this light-hearted documentary shows a mellow
side of Japan very few gaijin ever see. (It doesn’t say anywhere in the film
but Kintaro – real name Tyler MacNiven – won the $1 million Amazing
Race 9 reality TV program.)
By Tyler MacNiven
2005, 67 min.
Available from kintarowalksjapan.com
and from Google Video
Walking across the country often meant walking across bridges that outlawed
pedestrians. Kiintaro gets a ticket (middle right) for trying to cross
one bridge. It also meant walking in the rain. Or getting a massage from
massage students.
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