Tokyo Hula

Tokyo Hula explores the explosive popularity of the hula dance in Japan from both Native Hawaiian and Japanese perspectives. Today it is estimated there are nearly 2 million people dancing hula in Japan – a figure greater than the entire population of Hawaii. With more people dancing hula in Japan than in Hawaii where the native art was born, this phenomenal growth has created a multi-million dollar industry based on culture as commodity. But what motivates Japanese students and teachers to dance hula and how is it translated into a foreign culture? How do Native Hawaiians participate in this cross-cultural exchange? Through the personal stories of Hawaiian master hula teachers and Japanese teachers and dancers, the documentary examines how tourism, economics and a love affair with the islands of Hawaii has made hula big business in Japan.

Director: Lisette Marie Flanary
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 72 min
Country: United States of America
Original Language: en

Trailer

Tokyo Hula Trailer
More Films by Director: Lisette Marie Flanary
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tokyo Hula about?
Tokyo Hula explores the explosive popularity of the hula dance in Japan from both Native Hawaiian and Japanese perspectives. Today it is estimated there are nearly 2 million people dancing hula in Japan – a figure greater than the entire population of Hawaii. With more people dancing hula in Japan than in Hawaii where the native art was born, this phenomenal growth has created a multi-million dollar industry based on culture as commodity. But what motivates Japanese students and teachers to dance hula and how is it translated into a foreign culture? How do Native Hawaiians participate in this cross-cultural exchange? Through the personal stories of Hawaiian master hula teachers and Japanese teachers and dancers, the documentary examines how tourism, economics and a love affair with the islands of Hawaii has made hula big business in Japan.
Who directed Tokyo Hula?
Tokyo Hula was directed by Lisette Marie Flanary.
How long is Tokyo Hula?
Tokyo Hula has a runtime of 1h 12m (72 minutes).
What genre is Tokyo Hula?
Tokyo Hula is a Documentary film.
Where was Tokyo Hula produced?
Tokyo Hula was produced in United States of America.