"Vibrator" director Ryuichi Hiroki revisits the 2008 Akihabara Massacre in his new film "River"

by Chris MaGee

On June 8th, 2008 25-year-old Tomohiro Kato drove his van into a crowd in Tokyo's Akihabara district, killing three people and seriously injuring two. He then jumped out of the truck and began randomly stabbing shocked pedestrians. Four were killed and eight were injured. It was found that Kato, the son of a successful businessman, had been dealing with debt and suicidal depression and had apparently snapped, posting threats against those in Akihabara on internet message boards. For his crimes he was convicted to death earlier this year. This incident became known in Japan as The Akihabara Massacre, and now director Ryuichi Hiroki is addressing the horrific event in his new film "River".

Hiroki, who brought us such films as "Vibrator" and "It's Only Talk" has cast actress Misako Renbutsu in "River" as the girlfriend of one of the young men killed in the Akihabara Massacre.
having spiralled into a deep depression after her boyfriend's death she eventually works up the courage to visit Akihabara. It's hear that she becomes involved in the lives of the people in Tokyo's famed "Electric Town". These people include Tomorowo Taguchi, who portrays the recruiter for a maid café, Nahana as a maid hading out flyers on the street and Mami Nakamura as a photographer.

"River" will be getting it's international premiere at this year's Tokyo Filmex, so check back with us here at the J-Film Pow-Wow during our coverage of this annual festival. Thanks to Tokyograph for the news on this.