My Tokyo: Hiroko Oda

Hiroko Oda works in the Acquisition & Marketing department of Presidio Corporation -- an independent Japanese film distribution company. She has made a film on the making of television show "CSI" in LA and today is involved in acquiring and distributing films such as "Hotel Rwanda", "Married Life" and "Just For Kicks" in Japan.

CNNGo: What's the main difference between seeing a film in Tokyo and North America?

Hiroko Oda: Going to see a movie in Tokyo is like a big event. People plan it really well -- researching the film, booking tickets in advance, arranging lunch or dinner before or after the film. When I went to film school in Canada, seeing a movie felt a lot more casual!

CNNGo: What's happening in the local film industry?

Oda: Domestic films are doing well, with many of the hit films based on popular comic books, TV shows and 'mobile phone novels.'

CNNGo: What about international films?

Oda: They're struggling to maintain an audience. The young Japanese are watching less foreign films as American TV shows like "Lost" and "24" become more popular. They can watch them dubbed on their big flat screen TV at home, with no need to read subtitles. And also, I can't think of any foreign movie stars who can draw a young Japanese audience to the theatre today.

CNNGo: What are your favorite films of all time?

Oda: Wow, difficult question. "The Last Waltz" or "Home For The Holiday.”  My favorite Japanese film is "After Life" by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

CNNGo: Which are the best cinemas for new releases?

Oda: Toho Cinemas in Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka Complex, Roppongi Hills, Roppongi 6-10-2, Minato-ku, tel. 03 5775 6090) or Shinjuku Wald 9 (East Building 9F, Shinjuku 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, tel. 03 5369 4955). Both show films all night long, in convenient locations, surrounded by plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. And Shinjuku Wald 9 has an original air conditioning system called "Forest Air System" that produces minus ion. It also has great food -- vegetable fries and tofu ice cream!

CNNGo: And indie films?

Oda: Cinema Rise (Udagawacho 13-17, Shibuya-ku, tel. 03 3464 0051) or Eurospace (Q-AX Bldg., 1-5 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, tel. 03 3461 0211) in Shibuya. The latter shows lots of smaller Asian and European films.

CNNGo: When is the best time to see a film?

Oda: After midnight, or the first day of each month when you can watch a film for ¥1000 at most theaters.

CNNGo: Recommendations for a post-movie dinner?

Oda: If you go to Toho Cinemas, Tsurutontan (Roppongi 3-14-12, Minato-ku, tel. 03 5786 2626) is a great udon place that's open until 8am -- perfect if you see a film in the early hours. Or try Rigoletto Bar and Grill (West Walk Roppongi Hills, Roppongi 6-10-1, Minato-ku, tel. 03 6438 0071) on the 5th floor of Roppongi Hills. It's open until 5am and if you're lucky, you can get a seat with views of Tokyo Tower.

CNNGo: What do you love about Tokyo?

Oda: I love the fact I can't define this city. One moment I meet the most conservative person, and the next, someone who is extremely creative and open-minded. I love that.