Fran Rubel Kuzui's Tokyo Pop on Third Window Blu-ray in May
7 May 2025
Third Window Films has announced the May Blu-ray release of underseen gem of ‘80s American independent cinema by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Tokyo Pop takes us on a breezy tour through bubble era Tōkyō, replete with knowing nods to the city’s vibrant pop culture.
Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners) and takes up work as a hostess at a karaoke bar. Just when she’s at her breaking point, she meets Hiro (Diamond Yukai), a rock ‘n’ roller whose band is looking for their big break. They form a romantic and musical connection and Hiro convinces Wendy to become their lead singer. Through a combination of hustle and luck, they stumble into their 15 minutes of fame, but Wendy soon comes to realize that being a gaijin rocker may be nothing more than a passing fad.
Tokyo Pop will be released in a new 4K remaster on Blu-ray in the UK by Third Window Films on 5 May 2025 at the pre-order price of £19.99. Pre-order at the Terracotta store here.
