Week 1- Japanese Culture and Bladerunner

How did Japanese culture influence the film Bladerunner?

Released in 1982, Bladerunner was directed by Ridley Scott and starred Harrison Ford. The movie is of the science fiction genre but also has roots in film noir and cyberpunk, and is sometimes categorised as an action film. Set in a disparate 2019 Los Angeles, the film drew many influences from different sources which helped set the scenes they filmed.

One of the biggest influences seen subtly in the film is Japanese culture. At many parts in the film, characterised signage and advertisements can be seen and even the layout and shape of the buildings can be linked to it.

Fig. 1. Blade Runner, concept art, 1980s

In the 80's, Japan was seen to be highly technologically advanced and so a lot of American science fiction films drew upon this, especially when creating cities and environments. The neon lights associated with Japan would be perfect for a futuristic, technological themed film and so were included wherever possible. It also helps to connect the film to things we know- there are elements of 'real life' in there so it makes us feel like the film is a more viable production.

Fig. 2 Bladerunner (screenshot from film), 1982

Parts of the Japanese language and its characters were one of the most often seen parts of the culture within the film. Tariffs on taxi cabs and shop and street signs in neon brights were commonplace in the film and helped solidify the visual influence within each scene. There can also be seen within the film Japanese cuisine and fashion- at one point Ford is at a street food vendor which sells oriental looking dishes, and the vendor himself wears a karate gee-like tunic patterned with a typical 'Japanese' print. The lady sat next to him is also obviously Asian and wears a yellow conical hat, a style of clothing often depicted in traditional prints and paintings.

Fig. 3 Bladerunner (screenshot from film), 1982

Figure 1. Blade Runner concept art, 1980s, D. Shay, Blade Runner: The Inside Story, London, Titan Books, 2000, p13
Figure 2. Blade Runner (screenshot from film), 1982, Dir. Ridley Scott, The Ladd Company, Shaw Brothers, Warner Bros.
Figure 3. Blade Runner (screenshot from film), 1982, Dir. Ridley Scott, The Ladd Company, Shaw Brothers, Warner Bros.