Masashi Yamamoto's 'Robinson's Garden' ('82) & 'Carnival In The Night' ('87) USA DVDs from Facets.

Although we've had 'Junk Food' and 'Forest with No Name' Stateside in the past, and although we've had the lovely Sola Aoi in his recent return "Kikareta Onna", I can't say I'm that certain yet as to my interest in these two older films which are suddenly appearing. I didn't much care for 'Junk Food' but I've a sense Yamamoto is a figure of interest none the less. Persuade me...

Carnival in the Night (out October 23rd) Synopsis from Facets, "Edgy indie director Masashi Yamamota (Junk Foo) captures the punk scene of 1980s Japan in this prickly early film. Blurring the line between documentary and fiction, Yamamota gets the most out of a cast of young toughs who more or less play themselves, while shooting on 16mm for an appropriately gritty style. A punk rocker leaves her son with her ex-husband and begins an unusual odyssey through Tokyo's underbelly. Each person she meets is stranger than the last, with each encounter more disturbing. Yami no Carnival was an Official Selection at the Berlin International Film Festival.".

Synopsis for 'Robinson's Garden' (out September 25th 2007) from Facets also, "Independent filmmaker Masashi Yamamota, known for his edgy dramas that capture the restless spirit of Japanese youth, appropriates the The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe and transplants it to present-day Tokyo. The story begins when Kumi discovers mysterious ruins on the outskirts of the city. Now overgrown, the haunting atmosphere of "the garden" draws her in, consuming her with its beauty, color, and fantasy. Just like Crusoe on his deserted island, Kumi is lost and isolated in Robinson's Garden. Shot by Tom DiCillo, director of Living in Oblivion and Jim Jarmusch's frequent cinematographer".

Pre-Order Robinson's Garden at Amazon.com for R1 USA DVD Release September 25th 2007.
Pre-Order Carnival of the Night at Amazon.com for R1 USA DVD Release October 23rd 2007.

There's also an Alternative English Synopsis for Robinson's Garden at Fandango.
Masashi Yamamoto Interview in English at Insite Tokyo.
MidnightEye Review of Kikareta Onna (aka A Woman Is Heard); includes another English Interview by Jamie Morris.
MidnightEye Review of Carnival of the Night.