'Far Western', A Documentary About Country and Western Music in Japan

Far Western is an upcoming documentary by Oklahoma-based filmmaker James Payne that takes a look at the rich and deep history of country and western music in Japan. The music first made an impact in the country after World War II through the songs of legends like Hank Williams and has since grown into a uniquely Japanese phenomenon.

Part music history and part character portrait, Far Western is told through the lives of musicians, fans, and live-music venue owners. Set both in modern Japan and the American South, the film explores the uncanny ability of a simple form of music to cross geographic and language barriers, forming a strange cultural bridge between the two countries.

The project is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.