Bridge of Japan

In "Bridge of Japan," (1956) directed by Ichikawa, two geisha, Oko and Kiyoha, engage in a fierce contest for dominance at Nihonbashi, the pinnacle of Tokyo's geisha world, while both vying for the affections of young doctor Shinzo Katsuragi. The film presents an elegant yet steely exposé of manners as these early modern superwomen plot and scheme to win his favor. Chikage Awashima stars as Otaka Inaba in this drama that re-evaluates Kyoka Izumi's work as a tanbi-ha masterpiece of decadence and intrigue.