Moments of Tony Tikitani

A musical moment which surprised me in the film Tony Tikitani was towards the beginning when the narrator tells the viewer about the life and musical career of Tony’s father Shozaburo.  He describes his father’s experiences as a jazz musician in Japan, and his move to perform in China.  As he is described, jazz music is playing.  After reading Music in Japan by Bonnie C. Wade, my understanding about the history of music in Japan is expanded.  I now know that Jazz, and other American styles of music had, and continue to have an important influence on Japanese culture.  After many years of isolation, the idea of allowing outside influences on Japanese culture was once again accepted during the Meiji period. 

                Later in the film, during a scene when Tony and his wife visit a bar where Shozaburo is performing, the narrator describes Tony reflecting on his father’s music sounding significantly different from how it sounded years before.   As Tony and his wife are sitting at the bar, he speaks to her about her shopping habits and proposes that perhaps she could cut back on her spending, a glass is shown breaking, and the two turn to look towards the shattered glass and the scene ends.  Throughout this whole scene, there is no music.  There are only words spoken.  The moment of Tony reflecting on his father’s music being different, and then his conversation with his wife are both dramatic moments in the plot.  To not have music, which has been so prominent throughout the film, from piano to jazz, adds to the drama.