Yokohama BJ Blues, on OVID.tv

You know BJ must be a noir kind of guy, since he is a blues singing detective. Frankly, he is more of a blues-rocker than blues singer. He is not much of a detective either, but he keeps pursuing his best friend’s murderer even though it clearly involves the local crime syndicate in Eiichi Kudo’s Yokohama BJ Blues, which is now streaming on OVID.tv.

BJ had must tread lightly investigating his latest case. Akira Kondo’s mother hired him to find her missing son. Unfortunately, the boss of “The Family” “recruited” Kondo to be his “companion,” whether the young man likes it or not. There is little BJ can do, but at least he steals all the toilet paper from the boss’s bathroom on his way out.

While BJ avoids direct conflict with the Family, his friend, Det. Muku, made too many compromises. Facing imminent arrest for corruption, Muku hopes to bust an upcoming drug shipment to further bolster the plea deal he is already negotiating. Unfortunately, he is shot while meeting BJ. Despite a lack of forensic evidence, Muku’s thuggish partner Beniya tries to pin the murder on BJ.

Reportedly, star Yusaku Matsuda was inspired by trailers for Friedkin’s Cruising, which is highly believable given the tone of the final film. In fact, it is a miracle the cancel crowd has yet to attack Yokohama BJ Blues for being “problematic.” However, real people will appreciate the way Kudo makes Yokohama’a seamy red-light district look grimy and dangerous, as it surely was in 1981.

Matsuda, who was then at the height of his popularity as the star TV detective series, rather defiantly plays against type, turning BJ into a decidedly anti-heroic and thoroughly degenerate gumshoe. Koji Tanaka adds a tragic dimension to the film as the much-abused Kondo, who secretly befriends BJ.

Yet, what really defines the film is the nocturnal atmosphere. The music, including Matsuda’s surprisingly smooth vocals have a bluesy, funky vibe, not unlike the Crusaders’ “Street Life,” which further amplifies the vibe of late-night debauchery. Even after the restoration and remastering, Seizo Sengen’s cinematography has a gritty, grainy look that suits the film’s themes and ambiance.

Fortunately, this film managed to keep its head down during the last few years of trigger warnings and undisclosed editing. It  now feels like an opportune time for its rediscovery, as an overlooked cult classic. Tragically, Matsuda passed away at the age of 40, after appearing as the villain in Ridley Scott’s Black Rain. This was a bold departure from him, which should be remembered as a major part of his cinematic legacy. Very highly recommended, Yokohama BJ Blues is now streaming on OVID.tv.