The Japan Foundation Film Series presents a program of classic jidaigeki (Japanese samurai period dramas), "The Masters and Jidaigeki," from the 1950s and '60s in Tokyo, June 23-25. All films are screened with English subtitles.

"Rashomon" (c) 1950 KADOKAWA PICTURES, INC.

In addition to film screenings, Keiko McDonald, Professor of Japanese Literature and Cinema, University of Pittsburgh, will present a lecture, "Reading Jidaigeki."

Included in the program is Tadashi Imai's 1963 "Bushido: Samurai Saga" (June 24, 6 p.m.) and one of Akira Kurosawa's best-known works, "Rashomon," (June 25, 1:30 p.m.), starring Toshiro Mifune and set in Japan's war-torn 10th century. At 6 p.m. on the same day, Kon Ichikawa's "Yukinojo Henge (Revenge of a Kabuki Actor)" will be shown. This Edo Period drama follows a famous kabuki onnagata, Yukinojo, plotting to avenge the death of his father.

The films will be screened at OAG Hall, 7-5-56 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, a 5-minute walk from Exit A4, Aoyama-itchome Station on the Ginza and Hanzomon lines. Tickets per screening are 600 yen.

For the full schedule, visit www.jpf.go.jp/