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Welcome to the Vampire Onsen

Welcome to the Vampire Onsen (1997)

Apr 21, 1997 1h 27m Horror

Kyuketsu Onsen e Yokoso (吸血温泉へようこそ kyuuketsu onsen e youkoso, translated as Welcome to the blood-sucking hot spring) alternatively known as Kyuketsu Onsen ni Yokoso (吸血温泉にようこそ kyuuketsu onsen ni youkoso) is a Japanese direct-to-video horror-erotic film released in 1997 by the Japanese studio known as Museum. It is based in an original story by Go Nagai. A little after the release of the film, a manga version was also released in the magazine Comic Bazooka by Tatsumishuppan, from May 1997 to August 1997, and later released in a single tankōbon in 1997-10-25 by Mediax in the line MD Comics. The manga was later published in the compilation tankōbon Kireta Ito: Nagai Go Jisen Sakuhin shu published by Kadokawa Shoten in 2001. The film features famous Japanese celebrity Aya Sugimoto in the role of the landlady of the onsen and the main vampire woman, ex-idol singer Yuka Onishi of Sukeban Deka III fame, and AV idol Ryo Hitomi.

Directed by Hitoshi Matsuyama

Cast

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Yuka Ônishi
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Yuka Ônishi

as

Aya Sugimoto
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Aya Sugimoto

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Takashi Fujiki
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Takashi Fujiki

as

Isao Takeno
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Isao Takeno

as

Masahiro Sato
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Masahiro Sato

as

Ryo Hitomi
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Ryo Hitomi

as

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Kyoko Ono

as

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Ryuji Murakami

as

Keiko Awaji
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Keiko Awaji

as

Yoichi Yamamoto
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Yoichi Yamamoto

as

Crew

Director
  • Hitoshi Matsuyama
Writer
  • Hitoshi Munai
  • Hitoshi Matsuyama
Producer
  • Hitoshi Yokohama
  • Seiichi Ono
  • Jugo Minami

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Welcome to the Vampire Onsen presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Hitoshi Matsuyama brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Welcome to the Vampire Onsen took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1670 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1997, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 21, 1997
  • Runtime: 1h 27m

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