Tokyo's art-party scene is alive and well and sometimes converges in Shibuya. One focal point is Uplink Factory, and one of the more interesting banners under which it rallies is an event known as "Ubique." Uplink Factory is an offshoot of Uplink Co., which, since 1987, has produced and distributed the works of indie filmmakers. It has also published a number of Japanese books on pop culture and art, most notably Robert Mapplethorpe's controversial photos.
Uplink president and Factory owner Takashi Asai is a huge hulk of a man whom I have yet to see smile. He cut his teeth in alternative cinema by distributing "The Angelic Conversation," one of Derek Jarman's early films. The bookshelf in his office is lined with evidence of his company's activities, from Spike Lee's "Get on the Bus" to Roman Polanski's "Repulsion," as well as new releases it has produced such as "I.K.U.," a Japanese sci-fi porn feature directed by Shu-Lea Cheang, a segment of which -- involving helium-filled inflatable dolls -- was on a video loop in the waiting room.
In 1995, Asai opened Uplink Factory as an event space and showcase for contemporary cinema. Between midday and midnight you will find a variety of off-beat art movies and/or performance workshops and events on the roster. At movie time, the room is filled with canvas director's chairs, all placed neatly in a row and facing a retractable screen. For events, which mostly kick off around midnight, the room is cleared and the bare wooden floor, white walls and black ceiling become apparent.