Although she was neither a politician nor an artist, an old woman called Mary was a famous figure to people of Yokohama. Who was she and where is she now? Director Nakamura Takayuki traces her life with the help of her acquaintances in his debut documentary. A prostitute for the American military for many, many years and taking both American and Japanese men as clients, she was one of many women of the streets that became a medium for minimizing the conflict between two communities ? and the nameless children that became the neglected byproducts. Mary, in her white dress and thickly powdered face symbolizes the shadowy history of the exotic city of Yokohama and the people of that time. Considering the similar modern history that encompasses many Asian cities like Yokohama, it is interesting to see how the film will be received outside Japan. One thing sure is that this fascinating documentary about a woman called Mary and the city of Yokohama is not only analytical but also moving enough to bring tears to the audience`s eyes. (Kwon Yong-min)