Monday night’s episode of POV is ‘Tokyo Uber Blues’, a documentary that examines the social and economic repercussions of the gig economy through the lens of filmmaker Taku Aoyagi’s journey.
Aoyagi, burdened by mounting college debt and limited work opportunities, leaves rural Japan for the urban sprawl of Tokyo, where he becomes an ‘independent contractor’ for UberEats. The film, captured largely from Aoyagi’s bicycle perspective, offers an intimate portrayal of his experiences in the cut-throat, rewards-based world of the gig economy.
Tokyo Uber Blues sheds light on the harsh reality that there is no such thing as “easy money.” It does so by documenting Aoyagi’s delivery missions and his attempts to connect with those around him, providing a deeply personal perspective on the pandemic’s impact through the eyes of a gig worker.
The film is a Japanese production, directed and filmed by Taku Aoyagi, offering a unique and contemporary perspective on social issues in Japan.
POV: Tokyo Uber Blues airs on PBS, Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:00 p.m.
