Tokyo Uber Blues Discussion Guide

Shot with a mix of smartphones and GoPros, filmmaker Taku Aoyagi takes us on his daily bike rides as an Uber Eats worker. But pedaling on Tokyo’s deserted streets, delivering boba tea to cloistered condos, he starts to wonder… what was it that Ken Loach said about the Uberization of society? And what does gig-work offer an unemployed young person with student debt?

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the
power of human connection and designed for people who want
to use Tokyo Uber Blues to engage family, friends, classmates,
colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives that foster
debates in which participants try to convince others that they are
right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit
of openness in which people try to understand one another and
expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide
range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film.
Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that
best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to
consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave
the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when
conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit https://communitynetwork.amdoc.org/.

About the Author

Dr Callum Cant is the author of two books on technology and work, Feeding the Machine and Riding for Deliveroo. He is a senior lecturer at Essex Business School and an editor of Notes From Below, a journal of worker writing.

DISCUSSION GUIDE PRODUCERS
Courtney B. Cook, Phd | Education Manager, POV
Anna Yarbrough | Education Editor, POV

THANKS TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THIS RESOURCE
Thanks to Fujioka Asako and Kazuo Osawa for their discussion of the film.