DVD Corner

His Motorbike, Her Island Blu-ray Review

“His Motorbike, Her Island” has its charms.

Based on the novel by Yoshio Kataoka and adapted by writer Ikuo Sekimoto, 1986’s “His Motorbike, Her Island” is a Japanese romance story that revolves around a biker/music student/copy deliverer (Koh Hashimoto) who resides in Tokyo. As he ponders breaking up with Fuyumi, Koh hops on his Kawasaki 650RS W3 motorcycle to clear his mind. He meets the lovely and carefree Miyoko on his travels before returning home to break up with Fuyumi and deal with Fuyumi’s biker brother Hidemasa. From there on out, Koh starts to meet Miyoko more and more frequently and begins to fall in love all over again. Eventually, Miyoko also becomes infatuated with riding motorbikes which ruffles Koh’s feathers as he fears for her safety. 

Directed and edited by Nobuhiko Obayashi (best known for the bonkers “House” AKA “Hausu”), “His Motorbike, Her Island” is a romantic story about love and motorcycles. Truth be told, Obayashi’s stylish direction is the real MVP here. The unique editing, the dazzling shots of motorcycle rides, and the use of color and monochrome from start to finish proves to be a visual treat for the viewer. It mixes up what is an otherwise standard plot that feels like it could use more subplots or a deeper story (and less dialogue devoted to motorcycle licenses). As is, it’s a fairly melodramatic dream-like story of young lovers albeit a charming one.

The two central performances by Riki Takeuchi (Koh) and Kiwako Harada (Miyoko) definitely elevate the material. You believe these two characters and their blossoming romance. Noriko Watanabe (Fuyumi) also impresses in her respective role as Koh’s ex-lover who matures and moves on to have her own life.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.66:1 1080p. How does it look? This Cult Epics release features a hi-def transfer that really shines (especially during the scenes in color).

Audio Track: Japanese 2.0 DTS-HD MA and LPCM 2.0. How do they sound? The DTS is the preferred option here, but both are crisp.

Extras:
* Commentary by Samm Deighan
* 2 visual essays (one by Esther Rosenfield and one by Alex Pratt)
* A booklet with photos.
* Archival interview with Nobuhiko Obayashi
* Trailers for “His Motorbike, Her Island,” “School In The Crosshairs,” “The Island Closest To Heaven,” and “The Girl Who Leapt Thru Time.”

November 26, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | His Motorbike Her Island Blu-ray Review, Japanese Cinema, Nobuhiko Obayashi