Japan decided to surprise everyone this morning by selecting Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” as its Oscar submission for Best International Film. They selected a film directed by a European filmmaker. Snubbed were Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” and Kore-eda’s “Monster.” This is the first time that Japan has picked a film by a non-Japanese director. Over the years, Wenders has been very open about his love for Japanese culture, he’s also admitted that Ozu’s films have been his biggest influence.