Tensai Eri-chan Kingyo wo Tabeta

Tensai Eri-chan Kingyo wo Tabeta, or 'Genius Eri-chan Ate the Goldfish,' is a 1997 Japanese direct-to-video film directed by the experimental filmmaker Takashi Ito. Emerging from the vibrant and often surreal landscape of late 1990s Japanese independent cinema, the project reflects Ito's characteristic interest in the psychological manipulation of space and time. The film utilizes a distinct aesthetic that bridges the gap between conventional narrative and avant-garde short-form video art.

The production is heavily influenced by the visual motifs common in Japanese psychological thrillers and dark absurdist comedies of the era. By focusing on unsettling imagery and disjointed storytelling, Ito intended to provoke a visceral reaction from the viewer rather than providing a straightforward plot. While the film remained a niche release primarily circulated through specialized video distributors, it is frequently cited in retrospectives of Ito’s work for its precise, claustrophobic cinematography and its uncanny atmosphere.