Story Categories: Film, Hollywood In Asia, Japan, Tokyo,

   The Japan preem at Tokyo Dome attracted 20,000 fans -- a disappointment given organizers' 35,000 target -- but those who braved drenching rains saw the pic on a 17.5-meter high, 40-meter wide temporary screen made in the UK, shipped from Canada and lifted into place by seven cranes.

   The preem was the first to be held in the Dome, used for baseballs games, concerts and other events, since the 2001 Japan bow of "Pearl Harbor."

   The preem was attended by helmers Larry and Andy Wachowski, as well as by stars Emile Hirsch and Hiroyuki Sanada .Distrib Warner will open the pic wide

in Japan on July 5.

   "Speed Racer" is based on a Japanese toon, "Mach GoGoGo," that aired on local TV from 1967 to 1968 and later became a big hit with US auds.