Cinema Stroll, Part 5: "Kamakura City Kawakita Film Memorial Museum"

"Kinema Stroll" is a series that introduces independent cinemas in Kanagawa Prefecture. This time, we're changing the theme slightly and introducing the "Kamakura City Kawakita Film Memorial Museum," where you can enjoy watching movies while learning about the history of Japanese cinema.

Kamakura on the weekend is busier than usual, partly because it was chosen as the setting for this year's historical drama series. Leaving Kamakura Station, I walked straight down Komachi Street, which was overflowing with people and delicious smells, and just before the end of the street I turned left. Suddenly, a silence descended, as if the hustle and bustle from earlier had never happened, and the scent of nature became even stronger. A short walk further is the Kamakura Kawakita Film Memorial Museum. This single-story building in the traditional Japanese style was built on the former site of the residence of Kawakita Nagamasa and Kashiko, a couple who contributed to the development of Japanese film culture, and opened in April 2010. Without spoiling the landscape of Kamakura, it stands quietly, as if it has blended into nature itself.

When people think of Kamakura, keywords like history, gourmet food, and nature come to mind, and some may not imagine going to Kamakura to see a movie. However, Kamakura was once famous as a film hub, a place where many filmmakers lived and gathered. And when discussing the history of Japan's film industry and culture, the couple Nagamasa and Kashiko Kawakita, who contributed to the development of the Japanese film industry, are indispensable. In 1928, Nagamasa Kawakita established "Towa Shoji," which is now Toho Towa, and together with his wife Kashiko, introduced many timeless masterpieces to Japan, such as "Nostalgia" and "The Third Man." The couple also deepened their relationships with filmmakers around the world and dedicated themselves to introducing Japanese films overseas.

Upon paying the entrance fee and entering the memorial hall, visitors can view the permanent exhibition, which displays materials and a timeline related to the Kawakita couple. On display are the couple's favorite suitcases and passports, as well as photographs of them with an astonishing array of filmmakers from Japan and abroad. It is as if the Kawakita couple, who believed that "film connects the world," visited various countries and interacted with filmmakers from around the world, and their experiences come alive before your eyes.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts various themed exhibitions and special exhibitions throughout the year. When I visited, there was a special exhibition titled "Designing Films: The Aesthetics of Yasujiro Ozu and Kon Ichikawa." These two directors, both leading figures in Japanese cinema, lived in the same era but have rarely been discussed together until now. The special exhibition explored their backgrounds and the design sensibilities found in their works, along with the historical context of the pre- and post-war periods, allowing visitors to enjoy comparing the careers of these renowned directors.

*Example of exhibits in special or planned exhibitions

One of the highlights of the Kawakita Film Memorial Museum is the presence of the "Video Archives Room" right next to the "Exhibition Room" where these exhibits are displayed. In addition to the admission ticket, if you purchase a movie ticket at the counter, you can watch the films being shown in the archives room. As you ascend the ramp lined with posters of numerous masterpieces overhead, a door leading to the "Video Archives Room" appears. This room is the museum's "Theater." The interior of the theater has a warm, woody feel, and 51 seats are lined up in front of the screen. A projector from the German company Kinoton is used, and digital projection is now also supported. What is noteworthy is the lineup of films being screened. In addition to films related to the special exhibition, a wide range of genres and eras are shown, from Academy Award-winning films to films that spread mainly in independent theaters and works by popular directors.

The special exhibition included a section displaying kimonos used in director Ichikawa's film "The Makioka Sisters." It's fascinating to imagine how these vibrant kimonos appear in the film. You can let your imagination run wild before watching the movie, or you can carefully appreciate the actual garments afterward. Both approaches offer their own unique charm. The film archives also regularly host talk events and workshops that allow you to learn more about the special exhibition's content. The museum's theater will enhance your cinematic experience and help you discover a truly memorable film.

The museum is dotted with other fun features and learning opportunities. In the "Video Toy Experience" corner, visitors can actually play with toys related to video. Also, when I visited, the "Information and Archives Room" had a corner titled "Let's experience the low-angle shots of Ozu films." Signs for a tonkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant and a ramen shop were provided, and by taking pictures of these signs from designated spots, visitors could experience director Ozu's unique filming style. The "Information and Archives Room" also has a wide selection of books and magazines related to film, providing a space where visitors can browse at their leisure.

It's a truly immersive cinematic experience: watching movies, learning about movies, and playing with movies. After leaving the memorial hall, I strolled along the free-to-access walking path. The fresh air, the scent of greenery, and the nature of Kamakura, which I hadn't experienced in hours, were incredibly soothing to both body and soul. I highly recommend experiencing this unique cinematic journey while immersing yourself in the history of Japanese cinema in this place where the Kawakita couple, who dedicated themselves to the development of Japanese film culture, once resided and where filmmakers from around the world visited to meet them.

Kamakura City Kawakita Film Memorial Museum
[Access] 2-2-12 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
[Official Website] Click here

Click here for the first installment of Kinema Stroll: "Cinema Jack & Betty"
Click here for the second installment of Kinema Stroll: "Cinema Novecento"
The third installment of our cinema walk takes us to Yokohama's Isezaki-cho, "Yokohama Cinemarine."
The fourth installment of Kinema Stroll features "Cinecoya" in Kugenuma Kaigan, Fujisawa City.