Uzumasa  is the district of Kyoto that’s also known as the Hollywood of Japan. The first film studio was built in 1926 by Tsumasaburo Bando, the “king of samurai dramas.” It’s now Toei Studios Kyoto. Makino Talkie Studios were built in 1935. It’s now  Shochiku Studios, a few blocks away from Toei—and a short walk along the Daiei Dori, the main street, which is painted like a roll of film, complete with perforations. read more…