Tag Archives: Kyoto
Uzumasa: Hollywood of Japan
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…
Tags: Kyoto, Shochiku, Toei, Uzumasa: Hollywood of Japan
Birth of Cinema in Kyoto: 1908
Shinnyo-Do Temple has a monument to the birth of local cinema in Kyoto, Japan. It’s to the left as you face the main temple. The plaque explains: In 1895 the Lumiere brothers developed the Cinematographe in France. Two years later, in 1897, businessman Katsutaro Inabata brought it to Japan and the first projections took place here in Japan. (The Cinematograph was not only a camera but… read more…
Tags: Birth of Film in Kyoto, Kyoto, Shozo Makino