[Rediscovering the Charm of Shochiku Kamata Studio] Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi' ~Enjoy Silent Films with Katsuben~
Key facts
- [Rediscovering the Charm of Shochiku Kamata Studio] Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi' ~Enjoy Silent Films with Katsuben~
- The Ota Tourism Association will host "Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi'", an event on June 5, 2026, to convey the film culture of Kamata, once known as "Kinema no Tenchi," to the present day. It will rediscover the charm of Kamata 100 years ago through a talk session focusing on pioneering female screenwriter Ayame Mizushima and actresses, and a silent film screening with live narration (Katsuben).
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 13, 2026
Direct answer
The Ota Tourism Association will host "Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi'", an event on June 5, 2026, to convey the film culture of Kamata, once known as "Kinema no Tenchi," to the present day. It will rediscover the charm of Kamata 100 years ago through a talk session focusing on pioneering female screenwriter Ayame Mizushima and actresses, and a silent film screening with live narration (Katsuben).
- Citation
- [Rediscovering the Charm of Shochiku Kamata Studio] Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi' ~Enjoy Silent Films with Katsuben~ (May 13, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 13, 2026
The Ota Tourism Association will host "Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi'", an event on June 5, 2026, to convey the film culture of Kamata, once known as "Kinema no Tenchi," to the present day. It will rediscover the charm of Kamata 100 years ago through a talk session focusing on pioneering female screenwriter Ayame Mizushima and actresses, and a silent film screening with live narration (Katsuben).
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 09:31
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Event Announcement Flyer
Reflecting on Kamata 100 years ago
From the Taisho to early Showa periods, Kamata was a "Kinema no Tenchi" (Cinema Land) where film and culture flourished.
This event will focus on Ayame Mizushima, a pioneering female screenwriter, and actresses who were active at Shochiku Kamata Studio, conveying their charm to the present day through a talk session and silent film screenings with Katsuben (live narration).
It is an attempt to experience the film culture connected to today, while reflecting on Kamata 100 years ago.
Part 1: Talk Session - Ayame Mizushima and Actresses Who Shined at Kamata Studio
This talk session will unravel the stories of women who shined on the stage of Kamata Studio, once called "Kinema no Tenchi."
The speakers will be Mr. Shigemitsu Oka, deeply knowledgeable about Kamata films and silent films, and Mr. Sumio Inaba, a leading researcher of Ayame Mizushima. They will focus on the achievements of Ayame Mizushima, a pioneering female screenwriter, as well as actresses active in Kamata such as Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiko Kawada, and Sumiko Kurishima.
Furthermore, while touching upon the development of Kamata town alongside film and its role as a hub for culture and trends, they will vividly convey the excitement and charm of that era.
Part 2: Katsuben Class / Silent Film Screening with Live Narration
Katsuben Class
You will experience the charm of Katsuben with actual footage.
① Appreciation of Silent Films
A portion of Yasujiro Ozu's film 'I Graduated, But...' will be screened, allowing you to experience the charm of Japanese silent films.
② Explanation and Demonstration of Katsuben
Akiko Sasaki, a benshi (live narrator), will be invited as an instructor to provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the history and role of Katsuben. Through demonstrations, you can deepen your understanding of its profound world of expression.
Silent Film Screening with Live Narration
Featured Film
'Akekuru Sora' (Dawn Sky) (1929 / approx. 60 minutes)
A silent film released in 1929, scripted by Ayame Mizushima and directed by Torajiro Saito. It depicts a mother who loses her husband and is separated from her newborn daughter, struggling to reveal her identity as a mother when she reunites with her daughter after many years.
Beyond the expression of maternal love and the poignancy of fate, please also enjoy the collaboration between the benshi, who skillfully portrays various characters, and the musician, who performs in perfect harmony.
Benshi: Akiko Sasaki
Musician: Masayo Nagata
Date and Time
Friday, June 5, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Part 1 Starts: 6:00 PM
Part 2 Starts: 6:50 PM (Ends: 8:30 PM) (Scheduled)
Venue
Ota Kumin Hall Aprico Small Hall
(5-37-3 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo)
Capacity
120 people (first-come, first-served)
Admission Fee
General: 1,000 yen / Students: 500 yen
Application Method
From Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM (Ends when capacity is reached)
① Apply online
Apply via the Ota Tourism Association's online shop "Hanepyon Store" (https://otakanko-hanepyon.stores.jp/)
② Phone reception: 03-3734-0202 (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
After reception, please complete the application by filling out the form and paying the participation fee at the Ota Tourism Association counter within one week. Please consult if payment by the deadline is difficult.
Organizer: Ota Tourism Association / Co-organizer: Ota City / Supported by: Ota City Cultural Promotion Association / Cooperation: Matsuda Film Company
Town Walk Announcement Flyer
As a related event, a town walk from Umeyashiki to Kamata!
On Monday, June 8, a town walk will be held from Umeyashiki to Kamata, experiencing the women who shined in "Kinema no Tenchi."
Application method is the same as the above event, starting from Friday, May 15. First 20 people accepted.
Details:
https://www.o-2.jp/event/kamatacinemawomen2026machiaruki/
[Inquiries]
Ota Tourism Association
〒144-0035
Ota City Industrial Plaza 2F, 1-20-20 Minami Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3734-0202
FAX: 03-3734-0203
E-mail: info@o-2.jp
https://www.o-2.jp/
Reflecting on Kamata 100 years ago
From the Taisho to early Showa periods, Kamata was a "Kinema no Tenchi" (Cinema Land) where film and culture flourished.
This event will focus on Ayame Mizushima, a pioneering female screenwriter, and actresses who were active at Shochiku Kamata Studio, conveying their charm to the present day through a talk session and silent film screenings with Katsuben (live narration).
It is an attempt to experience the film culture connected to today, while reflecting on Kamata 100 years ago.
Part 1: Talk Session - Ayame Mizushima and Actresses Who Shined at Kamata Studio
This talk session will unravel the stories of women who shined on the stage of Kamata Studio, once called "Kinema no Tenchi."
The speakers will be Mr. Shigemitsu Oka, deeply knowledgeable about Kamata films and silent films, and Mr. Sumio Inaba, a leading researcher of Ayame Mizushima. They will focus on the achievements of Ayame Mizushima, a pioneering female screenwriter, as well as actresses active in Kamata such as Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiko Kawada, and Sumiko Kurishima.
Furthermore, while touching upon the development of Kamata town alongside film and its role as a hub for culture and trends, they will vividly convey the excitement and charm of that era.
Part 2: Katsuben Class / Silent Film Screening with Live Narration
Katsuben Class
You will experience the charm of Katsuben with actual footage.
① Appreciation of Silent Films
A portion of Yasujiro Ozu's film 'I Graduated, But...' will be screened, allowing you to experience the charm of Japanese silent films.
② Explanation and Demonstration of Katsuben
Akiko Sasaki, a benshi (live narrator), will be invited as an instructor to provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the history and role of Katsuben. Through demonstrations, you can deepen your understanding of its profound world of expression.
Silent Film Screening with Live Narration
Featured Film
'Akekuru Sora' (Dawn Sky) (1929 / approx. 60 minutes)
A silent film released in 1929, scripted by Ayame Mizushima and directed by Torajiro Saito. It depicts a mother who loses her husband and is separated from her newborn daughter, struggling to reveal her identity as a mother when she reunites with her daughter after many years.
Beyond the expression of maternal love and the poignancy of fate, please also enjoy the collaboration between the benshi, who skillfully portrays various characters, and the musician, who performs in perfect harmony.
Benshi: Akiko Sasaki
Musician: Masayo Nagata
Date and Time
Friday, June 5, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Part 1 Starts: 6:00 PM
Part 2 Starts: 6:50 PM (Ends: 8:30 PM) (Scheduled)
Venue
Ota Kumin Hall Aprico Small Hall
(5-37-3 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo)
Capacity
120 people (first-come, first-served)
Admission Fee
General: 1,000 yen / Students: 500 yen
Application Method
From Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM (Ends when capacity is reached)
① Apply online
Apply via the Ota Tourism Association's online shop "Hanepyon Store" (https://otakanko-hanepyon.stores.jp/)
② Phone reception: 03-3734-0202 (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
After reception, please complete the application by filling out the form and paying the participation fee at the Ota Tourism Association counter within one week. Please consult if payment by the deadline is difficult.
Organizer: Ota Tourism Association / Co-organizer: Ota City / Supported by: Ota City Cultural Promotion Association / Cooperation: Matsuda Film Company
Town Walk Announcement Flyer
As a related event, a town walk from Umeyashiki to Kamata!
On Monday, June 8, a town walk will be held from Umeyashiki to Kamata, experiencing the women who shined in "Kinema no Tenchi."
Application method is the same as the above event, starting from Friday, May 15. First 20 people accepted.
Details:
https://www.o-2.jp/event/kamatacinemawomen2026machiaruki/
[Inquiries]
Ota Tourism Association
〒144-0035
Ota City Industrial Plaza 2F, 1-20-20 Minami Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3734-0202
FAX: 03-3734-0203
E-mail: info@o-2.jp
https://www.o-2.jp/
FAQ
What are the key facts in this article?
The Ota Tourism Association will host "Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi'", an event on June 5, 2026, to convey the film culture of Kamata, once known as "Kinema no Tenchi," to the present day. It will rediscover the charm of Kamata 100 years ago through a talk session focusing on pioneering female screenwriter Ayame Mizushima and actresses, and a silent film screening with live narration (Katsuben).
What is the direct answer?
The Ota Tourism Association will host "Women Who Shined in 'Kinema no Tenchi'", an event on June 5, 2026, to convey the film culture of Kamata, once known as "Kinema no Tenchi," to the present day. It will rediscover the charm of Kamata 100 years ago through a talk session focusing on pioneering female screenwriter Ayame Mizushima and actresses, and a silent film screening with live narration (Katsuben).
What is the source and date?
PR Times: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000089423.html | May 13, 2026