<A Masterpiece of 10 Hours and 46 Minutes, Revived After 17 Years!> Feature-Length Documentary Film 'Kabuki Actor: The 13th Kataoka Nizaemon' All 6 Volumes to be Screened in Theaters
The feature-length documentary film 'Kabuki Actor: The 13th Kataoka Nizaemon,' a legendary work spanning 10 hours and 46 minutes, will be screened in theaters for the first time in 17 years, commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the 13th Kataoka Nizaemon's passing and the 100th birthday of director Sumiko Haneda.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 03:07
- 🔍 Collected: April 2, 2026 at 19:35
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 07:29 (347h 54m after Collected)
About the Work
This film is a documentary that follows the 13th Kataoka Nizaemon, father of the 15th (current) Kataoka Nizaemon and a renowned actor who supported the Kabuki world from the late Showa to early Heisei periods, from ages 84 to 90. It is an extraordinary masterpiece, a total of 6 volumes spanning 10 hours and 46 minutes, produced by documentary filmmaker Sumiko Haneda and Jiyu Kobo.
Due to its extensive length, screening opportunities in theaters have been limited, and it has not been released on disc or online, leading it to be passed down as a "legendary work." The most recent full-volume screening dates back to the Paris screening (2018) as an official project of "Japonismes 2018." This time, to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the 13th Nizaemon's passing and director Sumiko Haneda's 100th birthday, a full 6-volume screening in domestic theaters will be realized for the first time in 17 years.
In addition to stage performances such as 'Kotobuki Soga no Taimen,' 'Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami,' 'Koibikyaku Yamato Orai,' and his final stage 'Hachinjin Shugo no Honjo,' the content is diverse, including rich discussions on performing arts and rehearsal scenes. It is a must-see masterpiece for Kabuki fans, showcasing a life dedicated to earnestly pursuing art and embodying "dignity."
Furthermore, author Shuichi Yoshida watched this film when writing the original novel for the blockbuster film 'Kokuhou,' and we confidently recommend it as a work that will lead those interested in Kabuki through works like 'Kokuhou' and 'Kobikicho no Adauchi' "deeper into the world of Kabuki." Mr. Yoshida sent the following email to director Haneda:
To Sumiko Haneda,
I am deeply grateful for lending me this valuable footage.
The meticulously filmed rehearsal scenes felt as if I were observing them in person.
In fact, a blind actor appears in my current work 'Kokuhou,' and this film was very helpful. The wind rustling the noren, the sound of cicadas chirping in the garden of Sagano, the sound of wind chimes... I believe that was the beautiful world Nizaemon-san saw when he became blind. The world known by the blind is not darkness; it is a place where there are sounds of shamisen and drums, birds singing, and a pleasant wind visible.
Thank you very much.
Shuichi Yoshida
*From a thank-you email sent by author Shuichi Yoshida to director Haneda, who lent him the DVD when he was writing the novel 'Kokuhou.'
Screening Works
Title 'Kabuki Actor: The 13th Kataoka Nizaemon' (All 6 Volumes)
Director Sumiko Haneda
Production Jiyu Kobo
Production Year 1992-1994
Screening Format DCP Screening, Total 10 hours 46 minutes
Screening Schedule
Screening Period ：May 16 (Sat) - June 12 (Fri), 2026
|
Period |
Screening Works |
|
May 16 (Sat) - May 22 (Fri) |
Volume 1 'Wakaayu no Maki' (102 min) / Volume 2 'Hito to Gei no Maki - Jo' (94 min) |
|
May 23 (Sat) - May 29 (Fri) |
Volume 3 'Hito to Gei no Maki - Chu' (101 min) / Volume 4 'Hito to Gei no Maki - Ge' (105 min) |
|
May 30 (Sat) - June 5 (Fri) |
Volume 5 'Magoemon no Maki' (86 min) / Volume 6 'Tosen no Maki' (158 min) |
|
June 6 (Sat) - June 12 (Fri) |
All 6 above-mentioned works screened on alternating days |
Screening Theater, Fees, and Inquiries
-
Screening Theater Pole Pole Higashi-Nakano (96 seats)
-
Location B1F, 4-4-1 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo https://pole2.co.jp
-
Fees General 2,000 yen (per work) *Student/senior discounts and multi-pass tickets available
-
Tickets Available at the theater box office and online from 3 days prior to screening
-
Number of Screenings/Times Please inquire at the theater website or Pole Pole Higashi-Nakano below
Organizer/Distributor/Publicity Kanatasha Co., Ltd. Contact: Sato
TEL: 090-6952-1905 E-mail: kanatasha0519@gmail.com
Co-organizer/Publicity Support Pole Pole Higashi-Nakano Contact: Ishikawa
TEL: 03-3371-0088 E-mail: ishikawa@pole2.co.jp
FAQ
Where will this film be screened?
It will be screened at Pole Pole Higashi-Nakano in Nakano-ku, Tokyo. Please check the theater's official website for details.
Why is this film being screened now?
The full six-volume film is being screened domestically for the first time in 17 years to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the 13th Kataoka Nizaemon and the 100th birthday of director Sumiko Haneda.
Is there any connection to the film 'Kokuhou'?
Yes, author Shuichi Yoshida referenced this film when writing his novel 'Kokuhou,' and it is recommended as an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Kabuki.