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- Fukaya Cinema
ABOUT THE THEATER
Fukaya Cinema is a unique movie theater, rare in Japan, as it occupies the former site of Nanatsu-ume Sake Brewery, which boasts a 300-year legacy. Located within the grounds of Nanatsuume Brewery, the cinema offers a delightful blend of shops, including cafes and second-hand bookstores, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Notably, the Nanatsuume Brewery premises have also been utilized for filming dramas and movies, adding to its allure as a multifaceted cultural hub. Since its grand opening, Fukaya Cinema has thrived, thanks to the generous support of both local and external businesses and individuals in Fukaya. The cinema's operations are overseen by the Specified non-profit organization Civic Theater F.
Staff
Director: TAKEISHI Kenji
Born in Sumida-ku, Tokyo, and currently residing in Fukaya City. He pursued his passion for film by studying at the Yokohama Film Academy (1st generation). He worked in children's films at Nikkatsu and later found employment in a company in Fukaya.
At the age of 50, he fulfilled his long-cherished dream of "energizing the community through films." Driven by this vision, he initiated film screening events in collaboration with local residents and established a nonprofit organization for film screenings in the year 2000.
His favorite film is "Easy Rider," directed by Dennis Hopper.
At the age of 50, he fulfilled his long-cherished dream of "energizing the community through films." Driven by this vision, he initiated film screening events in collaboration with local residents and established a nonprofit organization for film screenings in the year 2000.
His favorite film is "Easy Rider," directed by Dennis Hopper.
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History
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- 1999
- Launched "Mini Theater in the North of the Prefecture! Citizen's Association". A campaign was held in front of Fukaya Station, and 3,300 signatures were submitted to Fukaya City.
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- 2000
- "Nodo Jiman" (produced in 1999/Japan) was screened at the Fukaya Citizen's Cultural Center Large Hall as the first "Civic Cinema Screening".
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- 2000
- Obtained certification as an NPO corporation "Citizen Theater F".
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- 2002
- The former Sakura Bank was refurbished to open the "Fukaya Cinema"!
Screening of "Postman in the Mountains" (1999, China) as the opening ceremony.
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- 2009
- Temporarily closed for relocation due to land readjustment project.
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- 2010
- Relocated to the current "Nanatsume Sake Brewery Ruins.
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- 2022
- The "Fukaya Cinema" celebrates its 20th anniversary. 1,741 works were screened, and the total number of visitors was over 480,784 (as of July 27, 2022).
Information
- ADDRESS
- 9-12 Fukayacho, Fukaya-shi, Saitama-ken, 366-0825 Japan
- Web
- http://fukayacinema.jp/
- SNS
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RECOMMENDED FILM
- An Artisan’s Legacy, Tsunekazu Nishioka
- 2012 / Documentary / 88min G
A documentary woven with the words of the last miyadaiku and narratives from people with deep connections, telling the story of his life and work.
A documentary that follows the life of NISHIOKA Tsunekazu, known as the last “miyadaiku" (master carpenter specializing in temple construction), who undertook the reconstruction of the three-tier pagoda of Horinji, the Kondo and West Pagoda of Yakushiji, passing down the architectural techniques of ancient temples from the Asuka period to future generations. Through archival footage and interviews with people closely related to him, the documentary explores NISHIOKA's thoughts and aspirations.
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ABOUT THE AREA
Saitama
Sightseeing and nature adventures in Tokyo's neighboring prefecture
A major transportation hub and a stop on the way to Nikko during the Edo period, Saitama is now an urban commuter area. The Edo atmosphere remains, however, in historic towns such as Kawagoe. Close enough to Tokyo to offer a quick getaway to the beauty of nature, mountainous areas like Chichibu offer easy hiking and seasonal flowers, while the semi-rural Sayama Hills area is dotted with emerald-green tea fields.
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Mini-Theater Lineup
Related Content
Fukaya Cinema
Comments from the Theater
In this documentary, we follow the late NISHIOKA Tsunekazu, a master carpenter (chief who leads a team of craftsmen). He undertook the reconstruction of three iconic Buddhist temple buildings in Nara Prefecture: the three-storied pagoda of Horinji Temple, Yakushiji Kondo, and Saito. These temples are among Japan's most renowned historical structures, and by preserving and passing down the temple construction techniques since the Asuka period, NISHIOKA Tsunekazu showcased his exceptional expertise.
The documentary features valuable footage and testimonies of him working while he was alive, serving as a reminder of the importance of avoiding the modern tendency to prioritize technology solely for convenience and efficiency. Instead, the film emphasizes the notion that technology should also respect and sustain the life of trees. Through this, it sheds light on the significance of preserving a connection with nature and addresses the concerns of modern society.