Outdoor Cinema 'Yamanaka Cinema' Launches at Lake Yamanaka at the Foot of Mt. Fuji, Operating on 100% Renewable Energy

Yukai na Kurashi Inc. (CEO: Koichi Morita), which operates the cafe and bulk store 'Yamanaka Terrace' in Lake Yamanaka, will launch a permanent outdoor cinema, 'Yamanaka Cinema,' on July 18, 2026 (Sat).

Yamanaka Cinema is a new screening space where you can enjoy movies amidst the nature of Lake Yamanaka at the foot of Mt. Fuji. All electricity required for screenings will be supplied by 100% renewable energy, supporting the cinematic experience in nature with an environmentally conscious system.

Regular screenings are planned from July to October 2026, primarily on weekends.

'Yamanaka Cinema' is, to our knowledge, an unprecedented initiative in Japan combining '100% renewable energy operation' x 'outdoors' x 'licensed permanent entertainment venue.' *1

An image of an outdoor screening at Yamanaka Cinema, where people gather in the nature of Lake Yamanaka.

Project Overview

Name

Yamanaka Cinema

Venue

Yamanaka Terrace Outdoor Space

(1414-1 Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Screening Period

July - October 2026 (scheduled)

Screening Time

Screenings begin after sunset (estimated: 6:30 PM onwards, varies by season)

Operation Format

Regular screenings, primarily on weekends.

In case of rain, screenings will be held indoors at Yamanaka Terrace.

Screen Size

Outdoor: 240 inches / Indoor: 147 inches

Electricity

Self-generated power from solar energy and 100% renewable energy purchase.

Cinema Special Website

https://yamanakacinema.studio.site

An overview of the screening area set up within the Yamanaka Terrace premises.

Yamanaka Cinema will be held utilizing the outdoor space within the Yamanaka Terrace premises. We aim to create a place where a wide range of visitors, including those with dogs and children, can enjoy movies in their own way, within an environment that allows them to understand the overall layout and expanse of the venue.

Yamanaka Cinema will be held utilizing the outdoor space within the Yamanaka Terrace premises. We aim to create a place where a wide range of visitors, including those with dogs and children, can enjoy movies in their own way, within an environment that allows them to understand the overall layout and expanse of the venue.

Background

The Lake Yamanaka area is a tourist destination visited by many people for its views of Mt. Fuji, the lake, and its rich natural scenery. However, cultural experiences such as engaging with film and art, savoring them, and discussing them, which could deepen and impress the time spent in the region, are still limited. Especially during the night, there is a demand for new ways to spend time that enrich the stay itself, beyond just sightseeing and dining.

Furthermore, within a 30km radius centered on Yamanaka Terrace, there are no currently operating movie theaters (as of our company's research in June 2026), indicating that opportunities to engage with film culture on a daily basis are insufficient in this region. Yamanaka Cinema aims to enhance the value of nighttime stays in a tourist area and create new cultural touchpoints in the region through the experience of enjoying movies amidst the nature of Lake Yamanaka.

4 Features

1. Outdoor Cinema Operated on 100% Renewable Energy

The electricity required for screenings will be covered by self-generated power from the integrated solar roof system 'Roof-1' installed on the Yamanaka Terrace roof by Monochrome Inc., and by purchasing renewable energy electricity from UPDATER Inc. (Minna Denryoku). This system supports the cinematic experience in nature with an environmentally conscious mechanism.

2. Outdoor Cinema with a Licensed Permanent Entertainment Venue Permit

This will launch not as a one-off event, but as a film screening base with a licensed permanent entertainment venue permit. Operations in 2026 will focus on weekends, with plans for continued development based on future performance.

3. A Venue Creating New Cultural Experiences in the Lake Yamanaka Area

Beyond enjoying Mt. Fuji and the natural scenery, we propose a time to open one's sensibilities through film at night, encountering people, the region, and society. We aim to broaden the options for stays in a tourist area and create a new venue for easily accessing film culture.

4. A Place Where Everyone Can Be Themselves

We aim for a cinema where anyone can be themselves, regardless of nationality, age, relationship, or lifestyle – including families with young children, those who want to spend time with their beloved dogs, those who want to spend special time with loved ones, local residents, foreign tourists, and those visiting their vacation homes.

CEO Comment

Koichi Morita, Representative Director, Yukai na Kurashi Inc.

Watching a movie in the forest is a special experience, slightly different from watching a film in a city cinema. While captivated by the story unfolding on the screen, you can also hear the rustling of trees and the sounds of birds and insects, and feel the gentle night breeze on your cheek. In a space where film and nature blend, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the work through their five senses.

We have selected films that leave a lasting impression after viewing, inspiring conversations with others or quiet contemplation. We hope that the time spent enveloped by the night forest will be a special experience that remains long in the hearts of our visitors.

An image of a screening at Yamanaka Cinema, where the story on screen and the night nature blend.

First Screening Lineup

Yamanaka Cinema plans to screen the following films as its first lineup for 2026:

【Regular Screenings】

July 18 (Sat) "2040"

July 19 (Sun) "Furusato: A Japanese Countryside Story"

July 25 (Sat) "DamNation"

August 1 (Sat) "Happy Little Island - On a Long-Lived and Prosperous Greek Island -"

August 8 (Sat) "The School of Babel"

August 22 (Sat) "Poverty, Inc."

【Yamanaka Cinema Week】

For six days from August 10 (Mon) to August 15 (Sat), there will be daily screenings as part of the special summer 2026 event, "Yamanaka Cinema Week."

August 10 (Mon) "Microplastic Story" *3

August 11 (Tue) "Microplastic Story"

August 12 (Wed) "Begin Again"

August 13 (Thu) "Mottainai Kitchen"

August 14 (Fri) "Weaving the Forest"

August 15 (Sat) "Song of the Sea"

Screening titles and dates are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Future Developments

Details such as pricing and ticket purchase methods will be announced sequentially on the official website. In the future, in addition to screenings, we aim to become a cultural hub unique to Lake Yamanaka by developing talk events, workshops, and collaborations with the local community.

Operator Information

Operator: Yukai na Kurashi Inc.

Representative: Koichi Morita, Representative Director

Managed Facility: Yamanaka Terrace

Website: https://yamanakaterrace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yamanakaterrace/

Contact Information for Inquiries

Yukai na Kurashi Inc. Contact: Morita E-mail: [email protected] WEB: https://yamanakacinema.studio.site

*1 As of our company's research in June 2026. Regarding the combination of 100% renewable energy operation x outdoors x licensed permanent entertainment venue.

*2 <Supply Power> | UPDATER (Minna Denryoku) Utilizing the 100% renewable energy plan from UPDATER (Minna Denryoku), which provides 'electricity with a face®,' we support the cinematic experience with 100% renewable energy electricity where the power source is visible. By combining electricity from renewable energy sources with the environmental value of non-fossil fuel certificates designated for renewable energy, we supply 100% renewable energy electricity (CO2 emissions are also zero).

*3 August 10-11 events are organized by Fuji Culture & Nature Lab.