About the Work This work is a documentary film that followed the late years, from age 84 to 90, of Nizaemon Kataoka XIII—a master actor who supported the Kabuki world from the late Showa to the early Heisei eras, and the father of the fifteenth generation (current) Nizaemon Kataoka. It is an extraordinary epic totaling 6 volumes and 10 hours and 46 minutes, produced by documentary filmmaker Sumiko Haneda with Jiyu Kobo.

Due to its extensive length, opportunities for theatrical screenings have been limited, and because it has never been released on home video or streamed online, it has been passed down as a 'legendary work.' The most recent screening of all volumes dates back to the Paris screening (2018) as an official project of 'Japonismes 2018.' Now, to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the thirteenth generation's passing and the 100th anniversary of Director Sumiko Haneda's birth, the screening of all 6 volumes at domestic cinemas 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,' 'Koi Bikyaku Yamato Ourai,' and his final stage appearance in 'Hachijin Shugo no Honjo,' the content is diverse, featuring abundant discussions on his art and rehearsal scenes. It is a must-see masterpiece for Kabuki fans that reflects the 'dignity' and the figure of a man who sincerely pursued his art throughout his entire life.

Furthermore, when writing the original novel for the smash hit movie 'National Treasure,' author Shuichi Yoshida watched this work. We can confidently recommend it as a piece that invites those who became interested through Kabuki-themed works like 'National Treasure' and 'Kobikicho no Adauchi' 'deeper into the world of Kabuki.' Mr. Yoshida sent the following email to Director Haneda:

Dear Sumiko Haneda,

I am truly grateful to you for lending me such precious footage this time. The carefully shot rehearsal scenes made me feel as if I were there watching them in person.

Actually, a visually impaired actor also appears in the work 'National Treasure' that I am currently writing, and it was very helpful. The wind swaying the noren curtains, the sound of higurashi cicadas singing in the garden of Sagano, the sound of wind chimes... projected in 'Kabuki Actor Nizaemon Kataoka,' I believe that must be the beautiful world that Nizaemon, who had lost his sight, was seeing. I think the world known to those who are blind is not darkness, but a place where there are sounds of shamisen and hand drums, birds singing, and a comfortable wind that can be seen.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully, Shuichi Yoshida

*From the thank-you email sent by author Shuichi Yoshida to Director Haneda, who lent him the DVDs when he was writing the novel 'National Treasure.'

Screening Work Title: 'Kabuki Actor Nizaemon Kataoka XIII' (All 6 Volumes) Director: Sumiko Haneda Production: Jiyu Kobo Year of Production: 1992-1994 Screening Format: DCP Screening, Total 10 hours 46 minutes

Screening Schedule Screening Period: 2026

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event