Encore Screenings Announced for Feature Documentary Film 'Kabuki Actor Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, the 13th' from July 11 (Sat) to 17 (Fri)

(c)Kanatasha

Director Sumiko Hanada's documentary film 'Kabuki Actor Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, the 13th'—which had a rare revival screening of all six volumes at Tokyo's PolePole Higashi-Nakano in May and June 2026, the first such theatrical screening in Japan in 17 years—had already drawn strong interest from kabuki fans even before its opening, regarded as a “legendary masterpiece known by connoisseurs.” After the screenings began, word-of-mouth praise among audiences further elevated its reputation. The theater maintained an occupancy rate of nearly 80% throughout its four-week run, culminating in consecutive sold-out shows and a resounding success. Following the conclusion of the screenings, numerous requests poured in from viewers who said they “missed it” or “want to see all six volumes,” prompting an initial encore screening set for Friday, July 17 (Fri). Due to overwhelming response, additional screenings have now been scheduled from Saturday, July 11 (Sat) to Thursday, July 16 (Thu) at PolePole Higashi-Nakano in Tokyo.

Screening Schedule

Daily at 19:00

7/11 (Sat) Vol. 1 "Wakagoi no Maki" (The Young Catfish Chapter)

7/12 (Sun) Vol. 2 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Jo)" (People and Art Chapter, Part 1)

7/13 (Mon) Vol. 3 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Chu)" (People and Art Chapter, Part 2)

7/14 (Tue) Vol. 4 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Ge)" (People and Art Chapter, Part 3)

7/15 (Wed) Vol. 5 "Mogoroku no Maki" (Mogoroku Chapter)

7/16 (Thu) Vol. 6 "Tozen no Maki" (Ascension Chapter)

7/17 (Fri) All Six Volumes Screened in One Day

9:50〜 Vol. 1 "Wakagoi no Maki" 11:50〜 Vol. 2 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Jo)" 13:40〜 Vol. 3 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Chu)" 16:10〜 Vol. 4 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Ge)" 18:10〜 Vol. 5 "Mogoroku no Maki" 19:50〜 Vol. 6 "Tozen no Maki"

※Ends around 22:30

Tickets

Admission: General 2,000 yen (per film)

※Student/Senior pricing and multi-ticket passes available

※Multi-ticket passes sold only at theater box office

Purchase: Available from 3 days before each screening at the theater box office and online (https://pole2.co.jp).

For the all-six-volume screening day on 7/17, tickets go on sale 7 days in advance.

※Online sales begin at 00:00 AM / Box office sales begin at 09:30 AM

※If tickets sell out online before box office hours, no tickets will be available at the box office

Screening Venue

PolePole Higashi-Nakano (4-4-1 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, Poreporeza Building Basement)

TEL: 03-3371-0088 WEB Page: https://pole2.co.jp

About the Film 'Kabuki Actor Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, the 13th'

This documentary film follows Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, the 13th, a legendary kabuki actor who supported the kabuki world from the late Showa to early Heisei periods, and father of the current (15th) Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, during the years from age 84 to 90. Directed by documentary filmmaker Sumiko Hanada and produced with Jiyu Kobo, it is an extraordinary work consisting of six volumes totaling 10 hours and 46 minutes.

Due to its length, opportunities for theatrical screenings have been extremely limited, and with no home video release or online streaming available, the film has become a “legendary work” passed down by word of mouth.

The film captures not only stage performances such as 'Komeguri Soga-men,' 'Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami,' 'Koi Hikyaku Yamato Yukyudo,' and his final stage performance 'Hachijin Mamorigo,' but also rich discussions on kabuki art and rehearsal scenes. A masterpiece that profoundly portrays a life devoted to artistic integrity and dignity—essential viewing for any kabuki enthusiast.

Additionally, novelist Shuichi Yoshida, author of the novel that inspired the hit film 'National Treasure,' watched this documentary while researching for his writing. For those who became interested in kabuki through works like 'National Treasure' or 'Kitsunebashi no Adauchi,' this film is highly recommended as a gateway to delve even deeper into the world of kabuki.

Film Data

(C)Kanatasha

Title: 'Kabuki Actor Jurokuzaemon Kataoka, the 13th'

(Six Volumes)

Vol. 1 "Wakagoi no Maki" (102 min)

Vol. 2 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Jo)" (94 min)

Vol. 3 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Chu)" (101 min)

Vol. 4 "Hito to Gei no Maki (Ge)" (105 min)

Vol. 5 "Mogoroku no Maki" (86 min)

Vol. 6 "Tozen no Maki" (158 min)

Director: Sumiko Hanada

Production: Jiyu Kobo

Production Years: 1992–1994

Screening Format: DCP, Total 10 hours 46 minutes

Inquiries

Organizer, Distributor, Publicity

Kanatasha Co., Ltd. Contact: Sato

TEL: 090-6952-1905 E-mail: [email protected]

Co-organizer, Publicity Support

PolePole Higashi-Nakano Contact: Ishikawa

TEL: 03-3371-0088 E-mail: [email protected]