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Japan on Film
The vibrancy of the Meiji era is revealed in these early films of Japan, restored by the BFI National Archive.
Early filmmakers had a particular fascination for Japan. Nearly all the early film companies sent cameramen to capture the landscapes, temples, processional events, festivals and customs of the islands. The Japanese aesthetic was influential and fashionable in the western nations in the early 20th century, so audiences were thrilled to see the country and its people on film. This selection of views of Japan between 1902 and 1913 - broadly coinciding with the end of the Meiji era - all survive at the BFI National Archive and have been restored and digitised to coincide with the celebrations around the 2020/21 Olympics held in Tokyo. Many of the French Pathé titles still have their original stencil colouring, which adds to their charm.
The collection also includes two films shot outside Japan that reflect widespread western interest in Japanese culture of the time, and Around Japan with a Movie Camera, a compilation specially created for the BFI London Film Festival 2021.
Around Japan with a Movie CameraAround Japan with a Movie Camera
Documentary191275 mins
Intense interest in Japan by the West made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from the earliest days of film. This selection of films from 1901 to 1913, newly restored by the BFI National Archive, takes us on a fascinating journey through Meiji Japan.
Among the JapaneseAmong the Japanese
Interest film19202 minsSilent
Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.
The Ainus of JapanThe Ainus of Japan
Interest film19133 minsSilent
This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.
Japanese AcrobatsJapanese Acrobats
Performance19136 minsSilent
Acrobats exhibit their physical agility and masterly skills with assorted spinning and balancing feats.
Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in JapanShooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan
Travelogue19117 minsSilent
A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.
Japanese School ChildrenJapanese School Children
Non-Fiction19042 minsSilent
In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.
Japanese FestivalJapanese Festival
Interest film19095 minsSilent
A vibrant festival with parades of fishermen and geisha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.
Japanese Procession of StateJapanese Procession of State
Non-Fiction19044 minsSilent
A moment from a Shinto procession, surrounded by onlookers standing along the roadside.
Japanese FuneralJapanese Funeral
Non-Fiction19041 minsSilent
A grand funeral procession of rickshaws and a horse-drawn carriage flaunts the wealth and power of the deceased.
Some Japanese TemplesSome Japanese Temples
19125 minsSilent
Pathécolor’s mechanical stencil colouring is put to good use illustrating a festival at an ancient shrine.
Japanese TypesJapanese Types
Travelogue19115 minsSilent
Miscellaneous shots of Japanese social classes, from the poor to the wealthy, and the masses to the individual.
Shooting Rapids in JapanShooting Rapids in Japan
Travelogue19065 minsSilent
Be prepared to get drenched as you slip past dangerous rocks in this violent ride down the rapidly flowing Hozu River.
Picturesque JapanPicturesque Japan
Travelogue19079 minsSilent
A grand tour of Japan’s major cities, offering scenic views of the streets and daily life.
London: Late Emperor of JapanLondon: Late Emperor of Japan
Non-Fiction19120 minsSilent Location: London
Journalists congregate outside the Japanese embassy in London following the announcement of the death of the Emperor Meiji.
Russo-Japanese War ProgrammeRusso-Japanese War Programme
Non-Fiction190519 minsSilent
A series of battles in the Russo-Japanese War is presented as a visual spectacle.
Fishing with Cormorants. Isle of Yeso. JapanFishing with Cormorants. Isle of Yeso. Japan
Interest film191110 minsSilent
Fishermen set out on the river with trained cormorants
Rice Industry in JapanRice Industry in Japan
Non-Fiction19108 minsSilent
The process of rice harvesting in the early 20th century, from reaping the crop to milling the grains.
Rice Festival in KyotoRice Festival in Kyoto
19118 minsSilent
Celebrations for the festival, including a Courtesans’ procession, the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and traditional theatre.
JaponaiserieJaponaiserie
Trick film19043 minsSilent
Stencil colour and exotic décor add dazzle to a magic show conducted by white performers in yellowface.
Japanese Dancers and Japanese Stave DuelJapanese Dancers and Japanese Stave Duel
Documentary19054 mins
The performance of a masked dancer is followed by a scene from a kendo match, contrasting grace and ferocity.
Japanese DancersJapanese Dancers
18940 minsSilent
Twirling and swinging cloth strips, three dancers present a lively performance for the earliest Western filmmakers.