Free
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 Camera Around Japan with a Movie Camera
Documentary 1912 75 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 Japanese Among the Japanese
Interest film 1920 2 mins Silent
Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.
The Ainus of Japan The Ainus of Japan
Interest film 1913 3 mins Silent
This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.
Japanese Acrobats Japanese Acrobats
Performance 1913 6 mins Silent
Acrobats exhibit their physical agility and masterly skills with assorted spinning and balancing feats.
Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan
Travelogue 1911 7 mins Silent
A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.
Japanese School Children Japanese School Children
Non-Fiction 1904 2 mins Silent
In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.
Japanese Festival Japanese Festival
Interest film 1909 5 mins Silent
A vibrant festival with parades of fishermen and geisha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.
Japanese Procession of State Japanese Procession of State
Non-Fiction 1904 4 mins Silent
A moment from a Shinto procession, surrounded by onlookers standing along the roadside.
Japanese Funeral Japanese Funeral
Non-Fiction 1904 1 mins Silent
A grand funeral procession of rickshaws and a horse-drawn carriage flaunts the wealth and power of the deceased.
Some Japanese Temples Some Japanese Temples
1912 5 mins Silent
Pathécolor’s mechanical stencil colouring is put to good use illustrating a festival at an ancient shrine.
Japanese Types Japanese Types
Travelogue 1911 5 mins Silent
Miscellaneous shots of Japanese social classes, from the poor to the wealthy, and the masses to the individual.
Shooting Rapids in Japan Shooting Rapids in Japan
Travelogue 1906 5 mins Silent
Be prepared to get drenched as you slip past dangerous rocks in this violent ride down the rapidly flowing Hozu River.
Picturesque Japan Picturesque Japan
Travelogue 1907 9 mins Silent
A grand tour of Japan’s major cities, offering scenic views of the streets and daily life.
London: Late Emperor of Japan London: Late Emperor of Japan
Non-Fiction 1912 0 mins Silent Location: London
Journalists congregate outside the Japanese embassy in London following the announcement of the death of the Emperor Meiji.
Russo-Japanese War Programme Russo-Japanese War Programme
Non-Fiction 1905 19 mins Silent
A series of battles in the Russo-Japanese War is presented as a visual spectacle.
Fishing with Cormorants. Isle of Yeso. Japan Fishing with Cormorants. Isle of Yeso. Japan
Interest film 1911 10 mins Silent
Fishermen set out on the river with trained cormorants
Rice Industry in Japan Rice Industry in Japan
Non-Fiction 1910 8 mins Silent
The process of rice harvesting in the early 20th century, from reaping the crop to milling the grains.
Rice Festival in Kyoto Rice Festival in Kyoto
1911 8 mins Silent
Celebrations for the festival, including a Courtesans’ procession, the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and traditional theatre.
Japonaiserie Japonaiserie
Trick film 1904 3 mins Silent
Stencil colour and exotic décor add dazzle to a magic show conducted by white performers in yellowface.
Japanese Dancers and Japanese Stave Duel Japanese Dancers and Japanese Stave Duel
Documentary 1905 4 mins
The performance of a masked dancer is followed by a scene from a kendo match, contrasting grace and ferocity.
Film: Japanese Dancers
Japanese Dancers Japanese Dancers
1894 0 mins Silent
Twirling and swinging cloth strips, three dancers present a lively performance for the earliest Western filmmakers.