Yokohama Nichigeki dies too

[Aaron Gerow]

Another sad bit of news is that the Yokohama Nichigeki, one of the most 
famous postwar movie theaters and the site of Hayashi Kaizo's Hama Mike 
movie and TV series, has closed for business, ending its 48 year 
history. Located near Isezakicho, Yokohama's old entertainment 
district, the Nichigeki has suffered from the decline of that district 
and the opening of multiplex theaters in the more fashionable Minato 
Mirai area. As the article I read says, it is ironic that this 
important bit of Japanese film history disappeared on the day of the 
much-publicized awards ceremony for the Japanese Academy Awards (which 
are always a crock, by the way). I would add that it is very sad that 
the Agency of Cultural Affairs is making such a big hubbub about 
promoting film culture, but letting these film cultural landmarks die 
away. Somebody has their priorities wrong.

For some nice pictures of the old theater, see 
http://www.cinema-st.com/classic/c002.html

Aaron Gerow
KineJapan owner

Assistant Professor
Film Studies Program/East Asian Languages and Literatures
Yale University

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