Hidden Wonders | One of Japan's Oldest Cinemas Shines in Niigata

このページを日本語で読む

At the sound of a buzzer, the windows are shut, blocking out the sunlight. The theater darkens, and all eyes turn to the screen — the start of a two-hour cinematic journey. Located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Takada Sekai-kan is believed to be one of the oldest cinemas in Japan still operating in its original form.

*Rows of vintage film projectors in the second-floor projection room.*

Takada Sekai-kan first opened in 1911 as a playhouse called Takada-za. Around 1916, it was renamed Sekai-kan and became a permanent movie theater.

The grand, white Renaissance-style theater once had tatami mats in its seating area. The windows — an unusual feature for a movie theater — are a reminder of its playhouse origins.

*Numerous film reels stacked on the shelves.*

A Century of Cinema

Following Japan's period of rapid economic growth, the film industry faced a downturn. Takada Sekai-kan struggled to stay open, and the situation worsened as the building aged. After the 2007 Chuetsu offshore earthquake, closure seemed inevitable.

*Stepping inside the building feels like traveling back in time.*

Determined to preserve this historic landmark, local volunteers and film enthusiasts established the NPO Machinaka Eigakan Saisei Iinkai (Downtown Movie Theater Revival Committee). In April 2009, the group took over management, breathing new life into the theater.

*The view of the theater from the second floor.*

The current manager, Michinari Ueno, is a Joetsu City native. After studying film theory at university, he became the theater's sole full-time staff member in 2014.

"It would be amazing to create new value by blending cinema with other elements," Ueno said with excitement. "For example, during an Italian film screening, we could collaborate with a local Italian restaurant to offer movie-inspired menu items."