Benshi - Ichiro Kataoka

Ichiro Kataoka


Film :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-SBXG4xY_M

Chasing Ichiro  -  A Silent Film Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n_4tUEAxiQ

 

Ichiro Kataoka Performance

 

In the 1920s and early 1930s Japanese audiences often did not go to the theater to see a certain film, they went to enjoy the electrifying art of a benshi. Benshi were stars that commanded huge salaries for their masterful use of voice for both subtle effects and dramatic fireworks of emotion. Due to their immense popularity, the benshi were powerful figures in the early film industry that were partially responsible for delaying the introduction of sound film for several years. To the relief of the increasingly authoritarian government of the 1930s, which was unhappy with the benshi’s ability to co-determine the interpretation of the filmic text and potentially counteract censorship, most of the several thousand active benshi of the 1930s quickly disappeared with the adaptation of sound film. However, even after WWII, a small number of benshi continued to perform and to train apprentices. This included a benshi named Shunsui Matsuda. Matsuda’s students are now among the most prominent performing benshi, including the possibly most famous practicing benshi, Midori Sawato, who provided Ichiro Kataoka with his training and performed at BU in 2004.

Ichiro Kataoka graduated from the Nihon University College of Art and began training under Midori Sawato, in 2002. He is the most well-known benshi of his generation, a rising star that is also the most internationally active benshi, having given performances in countries such as Croatia, Germany and Australia. Performing a broad repertoire of styles, Mr. Kataoka is known for not only performing with the more “traditional” benshi accompaniment of a small ensemble or select Japanese instruments, but also has been open to working with experimental or electronic music. He has appeared as a benshi in various films and also works as a voice actor for animation and video games.
 

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Links :

http://hcl.harvard.edu/hfa/films/2012octdec/benshi.html

http://www.dia.org/calendar/event.aspx?id=3593&iid=

Exhibition of Noh Mask

Masayuki Kishimoto's

Art of Noh Mask.


Tsuzumi-akujoh  鼓悪尉
















Ko-omote  小面

















Hime-zaru  姫猿

Yokohama Porcelain

Masuda Art    - Since 1965 -

http://www.masuda-art.com/

Camera Museum in Tokyo

JCII  Camera Museum

http://www.jcii-cameramuseum.jp/

JCII Camera Museum
	A museum that supports photography and film culture
With the cooperation of Japanese camera manufacturers, the Japan(Nippon) Camera and optical instruments Inspection and testing Institute (JCII) was founded in 1954. It was formed to inspect all cameras exported from Japan in order to maintain quality standards. In addition to this inspection function, JCII in 1969 started to designate some cameras as "Historical Japanese Cameras"and began efforts to preserve these important items. Testing Institute has changed their name to "Japan Camera Industry Institute (JCII)". Several thousand cameras are housed at the museum. JCII has also preserved important information pertaining to the cameras. The JCII Camera Museum was established to expose as many people as possible to cameras and the history of photography, and to educate people about the discipline. In the future, we will collaborate with the JCII Photo Salon and the JCII Library to preserve photography and film culture, as well as contribute to the further development of that culture. Director MORIYAMA, Mayumi (Ms.) Location JCII Ichiban-cho Bldg., 25, Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082 Japan (Nippon) Telephone +81-3-3263-7100 Exhibition Area 310 sq. meters (3,300 sq. ft.) Opened to Public 1989-11-29 Hours 10:00 to 17:00 Closed Mondays (In case Monday is a National Holiday, the museum will be open and be closed the following day), the beginning and end of the year, and other dates determined by the museum.
	Historical cameras from around the world
One significant characteristic of the JCII Camera Museum is that there are exhibits pertaining to all phases of the worldwide history of photography. In the Special Exhibition section, there are various types of cameras from around the world. Also included are "classic," "masterpiece" and "curio" cameras. A new discovery every visit - that's what you'll find at the JCII Camera Museum.
	In addition to the "JCII Camera Museum", there are two sections devoted to promoting the understanding of photography and film : the "JCII Photo Salon" and the "JCII Library".
	JCII Photo Salon
Creating interest in Japanese photographic culture through the exhibition of a wide assortment of photographs. Hours : 10:00 to 17:00 Closed : Mondays (except when a national holiday falls on a Monday
	JCII Library
This library contains books related to photography. Search for titles using a computer database. Hours : 10:00 to 17:00 Closed : Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays Photography classes are offered. Darkrooms, galleries and studios are available for rent.
	Now accepting members for the JCII Camera Museum Friendship Circle
The JCII Camera Museum Friendship Circle is now accepting new members. We are currently planning new study meetings, lectures, photo sessions, and social functions. Members can participate in these activities. Members can also enjoy free admission to the museum, a free subscription to special exhibition pamphlets and other special benefits. For details, please contact the JCII Camera Museum

Le Silence

Mamiko Yamada, 　Photographer

Promenade

Dans le vent...

Animistic Art

In Laos.

Photography by Masahiro SHIOTA,
CEO of Hardnut International Ltd.
http://www.hardnut-int.com/en/index.html