There is a good building in Takada, Joetsu City.
It is Japan's oldest working cinema, the Takata Sekai-kan, which is 105 years old this year. Originally built as a playhouse in 1911 (Meiji 44), it has since been operated as a permanent cinema. Today, films are still shown daily, mainly mini-theatre type films (closed on Tuesdays).
What's good about the building here is that it has an exotic appearance that is neither 'Japanese' nor 'Western'. Yes, it is. This is a 'quasi-Western' building, built by Meiji-era master builders in imitation of Western architecture.
Beautiful timber-framed ceilings. Traditional Japanese decorations are set in a 'Western' context, such as European-style columns. You can feel the pride of the master builders, who have taken Western architectural motifs but given them a uniquely Japanese character.
Everything else is in good taste, from the rounded curves of the roof and window frames to the wooden ticket office and the word 'push' on the door.
So why do I regret not going now?
This is because earthquake resistant construction will start from 12 January 2016 onwards.
The outer wall on the left side towards the front is going to be torn down for construction. (Hard to see in the photo at the beginning of this piece.)
What this means,
'Part of a 105-year-old cultural asset that has supported modern industry' will be lost.
Wooden window frames that were rusty and sooty before repainting.
Bare brick foundations.
It would be a major blow if these exterior walls embodying 105 years of age were to disappear. For old building lovers and not-so-old building lovers alike.
The deadline is 11 January 2016, just before construction starts, i.e. by the end of this week.
If you haven't been there yet, I don't know if you'll regret it.
Spotlight.
Takada World Hall
- Address: 6-4-21 Honmachi, Joetsu City, Niigata 943-0832
- TEL 025-520-7442 (in Takata Advertising House Plus Ten).
- Hours for visiting the museum Possible when films are not being shown.
- Admission Free (for visits only). Group tours require an application.
- Closed Tuesdays
- URLhttp://takadasekaikan.com/
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