15th Anniversary Exhibition:
Filmmkakers at the Kawakita Residence in Kamakura

2 August - 24 November, 2025

The Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum opened in April 2010 on the former residential site where Nagamasa and Kashiko Kawakita lived and devoted themselves to international exchange through films, and marked its15th anniversary this year. This site was once visited by filmmakers from both Japan and abroad like Kinuyo Tanaka, Chishu Ryu, Alain Delon, Wim Wenders and became a venue for international exchange. Kawakita couple’ s heartful hospitality was passed down to Kazuko, their only daughter who devoted her life to films. And the Kawakita Annex, which remains today, tells the story of the times when the filmmakers visited.
This exhibition commemorates the 15th anniversary of the Museum’ s opening and will look back on the contributions to Kawakita’ s couple to the film industry, as well as introduce their interactions with filmmakers who once visited this site.
We look forward to seeing you.

The Former Kawakita Annex (originally the Watsuji Residence)

The former Watsuji residence was originally a private dwelling built in the latter part of Edo period. In 1938, it was moved to Nerima Ward in Tokyo as the house of prominent philosopher Tetsuro Watsuji. In 1961, Kawakita couple moved the house to its present location (beside their own home) where used it as a guest house for filmmakers from abroad.
“Tokyo-Ga” is a documentary film in 1985 directed by Wim Wenders and in this film, Wim interviewed Chishu Ryu, who was an indispensable actor in Ozu’ s films, at veranda of this Annex. This Annex is usually private but you can view it on the following dates.

Free public access
Saturday 4th Oct., Sunday 5th Oct. at 10:00 to 16:00. You can enter the earthen floor at entrance way.

Special public offerings with admission fees required
from Saturday 1st Nov. to Monday (national holiday) 3rd Nov. at 10:00 to 16:00.

Note
The event may be cancelled depending upon the weather.