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Film Director Tomotaka Tasaka
National Film Archive of Japan
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Tomotaka Tasaka
A name that cannot be forgotten when considering the rich history of Japanese cinema is that of master director Tomotaka Tasaka (1902-1974). Making his debut in 1926 with Kabocha Sodoki, Tasaka came to establish a deeply humanistic style with literary works such as Shinjitsu Ichiro (1937) and Robo no Ishi (1938). He and Tomu Uchida were the forces behind the arrival of Nikkatsu Tamagawa Studio’s heyday. With Five Scouts (1938) and subsequent works, he gained considerable fame as a maker of war films known for their vibrant realism and empathy.
In August 1945, Tasaka was exposed to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and spent several years fighting associated health effects. However, after recovering, he worked at several studios, nurturing stars such as Yujiro Ishihara, Kinnosuke Nakamura, and Yoshiko Sakuma. He also left behind many masterpieces, including The Maid’s Kid (1955), A Slope in the Sun (1958), A Carpenter and Children (1962), and A House in the Quarter (1963).
Despite his brilliant body of work, Tasaka has long gone without the kind of career reassessment enjoyed by other directors. However, his style, which consistently took notice of the small and the weak, bursts with encouragement for those trying to live lives of goodness and sincerity. It should shine particularly bright in this age of continuous calamity and increasing social intolerance. This year, which marks half a century since Tomotaka Tasaka’s death, and in conjunction with the publication of a book about his life, the National Film Archive of Japan will present the first retrospective exhibition of his works, showing valuable materials provided by people concerned, and host special screenings of his films. We hope it will be an opportunity to take a fresh look at movies and the human lives lying beyond them through Tasaka, a genuine believer in human goodness.
In August 1945, Tasaka was exposed to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and spent several years fighting associated health effects. However, after recovering, he worked at several studios, nurturing stars such as Yujiro Ishihara, Kinnosuke Nakamura, and Yoshiko Sakuma. He also left behind many masterpieces, including The Maid’s Kid (1955), A Slope in the Sun (1958), A Carpenter and Children (1962), and A House in the Quarter (1963).
Despite his brilliant body of work, Tasaka has long gone without the kind of career reassessment enjoyed by other directors. However, his style, which consistently took notice of the small and the weak, bursts with encouragement for those trying to live lives of goodness and sincerity. It should shine particularly bright in this age of continuous calamity and increasing social intolerance. This year, which marks half a century since Tomotaka Tasaka’s death, and in conjunction with the publication of a book about his life, the National Film Archive of Japan will present the first retrospective exhibition of his works, showing valuable materials provided by people concerned, and host special screenings of his films. We hope it will be an opportunity to take a fresh look at movies and the human lives lying beyond them through Tasaka, a genuine believer in human goodness.
Schedule | Sep 7 (Sat) 2024-Nov 24 (Sun) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥250; University Students ¥130; Seniors 65 & Over, High School Students and Under free. Free on November 3. | ||||
| Website | https://www.nfaj.go.jp/english/exhibition/film-director-tomotaka-tasaka2024/ | ||||
| Venue | National Film Archive of Japan https://www.nfaj.go.jp/english/ | ||||
| Location | 3-7-6 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031 | ||||
| Access | 1 minute walk from exit 1 at Kyobashi Station on the Ginza line, 1 minute walk from exit A4 at Takaracho Station on the Toei Asakusa line, 5 minute walk from exit 7 at Ginza-itchome Station on the Yurakucho line. | ||||
| Phone | 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial) | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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