Sakata Minato-za, Cinema hall in Sakata, Japan
Sakata Minato-za is a cinema in Sakata featuring traditional Japanese architectural details such as wooden beams and paper screens throughout its spacious interior. The venue accommodates several hundred spectators and uses modern digital projection for screenings.
The building was founded in 1887 and initially presented drama and kabuki performances before becoming a cinema in 1910. Following its closure in 2002 as the city's last cinema, it gained renewed attention through its appearance in the 2008 film Departures.
The venue functions as a gathering place where locals come together to watch films and attend cultural events that bring the community closer. This role as a meeting point remains central to how people experience their town today.
The cinema is easily accessible and offers regular film screenings and special events throughout the year. Nearby restaurants often provide discounts for those visiting the venue, making it convenient to plan a full outing.
The venue seemed destined to fade away after becoming the city's last operating cinema before closing, until an international film brought it back into the spotlight. This unexpected revival transformed it into a symbol of community resilience and cultural value.
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