SIX FACES

Following a Real-Life National Treasure

Venue(s): CineSwitch Ginza
from August 22 (Fri) English subtitles run the last screening of the day only.
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Official website: www.culture-pub.jp/six-face/
Theater website: bit.ly/4oVeqRS
Theater website: cineswitch.com/about
Theater website: bit.ly/4lIAoEQ
Trailer: http://bit.ly/3HDPEVw

Advance tickets: Tickets will be available for purchase starting from 24:00 on Wednesday before the screening week.

Title: 六つの顔 (Muttsu no Kao)
Director: Isshin Inudo (⽝童⼀⼼)
Duration: 82 mins

At 94 years old, Mansaku Nomura, Living National Treasure and one of the greatest masters of Kyogen, continues to take the stage with undiminished vitality. Kyogen, the comic counterpart to Noh, has entertained audiences for over 650 years, and Nomura has dedicated some 9 decades to refining its essence. In 2023, he received the Order of Culture, and the following year he performed his greatest masterpiece, Kawakami, in a commemorative event that crowned his artistic journey.

Now running with English subtitles, this new documentary by director Isshin Inudo (Josée, the Tiger and the Fish, The Castle of Cagliostro) follows Nomura through that milestone day, interweaving performance footage, interviews and striking animated segments directed by Koji Yamamura, the Oscar-nominated animator of Mount Head. Narrated by actor Joe Odagiri, the film also captures reflections from Nomura’s son, Mansai Nomura (a leading actor in his own right), and grandson, Yuki Nomura, illuminating three generations bound to a centuries-old tradition.

Beyond the theater, the camera travels to Kannon-ji Temple in Kawakami Village, Nara—the sacred setting of Kawakami—to evoke the landscapes that have inspired Nomura’s lifelong pursuit of Kyogen’s spirit. Boldly blending documentary, animation, and poetic imagery, the film becomes a meditation on art, family and cultural memory.

If you’ve already taken in megahit fiction film Kokuho (“National Treasure”) and you want to witness the supreme artistry of a real living legend, this cinematic portrait offers both a rare glimpse into the world of Kyogen and an intimate reflection on the endurance of Japan’s performing arts heritage.

CineSwitch Ginza