This film is part of Free
Japanese Festival
A vibrant festival with parades of fishermen and geisha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.
Overview
While being watched by a huge crowd, various people cheerfully parade through the streets of Yokohama. A festive atmosphere is prevalent. In a parade that imitates a traditional state procession, the marchers are seen wearing comical costume wigs to represent the shaven head of samurai with its chonmage topknot. The specific locations in Yokohama have been identified as Fukutomi-cho and Sumiyoshi-cho, within walking distance of each other.
The Port of Yokohama holds a significant position in Japanese history. Over 200 years of Japan’s isolation from foreign countries was broken when US Commodore Matthew C Perry arrived with his warships at Uraga, south of Yokohama, in 1853. In 1859, the Port of Yokohama was opened in response to foreign pressure to open the country to international trade. The opening of the port heralds for Japan both the end of its feudal era and the beginning of its modernity. (Kosuke Fujiki)
Related
Around Japan with a Movie Camera Around Japan with a Movie Camera
Documentary 1912 75 mins
Intense interest in Japan by the West made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from the earliest days of film. This selection of films from 1901 to 1913, newly restored by the BFI National Archive, takes us on a fascinating journey through Meiji Japan.
Among the Japanese Among the Japanese
Interest film 1920 2 mins Silent
Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.
The Ainus of Japan The Ainus of Japan
Interest film 1913 3 mins Silent
This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.
Japanese Acrobats Japanese Acrobats
Performance 1913 6 mins Silent
Acrobats exhibit their physical agility and masterly skills with assorted spinning and balancing feats.
Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan
Travelogue 1911 7 mins Silent
A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.
Japanese School Children Japanese School Children
Non-Fiction 1904 2 mins Silent
In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.