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A museum dedicated to Yoji Yamada, one of Japan’s leading film directors.
This museum is dedicated to director Yoji Yamada, known for numerous works including the popular Tora-san film series, set in Katsushika Shibamata. Renovated and reopened in 2019, the museum has a bright, open interior. Just inside the entrance stands a striking bronze statue of Yoji Yamada that looks as if it could come to life at any moment.
Yoji Yamada directed and co-wrote nearly all 50 films in the Tora-san series, including a special edition, produced between 1969 and 2019. As the creator of Tora-san, he can be credited with making Katsushika Shibamata a household name throughout Japan.
The museum traces half a century of his work and displays equipment used in his productions, reflecting his dedication to film throughout the medium’s golden age. At Shibamata Cinema, located toward the back of the museum, visitors can watch trailers for Yamada’s films in the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashioned movie theater.
After visiting the Tora-san Museum and Yamada Yoji Museum, relax at the adjoining TORAsan cafe while immersing yourself in the world of the Tora-san films.
Entrance©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Exhibition floor©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Equipment that supported Yoji Yamada’s filmmaking©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Watch trailers in the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashioned movie theater at Shibamata Cinema©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Displays of award trophies and exhibits exploring the director’s diverse creative work in film, television, theater, and more©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Statue of Yoji Yamada©Yamada Yoji Museum ©Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Entrance to TORAsan cafe, immediately to the left after exiting Yamada Yoji Museum
Relax at the cafe after exploring the museum
Some reviews are AI-translated.
You can visit both the Tora-san Museum and the Yamada Yoji Museum together for just JPY 500. The exhibits introduce the director's life and works, and you can also see some old, heavy film equipment from the early days.
Yoji Yamada is one of my most respected Japanese directors. I once heard from a Japanese friend who got his autograph at a film event. According to my friend, Yamada was incredibly humble and didn’t act like a big-shot artist at all, which made me feel even more fond of him. I felt truly honored to visit the Yamada Yoji Museum this time—it felt like I got a little closer to the director I’ve admired for so long o(*￣▽￣*)o
The exhibits inside are really impressive. They make you appreciate his tireless dedication and passion even more. You can almost feel his presence through all the displays. It’s a truly memorable museum.
