Screening of Cinema Kabuki

On February 23 (Sun.), the Japan Foundation, Toronto and the Consulate-General of Japan co-organized "Cinema Kabuki" at the TIFF Lightbox. Cinema Kabuki features live performances of Kabuki filmed specifically for high-definition screening in movie theaters with English subtitles. In Toronto, the program has been held nine times since 2009 and has been well received. This year's three plays were: Kuruwa Bunsho, Yoshida-ya: Love Letters from the Pleasure Quarters; Princess Sakurahime Part I; and Lion Dance, Kagamijishi. The theater was packed with Japanese culture enthusiasts, who were mesmerized by the beautifully projected masterpieces of Kabuki on the big screen. Consul-General Matsunaga's speech before the screening of Lion Dance, Kagamijishi is here.