Located in the center of Sapporo, the Sapporo Tanukikoji Shopping Street is known as one of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido, with a history dating back to the early Meiji period. Approximately 200 stores are lined up along the long, completely covered arcade, and it is still bustling with people today.

Located at the back of this shopping street is Theater Kino, which opened in 1992. With a seating capacity of 29, it is rare nationwide, and has attracted attention as a citizen-funded mini-theater. A few years later, it moved and added more seats, allowing even more people to experience movies at its current location.

Theater Kino has screened over 6,000 films to date, and has hosted talk events inviting numerous directors, cast members, and staff members. In addition to screening films, Theater Kino has also implemented film courses and workshops, creating a rich film culture as a community cinema. We spoke to manager Hiromi Nakajima about the theater's history and appeal.

A story that began with "If it doesn't exist, create it"

At the time when video art, an art form using video technology, was at its height, the Nakajimas ran a video gallery not far from where Kino is now. They believed that "movies were something you went to see," and they would go to small theaters and large movie theaters on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the mini-theaters they frequented began to close one after another as times changed. The Nakajimas were driven by a sense of crisis that they would no longer be able to see the movies they wanted to see, and so they decided to create new ones instead, and so the story of "Theater Kino" began.

Through their repeated actions, they have made various connections and received a lot of support from people who are passionate about art and artistic culture. Currently, in addition to the Nakajimas, the cinema is run by three projectionists and a team of around 50 volunteer staff.

A place to share the cultures of various countries

The charm of "Theater Kino" is the many heartwarming works selected through Nakajima's filter. A wide range of works depicting various countries and cultures are screened under themes such as "films that make you feel life," "edgy films full of possibilities," and "films that change your worldview."

Of course, the most important thing is that the Nakajimas are satisfied with the artwork, and since the store first opened, they have always looked over the artwork before selecting it.

"Our role is to promote the cultures of various countries without forgetting our original intentions. We also place great importance on sharpening our sensibilities so that we can always introduce a wide range of works," says Nakajima emphatically. He says that this is influenced by his past film experiences that stirred his five senses.

When he was feeling a sense of unease in his heart, he watched a foreign film, which led him to experience films from different countries and languages, which made him realize that "films cannot be generalized" and that "maybe I can be more free." This "experience of being made aware of a perspective I had never considered before" is his guidepost, and it supports his film selection.

Enjoying the extraordinary while traveling

One of the attractions of the area is that there are many places to enjoy movies, including "Theater Kino," in Tanukikoji and Susukino. Some people choose to travel just to see movies, some go to multiple movies at "Theater Kino," some go to several movie theaters, and some are on business trips and come to enjoy movies after work.

Immersive experiences in front of a screen have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives, providing an important escape from the everyday.

Immerse yourself in the afterglow at Kino Cafe

If you want to soak in the afterglow after watching a film, you can relax at Kino Cafe, located inside the museum. In a calm space surrounded by the warmth of wood and old books, you can reminisce about a scene that caught your eye, or calm down the nervousness you felt before the film started. Time away from the screen and letting your thoughts wander will make you feel even more comfortable.

If you want a quick snack before the film starts, try the sandwiches, or if you have time, the "Vegetable and Bean Quiche Plate" can be ordered with a drink to fill you up. The quiche, packed with fresh salad, red kidney beans and vegetables, is very filling. It also operates as a bar in the evenings, so you can visit according to the schedule of the film you want to see.

An uplifting movie experience

On what he wants to convey through his films, he said, "You decide what you want to see, take the trouble to go to the cinema, spend your time and money to watch the story. Then after you've finished watching it, you think about it on your own or talk about it with someone, and the film becomes etched in your mind. The wonderful thing about films is that they create this series of enriching experiences."

Nakajima said, "I would be happy if your movie experience at Theater Kino can brighten your spirits even a little, or give you the motivation to do your best tomorrow."

A movie is only complete when it reaches the audience. As a bridge between the two, the stories presented here make us look forward to the stories that will be told in cinemas in the future.

As one of the experiences that allows visitors to experience something "out of the ordinary" in this area, Theater Kino continues to illuminate the hearts of those who visit.

シアターキノ／ キノカフェ・ワインと古本、キノバー
電話番号：011-231-9355（シアターキノ）／011-231-9775（キノカフェ ／ワインと古本、キノバー）
住所：北海道札幌市中央区狸小路6丁目 南3条グランドビル2F
アクセス：
地下鉄南北線・東豊線・東西線「大通駅」より徒歩約10分
地下鉄南北線「すすきの駅」より徒歩約10分
市電：すすきの行き「資生館小学校前」で下車し、徒歩約2分
市電：4丁目行き「西8丁目」で下車し、徒歩約5分
HP：https://theaterkino.net/
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/theaterkino/
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