Bridge of Japan
日本橋
Synopsis
Ichikawa's 1956 adaptation of Nihonbashi was the first to take the work of Kyoka Izumi— until then regarded as a writer of common tragic melodramas—and re-evaluate it as a tanbi-ha work of decadence, aestheticism, and intrigue. Ichikawa's film presents the tragic plot of the young geisha who is unable to enact her love for a man publicly in any way other than a histrionic story of torment, a heart-rending tale of lovers being crushed by fate. Instead, Ichikawa shows the contest of wills that transpires as two geisha, Oko and Kiyoha fight for the top spot in Nihonbashi, the pinnacle of the Tokyo geisha world. Nihonbashi is an elegant, if steely, exposition of manners. The young doctor, Shinzo Katsuragi, is the object of affection for both women, but appears to be more the choice reward for the plotting and thieving of these two early modern superwomen, than a lover they swoon over.
Top Cast
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Chikage Awashima
Otaka Inaba
Ayako Wakao
Ochise
Fujiko Yamamoto
Kiyoha Takinoya
Ryūji Shinagawa
Shinso Kuzuki
Hiroshi Kawaguchi
Eijirō Yanagi
Shinpachiro Kasahara
Eiji Funakoshi
Shinpachiro Kasahara
Eiichi Takamura
Kiyoha's Husband
Kan Sugi
Teruko Kishi
Kumeko Urabe
Sadako Sawamura
Natsuko Kahara
Kiyoko Hirai
Mantarō Ushio
Kōichi Itō
Koh Sugita
Tsutomu Nakata
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kon Ichikawa
- Screenplay & Story
- Natto Wada
- Original Score
- Koji Taku
- Original Title
- 日本橋
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Spoken Languages
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Production Studios
- Daiei Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kon Ichikawa
Natto Wada, Izumi Kyōka
Koji Taku
Kimio Watanabe
Tatsuji Nakashizu
Masaichi Nagata
Department Leadership Roster
Kon Ichikawa
Director
Masaichi Nagata
Producer
Tatsuji Nakashizu
Editor
Kimio Watanabe
Director of Photography
Koji Taku
Original Music Composer
Natto Wada
Screenplay
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bridge of Japan
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Bridge of Japan about?
Ichikawa's 1956 adaptation of Nihonbashi was the first to take the work of Kyoka Izumi— until then regarded as a writer of common tragic melodramas—and re-evaluate it as a tanbi-ha work of decadence, aestheticism, and intrigue. Ichikawa's film presents the tragic plot of the young geisha who is unable to enact her love for a man publicly in any way other than a histrionic story of torment, a heart-rending tale of lovers being crushed by fate. Instead, Ichikawa shows the contest of wills that transpires as two geisha, Oko and Kiyoha fight for the top spot in Nihonbashi, the pinnacle of the Tokyo geisha world. Nihonbashi is an elegant, if steely, exposition of manners. The young doctor, Shinzo Katsuragi, is the object of affection for both women, but appears to be more the choice reward for the plotting and thieving of these two early modern superwomen, than a lover they swoon over.
Who directed Bridge of Japan?
Bridge of Japan was directed by Kon Ichikawa.
Who stars in Bridge of Japan?
The principal cast of Bridge of Japan includes Chikage Awashima, Ayako Wakao, Fujiko Yamamoto, Ryūji Shinagawa, Hiroshi Kawaguchi.
When was Bridge of Japan released and how long is it?
Bridge of Japan was released in 1956 with a total runtime of 1h 51m.
Who composed the musical score for Bridge of Japan?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Bridge of Japan was composed by Koji Taku.