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A Museum in Memorial to One of Japan’s Iconic Film Directors, Yamada Yoji
The Yamada Yoji Museum revolves around film director Yamada Yoji, who directed numerous films, including the famous “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man)” that was set in Katsushika Shibamata. The building was renovated to make it bright and open, and it was reopened in 2019. A stunning lifelike bronze statue of Yamada Yoji is on display right when you enter the museum.
Between 1969 and 2019, Yamada Yoji has directed and written the script for most of the film series “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man),” which spans 50 films including special cuts. He is also the creator of “Tora-san,” and it is no exaggeration to say that he has made Katsushika Shibamata into a location any Japanese would know.
The museum displays these 50 years of work and equipment used, giving visitors a taste of the commitment that Yamada Yoji, who was active throughout the industry’s prime, has for film. Guests can enjoy watching trailers of his films in a nostalgic old movie theater atmosphere in “Shibamata Kinema,” located toward the back of the building.
After enjoying a day at the Katsushika ShibamataTora-san Museum and Yamada Yoji Museum, you can further immerse yourself in the world of “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man)” by relaxing at the “TORAsan cafe” attached to the museum.
Entrance to the museum 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Interior 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Film equipment that supported director Yamada Yoji’s film making 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Enjoy watching film trailers in a nostalgic old movie theater atmosphere at “Shibamata Kinema” 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Admire the creative works of multi-talented Yamada Yoji, including film, television, drama, and displays of award trophies 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Yamada Yoji bronze statue 🄫Yamada Yoji Museum 🄫Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Exit left out of the Yamada Yoji Museum to enter “TORAsan cafe”
Relax at the cafe after visiting the museum
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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.
