Core Kyoto

Today's episode, titled “The Cinema Capital”, examines the professionals who drive Kyoto’s samurai film industry. Despite its 1,200‑year history, the ancient capital remains innovative, and the programme offers an in‑depth look at its creative core, exploring how tradition and modernity intersect in contemporary productions.

Today: The Cinema Capital is a television episode that turns its lens on the bustling world of Japanese film production. The programme presents a snapshot of the industry’s inner workings, offering viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the people who keep the samurai genre alive on screen. The core of the episode follows the professionals who specialise in creating samurai movies, charting their day‑to‑day activities and the craft that goes into each production. While they work on modern sets, their efforts are rooted in a tradition that stretches back centuries, linking contemporary filmmaking with the historic art of sword‑play storytelling. Set against the backdrop of Kyoto – Japan’s ancient capital that has been continuously inhabited for roughly 1,200 years – the show highlights how the city remains a hub of innovation. By probing the heart of Kyoto’s cultural and cinematic landscape, the episode shows how its long‑standing heritage coexists with cutting‑edge practices, underscoring the city’s ongoing relevance in today’s film industry.