On Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Centre for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS) at Tohoku University held a special screening and talk session for the documentary film The Cats of Gokogu Shrine at the Studio Theater (7th floor) of Sendai Mediatheque.

　　

Part 1: DCP Screening of The Cats of Gokogu Shrine

The event opened with a screening of The Cats of Gokogu Shrine, the latest work by documentary filmmaker Kazuhiro Soda. The film offers a intimate look at the daily lives of community cats living around a small shrine in the coastal town of Ushimado, Setouchi, and the local residents who surround them. The screening was presented in a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format, providing the audience with a theatrical-quality visual and audio environment.

Part 2: Talk Session & Q&A

The screening was followed by a dynamic talk session moderated by Dr. Ran Wei (Assistant Professor, CIJS), featuring Director Kazuhiro Soda, Producer Kiyoko Kashiwagi, and Professor Mitsuyo Wada-Marciano (Kyoto University).

The panel delved into Director Soda’s signature "Observational Film" methodology—a style that avoids scripts and voiceover narration—and explored how "locality" and local communities are depicted through visual media. The discussion expanded to encompass broader themes raised by the film, such as aging populations, depopulation, local community solidarity, and human-animal coexistence (including stray cats and wildlife). Panelists examined these topics through multifaceted perspectives, drawing connections to familiar everyday issues and regional contexts.

During the Q&A session, attendees actively engaged with the speakers, offering thoughtful impressions on the cinematic expression, sharing reflections on local community dynamics, and asking questions unique to the regional context of Tohoku.

 
 
 

Closing Remarks

The event generated an overwhelming response from the initial registration phase and concluded as a great success. Post-event survey feedback highlighted meaningful audience engagement, with comments such as, "It shifted my perspective on documentary film," "I gained new insights into how to watch cinema," and "It was a valuable lesson in connecting academic research with society."

This program served as a highly rewarding platform for dialogue, allowing us to think together with the public about the deep connections between humanities and social science research and contemporary local/societal challenges.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees who joined us, as well as to everyone who supported the organization of this event. CIJS will continue to plan a wide range of academic and public programs in the future. Stay tuned for our upcoming events.