Living on the River Agano

「阿賀に生きる」
Aga Ni Ikiru

Imported 16mm Print. Shot along the lush riverbanks of the Agano River—fondly called “The Aga” by locals—Makoto Sato’s legendary documentary depicts the lives, traditions and livelihoods of an aging community deeply connected to the land. Filmed 27 years after Showa Denko K.K.’s mercury disposal into the region—resulting in the tainting of fish and poisoning of inhabitants, with many victims not officially recognized—Agano avoids an outright focus on the Niigata Minamata disease itself, relaying its history through intertitles, and instead vies to capture the everyday lives of its subjects—their trades, customs and humanity. Studying the waterways, winds, land and its people, Sato and his crew of seven embedded themselves in the vanishing river communities for three years, putting aside their cameras to cultivate and aid in the busy seasons. Not merely a poignant testament to a fading way of life, Sato’s profound debut is a lyrical evocation of the natural world, its valleys, mountains and rivers, and the quiet tragedy that has befallen it and its people.

Dir. Makoto Sato, 1992, 115 min., 16mm, color.

Part of Shiguéhiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan
Oct 9—18, 2025

© “Living on the River Agano” Production Committee

Film programs are generously supported by Anime NYC, ORIX Corporation USA, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by Jono Abrams and Elizabeth Linn, Ayumi Arafune, Darin Arita and Kanako Arita, Mike Audet, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Catanzaro, The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, Akiko Koide and Shohei Koide, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, Japan Society Film Council, and other Film supporters.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.

Japan Society arts and culture programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).