Tsuruhachi and Tsurujiro

「鶴八鶴次郎」
Tsuruhachi Tsurujiro

Imported 35mm Print; Introduction by Sho Miyake. Naruse’s wartime backstage drama set during the Meiji era concerns the musical tandem of Kazuo Hasegawa’s tayu (singer) Tsurujiro and Isuzo Yamada’s shamisen player Tsuruhachi—a performing shinnai duo growing ever popular onstage yet curtailed by their own tempestuous offstage relationship, characterized by an endless cycle of infighting and reconciliations. Declaring their affection for one another, the pair gets engaged, only for pride and jealousy to get in the way. Hasumi has praised Naruse’s ability to portray “seemingly ordinary scenes of a man and woman in an intimate relationship walking side by side,” particularly in the mist-laden confessional shot under rustling trees which appears midway through the picture.

Dir. Mikio Naruse, 1938, 88 min., 35mm, b&w. With Kazuo Hasegawa, Isuzu Yamada, Kamatari Fujisawa. 

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

© 1938 Toho Co., Ltd.

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).