So, as the winter evenings in December unfold at Lamakaan, audiences will journey through Takita’s cinematic universe—where humor, history, and humanity converge. Each Wednesday promises not just a film screening, but an immersion into the delicate art of storytelling that made Yōjirō Takita a legend.

About the Director: Yōjirō Takita, born on December 4, 1955. Known worldwide for his Academy Award-winning masterpiece Departures (2008), Takita’s journey from comic pink films to historical epics and deeply human dramas reflects a rare versatility. His works resonate because they transform intimate Japanese traditions into universal stories, inviting audiences to reflect on life, death, and the quiet dignity of human connection. Takita’s style is marked by emotional subtlety and cultural depth, weaving humor, ritual, and tenderness into cinematic experiences that linger long after the screen fades. His impact lies in bridging tradition with modern storytelling, proving that local narratives can achieve global acclaim.

Film Title: TENCHI: THE SAMURAI ASTRONOMER | 2012 | 141 Mins | Japan | Japanese Language with English Subtitles

About the film: Tenchi: The Samurai Astronomer (2012), directed by Yōjirō Takita, is a Japanese historical drama based on Tow Ubukata’s novel Tenchi Meisatsu. The film tells the story of Yasui Santetsu, a skilled Go master in the Edo period whose fascination with the stars leads him to become Japan’s first official astronomer. Tasked by the shogunate to reform the outdated calendar system, Santetsu faces political resistance, scientific challenges, and personal struggles, yet his dedication results in the creation of the Jōkyō calendar, a landmark achievement in Japanese timekeeping. Blending samurai tradition with scientific discovery, the film highlights themes of perseverance, curiosity, and the transformative power of knowledge.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!