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This spring will be a good time for moviegoers in Tokyo. While several movie theaters in the capital have gone out of business in recent years, two new ones will open their doors.
Yebisu Garden Cinema near Ebisu Station has been closed since 2011, but will reopen on March 28 after a classy facelift from the same design company behind Hotel Claska and Shibuya's Hikarie Sky Lobby.
The first screenings will include Terry Gilliam's latest work, "The Zero Theorem."
Toho Cinemas, which opened a new location in Nihonbashi last year, continues to expand its presence with a new theater in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district.
Set to open on April 17, it will include a whopping 2,300 seats for 12 screens, including the first in Japan using IMAX's new sound system and a premier screen with leather seats used by airlines for business class.
© Japan Today
16 Comments
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Yenot
The beauty of a great river does is not middle or the end but the beginning. This is the same for many things here and around the world. The movies theathers reflects the costs of the buildings an renovations, but they must also contend with movie distributors, Japanese laws of imports and taxes that ensues and so and so.I will say luxury in some areas are only an illusion. As that luxury means nothing if the movie really stinks. The main object of concern has and always will be the concession stands as you pay 300 yen or more for a box of popcorn that cost only 5 yen to produce.An overstocking of staff to show their service by providing none.I could go on but will leave it at that.
Pukey2
strangerland:
I was belittling others. I just want to see services for those who have no need for leather seats (what next? Pillows with lavender scent?) and just want something more affordable. And when DVDs and blurays of foreign movies come out before the movies even make it to Japanese cinemas, is it any wonder why some people don't go to the cinemas in Japan anymore. I remember seeing Lord of the Rings back home for about 300 yen (and it wasn't crowded).
Aren't there any cinemas which sell tickets for less than 1800 yen by default, without having to wait for "lady's day" or men's day. It's as bad as the publishing industry here where books are all sold at a fixed price with no discounts.
Is that 2300 for EACH screen, or 2300 in total? Because less than 200 seats for one screen does not sound whopping to me.
Knox Harrington
How about they inaugurate these classy cinemas with "Unbreakable"? That would be classy.
Frederic Bastiat
Let's see if they can find any classy movies to show.
innit
Well after paying for their overpriced movie tickets Tokyoites can go for a meal not having to pay 15% extra to supplement the wage of someone who has the immensly difficult job of picking up a plate and carrying it across the room.
All relative.
Pandabelle
Good for you! SO happy for you! I'm REALLY unbelievably jealous!
sighclops
Paying 3000+ yen per ticket for the "premium" seats at Roppongi's Toho Cinema was one of the biggest rip-offs in recent memory. They really have to up their game...
HaraldBloodaxe
The first screenings will include Terry Gilliam’s latest work, “The Zero Theorem.”
What? The classy new, ultra-modern cinema will cut its ribbon by showing a 2013 film which has been available to buy on BluRay and DVD since July last year?
What's the point of that? It's a great film by the way, I strongly recommend it. But it's far cheaper to buy the DVD.
nath
Nothing wrong with not wanting or not being able to pay the premium price, but it's not cool to belittle others who do/can.
dcog9065
You think Japan is expensive? Back in Australia ticket prices are slightly cheaper, but food and drinks are easily 2-3 times more expensive. The reserve seat and automated check in is awesome here at Toho Cinemas, but I really really hate the lack of movie options available to us..
Pukey2
Hmm, I wonder how much that'll cost?
Well good for you! Meanwhile, I'm still looking for the tree that grows money.
nath
Not just J-consumers. Many people world wide are willing to pay a premium for a premium service. I have no problems with paying extra for a nicer experience.
Knox Harrington
So I guess "classiness" will come with a premium price too, right? It's OK. J-consumers will pay. They always do.
nath
And I eat quality ramen here in Japan that isn't made with instant noodles. I don't miss that from the US at all.
Positives and negatives to living in every country.
jerseyboy
I go to a "classy" cinema here in the states (all reserved/leather reclining seats), and only pay $7.00. Don't miss paying JPY 1800 at all.