Problems relating to Japanese film industry records 加藤厚子Atsuko KATO

Abstract

Films are artistic products and a business commodity in a giant worldwide market. Although, the status of films as historical and cultural assets has been increasingly acknowledged, attention has not been paid to business records relating to their production in Japan. Film companies themselves do not recognize the importance of conserving their records and thus it is not clear what sources exist. By contrast, in recent overseas discussion, recognition has been achieved for “film heritage”including, as an integral part, the preservation of its business records. This article outlines the history of the activities of well-known Japanese film companies from an archivistʼs perspective, and seeks to outline the current status of their business records. Finally, the article looks into ways that organizations with an interest in the film industry could be involved in surveying such records, their conservation and making them available for research.