Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Film-and-Theater-Terminology

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JapaneseVocabulary0 to A1 Course → Arts and Media → Film and Theater Terminology

In this lesson, we will explore the world of film and theater in Japan and learn the vocabulary and expressions used to discuss movies, plays, and dramas. Understanding these terms will not only enhance your Japanese language skills but also provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of Japan's arts and entertainment industry.

Film Terminology[edit | edit source]

Movie Genres[edit | edit source]

Japanese cinema encompasses a wide range of genres, each with its own unique characteristics. Let's take a look at some popular movie genres and their corresponding Japanese terms:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
アクション映画 Akushon eiga Action movie
ロマンス映画 Romansu eiga Romance movie
ホラー映画 Hora eiga Horror movie
コメディ映画 Komedi eiga Comedy movie
ドラマ映画 Dorama eiga Drama movie

Movie Ratings[edit | edit source]

Movies in Japan are rated according to their content and suitability for different age groups. Here are the common movie ratings and their corresponding Japanese terms:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
全年齢対象 Zen nenrei taishō Suitable for all ages
12歳未満禁止 12-sai miman kinshi Prohibited for children under 12
15歳未満禁止 15-sai miman kinshi Prohibited for children under 15
18歳未満禁止 18-sai miman kinshi Prohibited for children under 18

Movie Awards[edit | edit source]

Japan has its own prestigious film awards to recognize excellence in the industry. Here are some of the most prominent film awards and their corresponding Japanese names:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
日本アカデミー賞 Nihon Akademī-shō Japan Academy Prize
キネマ旬報ベスト・テン Kinema Junpō Besuto Ten Kinema Junpo Best Ten
毎日映画コンクール Mainichi Eiga Konkūru Mainichi Film Awards
藤本賞 Fujimoto-shō Fujimoto Prize

Theater Terminology[edit | edit source]

Types of Theater[edit | edit source]

Theater in Japan encompasses various forms, from traditional performing arts to modern stage productions. Let's explore the different types of theaters and their corresponding Japanese terms:

  • 能楽堂 (Nōgaku-dō): Noh theater
  • 歌舞伎座 (Kabuki-za): Kabuki theater
  • 劇場 (Gekijō): General theater
  • プレイハウス (Pureihausu): Playhouse
  • オペラハウス (Opera Hausu): Opera house

Stage Directions[edit | edit source]

When watching a theater performance, it's helpful to understand the common stage directions used by actors and directors. Here are some essential stage directions and their corresponding Japanese terms:

  • 上手 (Uwate): Stage right
  • 下手 (Shitate): Stage left
  • 中央 (Chūō): Center stage
  • 舞台袖 (Butai manto): Offstage
  • 入り口 (Iriguchi): Entrance
  • 出口 (Deguchi): Exit

Theater Performances[edit | edit source]

Japanese theater offers a wide range of performances, each with its own unique style and cultural significance. Let's explore some common types of theater performances and their corresponding Japanese terms:

  • 能 (Nō): Noh theater
  • 歌舞伎 (Kabuki): Kabuki theater
  • 人形劇 (Ningyō-geki): Puppet theater
  • 演劇 (Engeki): Play
  • ミュージカル (Myūjikaru): Musical

Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

Japan has a vibrant film and theater culture that reflects its rich history and artistic traditions. Here are some interesting cultural insights related to the film and theater industry in Japan:

- Noh theater, a traditional form of Japanese musical drama, dates back to the 14th century and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. - Kabuki, another traditional Japanese theater form, is known for its elaborate costumes, stylized acting, and vibrant makeup. - Japan has produced several internationally acclaimed filmmakers, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu, and Hayao Miyazaki. - The Tokyo International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in Asia and showcases a diverse range of domestic and international films. - The Takarazuka Revue is a renowned all-female musical theater troupe that has been entertaining audiences in Japan since 1914.

Exercise[edit | edit source]

Now, let's put your knowledge to the test with a quick exercise. Translate the following film and theater terms from English to Japanese:

1. Action movie 2. Drama movie 3. Prohibited for children under 12 4. Stage left 5. Musical

Here are the answers:

1. アクション映画 (Akushon eiga) 2. ドラマ映画 (Dorama eiga) 3. 12歳未満禁止 (12-sai miman kinshi) 4. 下手 (Shitate) 5. ミュージカル (Myūjikaru)

I hope you enjoyed this lesson on film and theater terminology in Japanese. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be able to appreciate and discuss the rich world of Japanese cinema and theater. Keep up the great work, and soon you'll be able to express your opinions and insights about your favorite films and performances in Japanese!

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Hiragana Basics


Greetings and Introductions


Geography and History


Adjectives and Adverbs


Family and Social Relations


Religion and Philosophy


Particles and Conjunctions


Travel and Tourism


Education and Science


Prepositions and Interjections


Arts and Media


Politics and Society


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



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