Japanese Culture on Screen
The Hot Springs Sister City Foundation is proud to partner with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival to sponsor two films celebrating Japanese culture and tradition.
From the centuries-old artistry of Kabuki theater to the demanding world of professional sumo, these documentaries offer a rare look at two distinctly Japanese traditions and the people dedicated to carrying them forward.
The 35th annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will be held October 9–17, 2026. Visit the HSDFF website for festival information, tickets and the complete schedule.
Special Admission Discount
Students may attend either film free of charge, but please arrive early to pick up a complimentary student pass. Adults can receive discounted admission by using the promotional code HotSpringsSisterCityat-HSDFF when purchasing tickets. Visit hsdfi.org for more information or to reserve your tickets.
Shumei: The Living Legacy of Kabuki
Saturday, October 10 | 2:00 p.m.
Cinema 1 — Crystal Ballroom
2026 | 94 minutes | Japanese
Legendary director Takashi Miike, best known for Audition and Ichi the Killer, takes audiences behind the scenes of Kabuki, Japan’s traditional form of theater.
In his first nonfiction project, Miike follows the new actor assuming the distinguished name and legacy of Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII Hakuen. Featuring beautifully filmed live performances and unprecedented backstage access, Shumei: The Living Legacy of Kabuki offers an intimate look at the artistry, tradition and dedication behind one of Japan’s most celebrated theatrical forms.Block
SUMO: Spirit Weighs Nothing
An ESPN Film
Saturday, October 17 | 1:00 p.m.
Cinema 1 — Crystal Ballroom
2026 | 99 minutes | Japanese and English
In this exquisite and intimate portrait, director Erik Shirai pulls back the curtain on the ancient Japanese sport of sumo wrestling.
The film explores the lives of sumo’s most elite athletes as they navigate the competing demands of cultural pride, ambition and sacrifice. SUMO: Spirit Weighs Nothing provides a rare look inside a world steeped in tradition while revealing the personal challenges and aspirations of the athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport.
Through its longtime sister city relationship with Hanamaki, Japan, the Hot Springs Sister City Foundation creates opportunities for our community to experience Japanese culture and build greater understanding between our two countries. We invite you to join us for these two remarkable films and discover new perspectives on the traditions, artistry and dedication that shape Japanese culture.