This building has been used as a filming location for dramas and movies, and I had wanted to visit it for a long time. Unfortunately, I could not enter the building, but even just looking at it from outside seemed to let me imagine how lively it was back then. The following is from the explanation on the information sign ---------- This building, affectionately known to residents as 「悲別ロマン座」, opened on August 4, 1953 (Showa 28). There were 8 cinemas in the city, and all of them were packed every day. At the time of construction, Utashinai had a population of 42,651, with 5,800 living in the Kamiuta district. Sumitomo Coal Mining Co., Ltd. built it as a welfare facility for coal miners. As a theater and cinema with a capacity of 370, it boasted modern facilities equipped with two state-of-the-art projectors. This industrial heritage site, reminiscent of the bustle of the former coal-mining town, is the former Kamiuta Hall. The designer was Yoji Watanabe (1923~1983), known worldwide for his unconventional modern architecture. It is a valuable early work by an architect who was a second-generation pupil of the French architect Le Corbusier. Construction was by Nakayamagumi. Its distinctive design features a bold structure of timber truss beams arranged like hands joined in prayer and supported by stone retaining walls at both ends, making it a local landmark. In 1971 (Showa 46), the Sumitomo Utashinai mine closed under the government's energy transition policy. Kamiuta Hall remained closed for some time afterward. In 1977 (Showa 52), it became a filming location for 「幸福の黄色いハンカチ」 (directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Ken Takakura), and in 1984 (Showa 59), for the television drama 「昨日、悲別で」 (written by So Kuramoto and starring Ryo Amamiya and Eri Ishida). From then on, the former Kamiuta Hall became known as 「悲別ロマン座」.

+3

Whenever I come to Utashinai, I always visit this place. I've never watched the drama set here, but somehow it gives me a mysterious feeling of nostalgia. It has an atmosphere like a page taken from the glamorous Showa era, and it makes me feel a little excited. I hope this precious place will continue to be preserved forever.

It is known as the 「ロマン座」 building, but it is a historic structure that is 73 years old. It was formerly a Sumitomo welfare facility. It is on the right when heading from Sunagawa to Utashinai. Like 「悲別駅」, it is neatly maintained and easy to stop by, but you cannot tour the inside of this building. There was a guestbook, so bring something to write with and leave a record of your journey.

+3

You can't enter the building There's nothing much to see, so maybe it's not worth making a special stop?

+1

I couldn't go inside.

+1