THEATER ENYA

Mini-Theater: THEATER ENYA

ABOUT THE THEATER

The precursor to "THEATER ENYA" was the "Karatsu Cinema Club", founded by the community development company, Ikiiki Karatsu Co., Ltd., based on input from citizens through questionnaires. With steady dedication to regular screenings, they also developed an innovative movie theater business model. As a result, in 2019, they achieved their long-held aspiration of reviving a movie theater in Karatsu after a 22-year hiatus.
Furthermore, in 2017, they produced "HANAGATAMI", directed by OBAYASHI Nobuhiko, entirely filmed in Karatsu. Guided by the motto "Films to revitalize Karatsu and uplift people's spirits", they actively organize film festivals, contribute to the revitalization of shopping districts, and engage in cultural tourism projects.

Staff

Director: KAIDA Haruko

Originally from Karatsu. She is the mastermind behind THEATER ENYA and the driving force behind the community building company IKIIKIKARATSU, which produces THEATER ENYA. She has an unwavering love for her hometown and passionately promotes business initiatives that revitalize the region through culture and the arts. Thanks to her efforts, a movie theater has been revived in Karatsu after a 22-year absence.

Manager: KAWAGUCHI Yuiko

Born in Kumamoto, she has been involved in the film industry for many years, working in both Kumamoto and Fukuoka. She was drawn to the philosophy of the community building company, "revitalizing the region through films" and decided to move to Karatsu. At THEATER ENYA, she is dedicatedly serving as the manager.

Staff: KAWAMURA Shinpei

Born in Fukuoka and raised in Kanagawa and Tokyo. He learned about Karatsu through the film "HANAGATAMI" and felt a connection, which led him to move from Tokyo to Karatsu. At IKIIKIKARATSU, he handles accounting, while at THEATER ENYA, he is mainly responsible for film selection, screening operations, and administrative tasks.

Staff: YOSHIHARA Chizuru

A native of Karatsu, she lived in the Kanto region for a long time, working in a field completely unrelated to films. Craving the taste of fresh squid, she decided to return to Karatsu. Witnessing the establishment of a cinema in Karatsu after a long absence left a deep impression on her, and she now handles sales operations, making good use of her mobility.

Staff: TAKAHASHI Ayano

Born in Yamaguchi, she has lived in Osaka, London, and Kobe, and currently works on photography and handmade creations in Fukuoka. Originally employed as a café staff member at IKIIKIKARATSU, her talent was recognized, and she became a graphic designer. At THEATER ENYA, she mainly takes care of reception and flyer design, among other responsibilities.

Members of Theater Enya Club

Members who have a deep and unwavering passion for films, are actively supporting the efforts of a cinema that has made a comeback after 22 years. They serve as the unsung heroes behind the scenes, contributing to film festivals, sharing information, and film selection.

Members of the Karatsu Shopping Street

THEATER ENYA is located within a shopping street, just about a 2-minute walk from Karatsu Station. Karatsu's shopping street has its origins in the merchant district of Karatsu Castle's castle town during the Edo period, and the traditional “Karatsu Kunchi” festival's parade floats are produced in each of these merchant districts.

History

2011

The community building company IKIIKIKARATSU established the predecessor of THEATER ENYA as "Karatsu Cinema Club". Began holding regular screenings twice a week.
2013

The first issue of the Karatsu Cinema Club's publication, "IMAKARA" was released, featuring interviews with film directors and introductions to the screened films.
2014

The Karatsu Film Production Promotion Committee was formed, and the production of the film "HANAGATAMI" directed by the well-known OBAYASHI Nobuhiko began, building on the existing connections.
2016

Filming for "HANAGATAMI" took place throughout the entire Karatsu area.
2017

"HANAGATAMI" premiered in Karatsu, followed by a nationwide theatrical release.
2019

As part of the commercial complex redevelopment project, THEATER ENYA, Karatsu's first cinema in 22 years was opend, located within the shopping district KARAE.