Kamei Fumio Retrospective [Pre-War Works]
Airspace
(“Seiku”)
1945 / B&W / 35mm / 76 min
Directors: Nakagawa Norio, Kunikida Saburo, Oshiro Keizo
Original idea: Kamei Fumio
Photography: Minamoto Yusuke, Miyanishi Shiro, Tanaka Juzo, Watanabe Ryo, Senda Katsuo
Editing: Oshiro Keizo
Production Companies: Dentsu Eigasha, Nakajima Hikoki KK
Source: National Film Center
This film introduces Nakajima Hikoki KK, the famous wartime producer of aircraft. It opens with a title announcing, “Autumn of the decisive battle for our Japanese islands! This film is devoted to the souls of all industrial warriors killed in the pursuit of their airplane production duties in the smoke of bombs and shells.” Elsewhere, the film demands that workers strengthen their unity in order to destroy America and England, in other words by increasing airplane production. It contrasts inexperienced but indefatigable young engineers with more experienced engineers who are unhappy about having to increase the number of air fighters. Because it was completed just before the end of the War, in August 1945, this film missed its chance to be screened for its intended purpose and was long forgotten. More than 50 years later, the owner of a print of the film donated it to the National Film Center and it was finally shown in 1997.