#Japan #Tokyo #Terrain #Ikejiri Service Station #DDAA LAB

Ikejiri Service Station Film Night: Roadside Landscape

On September 6, 2026, an extraordinary one-night-only outdoor film event titled Ikejiri Service Station Film Night: Roadside Landscape will take place at the former gas station located in front of Ikejiri Ohashi Station, Meguro, Tokyo. Organized by DDAA LAB, a platform known for its experimental designs and research, together with Terrain, a collective focused on sustainable coexistence of nature, humanity, and culture, this event promises to be an unmissable cultural experience.

The venue, soon to undergo renovations in anticipation of a complex redevelopment scheduled to be completed by fall 2027, will serve as the perfect backdrop for a nostalgic celebration of film. This limited-space gathering seeks to reclaim the memories of the gas station, set to host various cultural events that have unfolded since the recent Ikejiri Wart Fair held the previous weekend.

The Ikejiri Service Station Film Night, set to launch at 19:00, will screen three captivating films: Charles and Ray Eames’ short, Powers of Ten, Babette Mangolte's Visible Cities – marking its premiere in Japan – and Justin Time’s Chasing Houses. Attendees can also enjoy beverages and light snacks, available for purchase from vendors such as Massif and Overview Coffee, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the film night. Entrance to the event is free, inviting everyone to partake in this unique cinematic experience.

Movie Lineup

• - 19:00 - 19:09 | Powers of Ten (1977 | Charles and Ray Eames | 9 minutes)

Explore the scale of perspective from lakeside picnics to the edge of the universe and into the realm of atoms in this captivating short.

• - 19:30 - 20:01 | Visible Cities (1991 | Babette Mangolte | 31 minutes) [Japan Premiere]

Follow two women in Southern California as they navigate urban ownership and the quest for home, captured through the lens of this acclaimed filmmaker.

• - 20:20 - 21:20 | Chasing Houses (2017 | Justin Time | 60 minutes) [Japan Premiere]

This road movie explores the complex notions of movement, settlement, and the meaning of “home” as it tracks mobile homes traveling through the American West.

The Significance of the Venue

The location holds a poignant connection to the concept of transportation and community. Historically called Ikejiri, referring to a once-thriving lake, this area has seen countless travelers and trade, being a key link in ancient highways. With the rise of automobile culture in the 20th century, gas stations, motels, and drive-ins defined the landscape, contributing to the unique roadside culture that has inspired numerous films and artistic endeavors.

This initiative aims to reflect on the memories and narratives associated with this former gas station, which served as a pitstop for travelers seeking fuel, both literally and metaphorically. The gathering aims to immerse attendees in the film landscapes that shaped their communities and cityscapes, offering insights into the complexities of mobility and habitation.

Conclusion

Join us for this special night where memories of the past and visions of the cinematic experience converge. Immerse yourself in this unique setting, where the history of a bustling crossroads in Tokyo meets the contemporary art of filmmaking. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate culture and film in a truly historical location.

For more details, follow our event on Instagram and check out the organizing bodies, DDAA LAB and Terrain. 💫