#Japan #Documentary #Shinagawa #Docu-Memento

Expanding the Possibilities of Documentary at Docu-Memento 2026

The highly anticipated documentary event "Docu-Memento 2026" is set to be held on January 24th and 25th, 2026, in the historical district of Kitashinagawa, featuring unique venues like "Onkyozan Zenpukuji" and "Sobadokoro Ittetsu." This year’s theme is "Reflecting One's Hometown on Earth," emphasizing a deep connection to our origins, especially in an era when many have lost the ability to die in the places they were born.

What is Docu-Memento?

Founded in 2017 by a collective of creators aiming to expand the potential of documentary beyond television and cinema, "Docu-Memento" invites filmmakers, subjects, and audiences to share a moment together in a singular space. Over two days, the works spotlight previously unheard stories of ordinary individuals, fostering a dialogue about the present through their narratives. Set against the historic backdrop of Shinagawa, participants will engage with the stories of now.

Highlights of Docu-Memento 2026

This year, attendees will experience a dynamic blend of documentary presentations with the "live-documentary" format, including exclusive rough-cut screenings by established filmmakers. Each session will offer ample opportunities for discussion and interaction with the creators. Notably, there will be an exhibition of new work titled "Bears and Humans" by photographer Ryo Kameyama, who has consistently captured images from conflict zones. This unique event will provide various perspectives on the documentary genre.

Schedule of Events

January 24 (Saturday)

Venue: Zenpukuji (1-28-9 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward)
Rough-Cut Screenings (Admission by time slot)

• - 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Shitaru Matsui "Running Lantern" (Opening short film: "Shinagawa Character Sketch")
• - 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Sushi Kuwayama "Homework"
• - 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Interaction time (light refreshments)
• - 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Masakazu Iida "Tokyo Pilgrimage"
• - 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Interaction time (light refreshments)

January 25 (Sunday)

Venue: Zenpukuji (1-28-9 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward)

• - 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Piro Fukuda "Tuwa Song"

Live Documentary Session
Venue: Sobadokoro Ittetsu (1-30-23 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward)

• - 4:00 PM Open, 4:30 PM Start (until 10:00 PM)
• - 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Setsuya Kakinuma ✕ Tommaso Barbetta ✕ Masayuki Demura "The Dolphin Wall"
• - 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Akira Habuta "Uninteresting People"
• - 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Interaction time (light refreshments)
• - 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Kurenko ✕ Chienomura ✕ Takako Tasai "Ms. Kurenko — A Photographer Living in a Red-Light District"
• - 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Naoki Yonemoto "Private Film"
• - 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Final interaction time (light refreshments)

New Initiative: Rough-Cut Screenings

This will mark the first-ever rough-cut screenings at Docu-Memento, featuring filmmakers who have presented their works in the past. They will unveil four raw, unedited pieces that reflect the evolving state of Japanese documentary. Themes of existence and memory will resonate as viewers witness the creative processes behind these powerful narratives before they are polished for global festivals.

Interactive Live Documentaries

On January 25, the hallmark segment of Docu-Memento—a live-documentary session—will feature discussions between creators and audiences centered on showcased films, all set within a soba shop that has been a part of Shinagawa for years. This innovative approach invites viewers to engage with documentaries in real time.

Ryo Kameyama's Exhibition

Photographer Ryo Kameyama will showcase his recent works that explore the intricate relationship between bears and humans, reflecting on environmental themes exacerbated by climate change and societal division caused by conflict. His photos challenge audiences to reconsider their perceptions of life, death, and ecological balance both in local and global contexts.

Logistics of Docu-Memento 2026

• - Date: January 24 (Saturday) & January 25 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Onkyozan Zenpukuji (1-28-9 Kitashinagawa) & Sobadokoro Ittetsu (1-30-23 Kitashinagawa)
• - Admission Fees:

- Rough-Cut Screenings:
- January 24 (Sessions 1 & 2): ¥1,000 each
- January 25 (Sessions 4, with light meal): ¥3,000
- Live Documentary (Session 5): ¥3,000 (includes light meal)
- Student and disability discounts available.

Conclusion

Join us at the Docu-Memento 2026** to witness a new paradigm in documentary film and engage with the powerful narratives of today, all within the culturally rich environment of Shinagawa. Secure your spot through our website as spaces are limited.