National Anthem, Kimigayo

"noburo ofuji in the pre-war"

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About this film

Beneath 1931, short film by Noburo Ofuji

More about this film

About the production

Release date1931-02-01

Themes

Themes & topics

nationalanthemkimigayo

Historical background

Released in 1931, National Anthem, Kimigayo arrived during the pre-war, when audiences were hungry for new screen experiences.

Why this film matters

National Anthem, Kimigayo remains a reference point for scholars tracing how pre-war filmmaking handled plot, performance, and audience expectation.

Making of

Production details for National Anthem, Kimigayo (1931) are drawn from archival listings; surviving materials vary by title.

What critics said

Modern silent- and classic-film writers often revisit National Anthem, Kimigayo for its place in the pre-war lineup rather than for blockbuster status.

Did you know?

  • short film by Noburo Ofuji

What audiences thought

National Anthem, Kimigayo (1931) reached regional audiences at release; later interest comes from repertory and online preservation.

Film restoration

Prints are held in public and private archives; availability varies by territory.

Where to watch

  • Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1931%20-%20National%20Anthem%2C%20Kimigayo%20-%20Noburo%20Ofuji.webm