Kagero-za (1981 Film)

Kagero-za (Japanese: 陽炎座), released in 1981, is a Japanese feature film directed by Seijun Suzuki. The screenplay is adapted from a short story by the author Kyoka Izumi, known for his Gothic-influenced ghost narratives. The film is set in 1920s Japan during the Taisho period.

Heat Shimmer Theater — Promotional image for the film Kagero-za.

Production

The film was produced by Yutaka Okada, with cinematography by Kazue Nagatsuka. It features a runtime of 139 minutes and was released in Japan on July 31, 1981. The narrative structure is noted for its complex, non-linear approach to character and story consistency, characteristic of Suzuki's directorial style.

Cast

Yusaku Matsuda as Shunko Matsuzaki
Michiyo Okusu as Shinako
Katsuo Nakamura as Tamawaki
Yoshio Harada as Wada
Eriko Kusuda as Ine
Mariko Kaga as Miyo
Gyutaro Otomo as Shisho
Hiroko Ito as Maid