Denkikan

The Denkikan (電気館) was Japan's first permanent movie theater. It opened in Tokyo's Asakusa district on October 1, 1903, and was a key venue in the early development of Japanese cinema. The name "Denkikan" literally translates to "Electric Hall" or "Electric Pavilion," reflecting the novelty of electricity and moving pictures at the time.

The theater was established by Yoshizawa Shōten, a prominent film production and distribution company. It showcased a variety of films, including foreign productions and eventually domestically produced works. The Denkikan played a crucial role in popularizing film as a form of entertainment in Japan and served as a model for subsequent movie theaters across the country. The popularity of the Denkikan also spurred the growth of Asakusa as an entertainment district.

The Denkikan's early success contributed significantly to the establishment of Japan's film industry and its cultural landscape. While the original building no longer exists, its legacy as a pioneering institution remains an important part of Japanese film history. The term "Denkikan" is sometimes used generally to refer to early movie theaters in Japan.