Japan, Kendo Athletes; Fencing on Boat

Motion Picture

Santa Fe Springs City Library

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Name/Title

Japan, Kendo Athletes; "Fencing on Boat"

Entry/Object ID

C-1

Description

This film depicts a brief spar between Kendo athletes while on a boat, with several other onlookers. Then, there is a demonstration on how to unsheath and use the bamboo sword, a shinai. Proceeding the match, Mrs. Clarke is seen standing next to a Japanese man, likely someone of social prominence, as he tours a traditional Japanese garden. The garden includes a waterfall and koi pond, as well as lush landscaping. The film transitions to men performing construction labor, possibly paving roads. The film ends displaying the laborious efforts of farming rice paddies.

Context

Mrs. Clarke was well known to travel to iconic landmarks and relatively unknown places. Mrs. Clarke's extensive collection is a rare glimpse into early 20th century global travel and how the world looked like in a rapid period of change.This particular reel gives an excellent first-hand view into the rapidly changing and newly opened borders of Japan during the 1920's and 30's. This period was an era of rapid industrialization, cultural revolution, and globalization for Japan pre WWII. This film also interestingly provides a snapshot into ordinary working life juxtaposed with the more privileged life afforded to wealthy individuals.

Collection

Marie Rankin Clarke Film Reels

Acquisition

Accession

2025.2.79

Source or Donor

James Seimon

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Motion Picture Details

Genre

Amateur

Film Gauge/Format

16mm Film reel

Runtime

0:02:07

Sound

Film Sound

Silent

Producer

Marie Rankin Clarke

Made/Created

Artist

Marie Rankin Clarke

Date made

circa 1930 - circa 1940

Time Period

20th Century

Place

Region

East Asia

Continent

Asia

Location

* Untyped Location

Box C, SFSL Archive