
Toho Cinema
As we walk down Chuo-dori, we are introduced to the sight of the Toho Cinema. Already from the Hiroba, we are able to see different types of people with different behaviors. That is, people from Kabukicho (insiders) are seen sitting or crouching in several spaces, most notably on the sidewalk or near the walls. In contrast, visitors from outside Kabukicho (outsiders) are seen navigating the area by sticking close together and avoiding any social interaction with other urbanites or strangers. Such tendencies are also seen inside the cinema, where there are clear distinctions between insiders and outsiders. However, as we move indoors, the majority of the people within the space becomes those from outside Kabukicho, making them “insiders”, while the latter becomes “outsiders”, as many are those who come into the place with no intention of watching movies. Through deeper analysis of the different types of behaviors performed by the two groups of people, contrasts and variety of ways in how they utilize the space and place for different reasons becomes evident. Thus, this page aims to share our observations and analysis of the relationship between insiders and outsiders, as well as with spaces and the place.
“If researchers are correct in understanding how everyday urban life is normally conducted, they should, then, be able to predict how persons will behave once these “normal” routines have been disrupted.” (Karp, p. 102)​.
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toho cinema