12 Sept-29 Oct. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary Rome's Japanese Cultural Institute presents 50 anni di cinema. Decenni e attori di culto, a retrospective focusing on the most famous actors of Japanese cinema from the 1950s up to 2000, presenting three actors that best represent each decade. The directors and actors of the 15 films gained considerable fame in their native country and often abroad too. The stars include Hideko Takamine, Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Ken Takakura, Ken Ogata, Koichi Sato as well as the most famous Rie Miyazawa and Ken Watanabe. The films are presented in their original version with subtitles in English or Italian. Screenings are at 17.00 and 19.30 and entry is free.
27 Sept-26 Oct. The Japanese Cultural Institute's gardens are open to the public on Friday afternoons from 15.00-17.00, and on Saturday mornings (except 12 Oct) from 10.00-12.00. They feature cherry trees, wisteria, irises and dwarf pines, and are the work of the renowned garden designer Ken Nakajima who also designed the Japanese section of the botanic gardens in Trastevere. Groups of 15-20 people will be taken on guided tours, free of charge. Booking in advance is advised, tel. 063224794. Istituto Giapponese di Cultura, Via Antonio Gramsci 74, www.jfroma.it.