Table of Contents

Setting the stage - "Benshi" who performed "Setsumei", "Benshi" in other countries, why Japan?; introduction of motion pictures into Japan and the birth of "Benshi"; laying the foundation - the early development of "Benshi" and "Setsumei" - the Denkikan and Somei Saburo, Russo-Japanese war, theatre milieu; the period of experimentation, 1908-1914; the "Benshi" themselves - training, background, remuneration, lifestyle and preparation; governmental attempts to control the "Benshi" - examinations and licensing, censorship; the pure film movement's attack on the "Benshi" - need to reform Japanese cinema, attacking Kowairo "Benshi", attacking foreign film "Benshi"; period of unification, 1917-1925 - elimination of "Maesetsu", elimination of Kowairo "Setsumei"; the art of "Setsumei"; the talkie revolution and demise of the "Benshi" - talkies, "Benshi" strike back; forgotten but not dead.