Japan's silent movies had one feature Hollywood never did, and it changed the entire theatre experience
Japanese cinemas featured benshi, live narrators who voiced characters and explained plots. These performers drew inspiration from traditional Japanese storytelling methods. Benshi made silent films theatrical events, which audiences greatly enjoyed. Their popularity delayed the adoption of sound films in Japan for years. This unique tradition set Japanese cinema apart from Western productions.
Japanese cinemas featured benshi, live narrators who voiced characters and explained plots. These performers drew inspiration from traditional Japanese storytelling methods. Benshi made silent films theatrical events, which audiences greatly enjoyed. Their popularity delayed the adoption of sound films in Japan for years. This unique tradition set Japanese cinema apart from Western productions.
