The 2022 film Paris under Japanese influence explores the close ties between France and the Land of the Rising Sun, a relationship that dates back many years. The Japanese transformed their own metropolises — Tokyo, for instance, which by the 20th century had become one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Then they set their sights on adding their own touches to Paris.

Japan and France are countries that are geographically very distant from one another, yet in spirit they turned out to be surprisingly close. This became particularly evident in the 1960s, when Japanese architects began seriously considering the transformation of Paris. In 1971, they proposed the construction of the iconic Centre Pompidou, which became a landmark architectural creation that attracted thousands of new tourists to the French capital.

There is a term called “Japonism,” referring to the introduction of Japanese culture into a particular country. In the project Paris under Japanese influence, viewers learn that this phenomenon originated in France as early as the 19th century. This was facilitated by the outstanding artists of that era, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Gauguin. Van Gogh himself, who lived in Arles, France, constantly referred to the influence of Japan.

The phenomenon was not limited to painting; it permeated every facet of culture and art. This was true throughout France, but the movement was most widespread in Paris. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the influence of France was also felt in Japan itself. This cultural intertwining turned out to be no one-time event. The two countries entered the 21st century with these trends, and the film explores how Japanese architects continue to bring their ideas for transforming Paris to life.

Watch the film Paris under Japanese influence online on the MEGOGO streaming service.