Japanese Judo Commonly Known as Jiu Jitsu

In February 1913, Gaston Méliès left Cambodia for his last stop in Japan. There, his crew separated. Moreover, many more film companies were operating in the country. According to available information, we assume that he made two feature films (which were probably never distributed) and about twelve documentaries there. One was to be a unique recording of the production of samurai swords and examples of samurai traditions. However, the film about judo is probably the only one to have survived. Gaston in fact met with the founder of the sport, Kanō Jigorō, who gave him permission to film the members of the Kodokan school. (Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival)