Many Kichijoji film buffs are still reeling from the 2014 closing of Baus Theater, the neighbourhood's finest independent cinema, so expectations are high for this new entrant that's set to start business in spring 2017. Operated by film company Kokoro o Ugokasu Eigasha Maru and housed in the building recently left vacant by the short-lived Pâtisserie Kichijoji, Cocomaru will be a cinema-meets-café complex set across three storeys. On the ground floor you'll find a regular movie theatre with seats for 70, while the space upstairs will allow you to enjoy films and gigs over tipples. Finally, the third-floor hall goes all out with a programme centred on virtual reality-related events and exhibitions. And those still mourning Baus will be more than happy to hear that Cocomaru will be equipped with a 35mm projector, courtesy of recently shuttered Hiroshima venue Cinetine – which also provided the rather comfy-looking seats for this newcomer. Few details have been released regarding the lineup: what we know right now is that Cocomaru will screen both Kokoro o Ugokasu-distributed fare and more commercial films. Similarly up in the air is the opening date – their initial attempt at an April start failed.
Open spring 2017
