Katsuro Inahata(1862-1949) Born near Karasuma Oike. In 1867, he went to France, where he studied dyeing techniques and Applied Chemistry in Lyon as an exchange student representing Kyoto Prefecture. Upon returning to Japan, he began teaching at a technical school for industrial dyeing in Kyoto and later took up the position as head technician of Kyoto Textile Company. In 1890, he opened a shop called Inahata Senryoten (Inahata dye works) and through this venture, Inahata was able to exclusively deal with many dyeing and chemical companies in Paris to import dyes, which he would improve upon, furthering his success in business and his position as head of his dye shop. Inahata also developed a khaki dye used for military uniforms. Occasionally Inahata would travel abroad for extended periods of time and it was on his third trip to France in 1897 that he was introduced to the magnificent invention of the Lumiere brothers, the cinematograph. Subsequently, he brought one of these back to Japan, making it the first movie projector in Japan. Eventually, he used the cinematograph for screenings at Shijo Kawaramachi, which proved to be commercially successful, and well received at the Toko guild in Shinkyogoku. Inahata was also active in the social scene. He served as a trustee in the French-Japanese Society and for the Paris International Exposition (held in Kyoto). Further, his home near Nanzenji temple was the center of musical activity in Kyoto and his wife, Tomi, was a constant supporting figure in the Kyoto Music Enlightenment Campaign. BACK