Asia Society presents Kyoko Kagawa Rarities, a series of five remarkable films starring the beloved Japanese actress, in partnership with Anthology Film Archives, from August 13-16, 2026.

Shozo, a Cat and Two Women
Shiro Toyoda, Japan, 1956, 35mm, 135 min.
In Japanese with English subtitles.

Shiro Toyoda, known as a master of prestige literary adaptations, turns to the text of literary giant Jun’ichiro Tanizaki for this wry and award-winning comedy of domestic strife. Why should Shozo pay heed to his new wife or his ex when the sweet purrs of Lily the cat are what makes his heart flutter?

The film’s titular quadrangle, like a prism, magnifies the competing impulses towards modernity, tradition, and escape. Popular comic veteran Hisaya Morishige plays the hapless Shozo, while screen legend Isuzu Yamada plays kimono-clad ex-wife Shinako. Bursting out of a closet in full beach attire, Kagawa is introduced as the mambo-crazed moga (modern girl) Fukuko. Cast far against type, and to great dramatic effect, Kagawa goes toe to toe in competitive frenzy with her acting role model, Yamada, in a performance praised by Tanizaki himself. —Joseph Eusebio

35mm print courtesy of the Japan Foundation. 

A limited amount of complimentary tickets will be available to NYC college students with ID at the box office on the day of the screening.