M. Pathe (M・パテー商会, M. Patē Shōkai) was a Japanese film studio active in the early years of cinema in Japan.
[2] Purportedly based on Sun Yat-sen's suggestion to use cinema for the public benefit, Umeya sought to connect film to the development of science, industry, and education.
[3]: 46 An ambitious man, Umeya sent cameramen to Antarctica to record Nobu Shirase's expedition, and thus create one of Japan's first feature-length documentaries.
[4] He put on a high-class show, with pretty usherettes and high ticket prices,[5] while also using his money to help fund Sun Yat-sen and the Chinese Revolution.
[4] His plan was to sever himself from M. Pathe's difficult financial straits by creating a trust that emulated the Motion Picture Patents Company.