"A Distant Neighborhood," a live-action film adaptation of the manga of the same name by the late Jiro Taniguchi, known for works such as "Kodoku no Gourmet Gourmet" and "The Age of Botchan," is set to be released nationwide on October 9th. A trailer, poster visual, and 11 still images were released on May 29th.
This is a coming-of-age story for adults, in which a man who has reached the halfway point of his life travels back in time to his junior high school days, reuniting with friends and his first love, and re-examining his life choices through time with his family. The original work is a manga of the same name published in 1998 by Jiro Taniguchi, who hails from Totori Prefecture. In 2010, it was made into a live-action film co-produced by Luxembourg, France, and Germany, and a film adaptation in Japan was also eagerly awaited.
Hiroshi Nakahara, a 48-year-old architectural designer, unexpectedly visits his hometown of Kurayoshi in Totori on his way back from a business trip. On his way home after visiting his family's graves, he somehow finds himself transported to the town in 1963, his consciousness remaining that of a 48-year-old, but in the body of a 14-year-old. There, he sees his mother, sister, grandmother, and his father, who would later suddenly leave home and disappear. Realizing that past events are being rewritten little by little, Hiroshi thinks, "Maybe I can stop my father (from disappearing) now," and decides to confront his father and mother from that time.
The main character, Hiroshi, is played by Ryohei Otani. Tori Oikawa, who plays 14-year-old Hiroshi, and Momoko Isoya, who plays Hiroshi's first love, Tomoko Nagase, were both selected through auditions. Hiroshi's parents are played by Kenichi Takito and Naho Toda.
The script and direction are by Yoshinari Nishikori, who has made films set in his hometown of Shimane, such as "RAILWAYS: The Story of a Man Who Became a Train Driver at 49" and "Tatara Samurai." This time, filming took place in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, where the townscape of the 1950s still remains. In order to faithfully recreate the atmosphere of that time, the asphalt on the roads around the tourist attraction "White-Walled Storehouse District" was removed and the roads were restored to dirt pavement for filming. A human drama unfolds amidst the original landscape of a "hometown" that evokes nostalgia in everyone.
Ohtani, who spoke about the original work, said, "Now that I'm this age, the story of the father and mother resonates with me even more." She added, "I received a lot of support from the people of Kurayoshi, and seeing everyone's faces there, I worked on this project with great care, hoping that it would be a work that would please those who have been eagerly awaiting it."
The comments from the cast members are as follows:
◇ Ryohei Otani
First of all, I am very happy to have been involved in this project. Filming in the peaceful townscape of Kurayoshi, with its clear air, was wonderful. The original story is very interesting and romantic, making you completely forget about the extraordinary. The feelings of the father and mother resonated with me even more now that I am older. We received a lot of support from the people of Kurayoshi, and seeing everyone's faces there, I worked hard on this project hoping that it would bring joy to those who were eagerly awaiting it.
◇Tomori Oikawa
From the moment I read the original story, I went into the audition with a strong determination that "I will absolutely not let anyone else have this role." There were times when I struggled with the difficult role of playing a 48-year-old man, but director Yoshinari Nishikori guided me carefully, and I was able to face the role until the very end. It is a heartwarming work filled with the thoughts and feelings of many people. I am sincerely looking forward to the day when it reaches everyone.
◇ Momoko Isoya
The streets of Kurayoshi were very impressive, and I felt like I had truly stepped back in time to 1963. During filming, I experienced many firsts, and although I felt anxious and nervous, the people of Kurayoshi, as well as the staff and cast, treated me warmly and gave me a lot of support, which allowed me to approach the filming with peace of mind. I am truly happy to have been a part of this project.
◇ Naho Toda
A butterfly's flapping wings can change your destiny. Perhaps. But there was certainly a woman who lived desperately, without even having the luxury of considering fate. I focused solely on portraying that fact. This precious film is a culmination of the deep love for cinema of director Nishikori and the passion of each cast member who fell in love with their roles and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to them, as well as the extraordinary efforts of everyone who contributed to this project. May "A Distant Neighborhood" become your own butterfly's flapping wings.
◇ Kenichi Takito
When I heard that Director Nishikiori would be directing Jiro Taniguchi's "A Distant Neighborhood," I was overjoyed to be a part of it, but at the same time, I felt terrified that I might have used up all my luck as an actor, so I kept telling myself, "Stay calm, stay calm" (laughs). The month of filming in Kurayoshi was an otherworldly experience, like being a character in a story. Shirakabe Dozo is a beautiful town that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time, and it was a great help in bringing the role to life and making me believe in the world of "A Distant Neighborhood."
I was given such a wonderful environment that, rather than thinking about the work or the role, I think I focused on breathing the air of Kurayoshi, drinking the water that springs from the mountains, and talking with the people of Kurayoshi. This work has had a tremendous influence on my acting career, as it made me realize what it truly means to live a role.
Tori Oikawa, Naho Toda, and the rest of the cast looked so much like the manga characters that it was as if they had jumped right out of the pages. It was a rare experience to feel like I was living in the world of the manga. I am also truly grateful to the people of Kurayoshi for their warm welcome. I sincerely hope that this film will take flight from Kurayoshi to the world and that the charm of Kurayoshi will be conveyed to the entire world.
