Director’s Picks

The scene in which Hinata (Kaya Kiyohara) cries in front of Rei (Ryunosuke Kamiki) in the movie “March Comes in Like a Lion” (2017) was filmed at Tsukuda Bridge Sumida River Terrace in Chuo Ward. ‘This is an important scene in which Rei empathizes with Hinata who is brimming with emotions while reminiscing about her mother on the last day on Obon. In order to truly connect the flow of emotions of the two characters, I believe I picked the perfect spot from which I could film Hinata and Rei running until they came to a stop by the river in one continuous shot. Moreover, in the story, this location is near the residence of the Kawamoto family in Tsukishima. The shitamachi atmosphere that is important throughout the movie still thoroughly permeates the area. While walking around the area, moored fishing boats as well as tsukudani shops and candy stores can still be seen here and there. I can almost perceive the presence of the Kawamoto family in these settings. At the same time, I can feel the ambience of Tokyo’s shitamachi. It was great that parts of the area were under construction during the shooting. In filming different locations in the movie “March Comes in Like a Lion,” my goal was to depict a realistic look of the city because it is currently undergoing great changes in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I could feel that the daily life activities of the whole town were in sync with the young couple. This is what I aimed to capture in the scenes.’
{Keishi Ohtomo, director of “March Comes in Like a Lion”}

One location used to make the movie "Shuchuu Nikki - The Diary of a Drunkard" (2015) are the streets near the literary club "Sabon" in Ginza 6-chome. Yuzo Tsubouchi, the leading character of "Shuchuu Nikki," comes walking along the sidewalk of the good old building (Kaiyo Building). However, the building was demolished soon after shooting, so it is deeply emotive now that I can only see it in movies. - By Director Makoto Naito, "Shuchuu Nikki."

The place where the uncle (Ryuhei Matsuda) and Yukio Haruyama (Riku Onishi) take a break on their ‘thinking journey’ in the movie “My Uncle” (2016) is the Onna-zaka [literally translated as Girl’s Slope] in Kanda, Chiyoda Ward. ‘The atmosphere of the nearby Otoko-zaka [literally translated as Man’s Slope] was also appealing, but I chose the Onna-zaka over because of its slightly bent portion which made it a perfect spot for the two protagonists to sit and have a break. I also thought Onna-zaka was a better location because I saw students belonging to the female rugby club of a nearby university training hard at the Otoko-zaka. That made it impossible for me to consider the slope as an appropriate resting spot.
Later, I filmed scenes at the nearby Tamura Bookstore, a fine second-hand bookstore in Jinbocho. I think the charm of this bookstore lies in its appearance. Multiple stacks of seemingly complex books are piled up, and a number of handwritten price tags are stuck here and there. Putting a hopeless manga-reading grown-up among all these books makes him look a little smart… doesn’t it? Anyhow, I chose this place to try to create this kind of impression. While filming at the bookstore, I found a book titled ‘Morio Kita’s World: New Commentary, Special Edition’ [unofficial translation] near the entrance. I spent a lot of time reading it at the hotel during filming in Hawaii. The book provided me with quite a few ideas I could use when directing the uncle character.’
{Nobuhiro Yamashita, director of “My Uncle”}

SEIBU SHINJUKU PePe and YUNIKA VISION in Shinjuku Ward is featured in the movie “Inuyashiki” (2018). The scene in which Hiro Shishigami (Takeru Sato) declares his fight against the Japanese citizens was filmed at this location.
‘Yamada Denki’s monitors as well as YUNIKA VISION appear in the movie. Huge monitors hanging off the side of buildings are often shown in movies. Until recently, the one at Shinjuku Alta was commonly used. For this movie, I wanted to show the monitors that are becoming the symbol of the new Shinjuku. They are also featured in the original work, so I really wanted to use YUNIKA VISION for the movie. Shinjuku is becoming more and more international and has been garnering interest as a filming location. I’m glad I was able to film the big battle in Shinjuku.’ (Shinsuke Sato, director of “Inuyashiki”)
* Produced with the assistance of Tokyo Location Box

The movie "Tokyo Ghoul" (2017) was filmed at Rikkyo University as Kamii University, in Toshima ward, Ikebukuro Campus.
The story originally was created having Rikkyo University as a base. Normally, the University staff will not rent the campus for filming, but this time the production team tried really hard to get approval and succeeded. This was our first choice of all locations and it was very easy to film there. From the first time I started to hunt for a filming location, I felt this University would be a great set no matter where you aim the camera. The buildings are all old architecture with the feel of history, and were all beautiful. I wished to film more from this location. The challenge we had at this location would be that there was too much ivy. The scene called for a fall seasonal effect, but during filming it was mid summer and the ivy was very overgrown (lol). We had to remove some of the color to make it seem less summer like. The most memorable moment from the shooting at Rikkyo University would be the scene where Hide (Kai Ogasawara) and Kaneki (Masataka Kubota) walked together. In the original story, in this scene where Hide is becoming distant from Kaneki, Hide is walking with his arms crossed behind his head. We don't normally walk like that. But this scene was required it of me and I wished to do it. It was hard to make it seem natural, given that this is pretty unnatural, according to movie "Tokyo Ghoul" Director, Kentaro Hagiwara.

It is one of the filming locations used in making the movie "Death and Tanya" (2013). The movie is a comedy where a reaper appears. We chose a site where not many people are around because the reaper makeup stands out, and so we could process the image synthesis easier. We wanted to create the worlds at present and after death as scenes, so we were hoping to acquire a location with long, straight lines and high walls. Shooting was conducted during the day, and contrary to the quiet we expected, there was noise from kindergarteners because the location was on the walking course of a kindergarten nearby. - By the "Death and Tanya" production staff.

Old Brewing Laboratory Site Park in Kita ward appears in the TV drama "Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation"(2017). A brick made building which formerly served as a Sake brewery test factory #1, was used as the exterior shot of the residence of Sakurako Kujyo (Arisa Mizuki), the main character of the show. "Our studio team is deeply inspired by the lovely ambience of the red brick exterior, and this was reflected in the creation of the interior of the residence, according to drama Producer Naoto Inaba. This factory is also known as the Red Brick Brewing Factory, and since its foundation in Meiji year 37 (1904), has contribute Sake industry development and brewing modernization, serving as the only National Research Institute in the country that researched brewing. The building was recognized for its historical value and was appointed a National Important Cultural Property in 2014.

We filmed a very important scene from the movie "Her Sketchbook"（2017）at Zoshigaya Kishimojin Temple in Toshima ward. This scene is peaceful, and heroine Mami (Mugi Kadowaki) was finally able to freely draw the paintings she wants to draw. She is being absorbed into drawing, but at the end of the scene, the peacefulness turns into darkness. Because of that change, the movie starts with bright sunshine that transforms into darkness. There is great change in this one scene. I thought many times about where to film this scene. This scene could have been shot at a regular park, but this location, with the trees of the Hariti shrine surrounding all the elements made me feel that it was the right place, noted Director Masaya Ozakia.

It is one of the locations used to make the movie "Shuchuu Nikki - The Diary of a Drunkard" (2015). I shot the towns along the Metropolitan Streetcar lines for the movie "Bankaku Rock," but the main character in "Shuchuu Nikki" also uses the Metropolitan Streetcar Arakawa Line to come to Zoshigaya, where the grave site of Kafu Nagai is located. This is because I like streetcars. - By Director Makoto Naito, "Shuchuu Nikki."

Kasuga Shrine in Nerima Ward is featured in the movie “Tonight, At The Movies” (2018). The scene in which Miyuki (Haruka Ayase) and Kenji (Kentaro Sakaguchi) are having a date at a festival was filmed on the premises of the shrine. Kasuga Shrine is located in a town called Kasugacho, which is said to have been named after the shrine. Take advantage of your visit to also have some fun at the nearby Toshimaen amusement park!
‘I wanted to express colorful and harmonious images, so I decided to include a shrine festival scene. Kasuga Shrine ended up being the perfect location for that.’ (Naoto Inaba, producer of “Tonight, At The Movies”)

The live music club Shimokitazawa Garage in Setagaya Ward is featured in the movie “Pumpkin and Mayonnaise” (2017). In the original manga by Kiriko Nananan, the live music club was called ‘Shimokitazawa.’ ‘The artwork of Kiriko Nananan depicts the finest of urban details which form the backdrop for the characters. The signboards and address plates are drawn with a subtle touch that exudes the endearing features of local neighborhood life. The style of the original work was of crucial importance in guiding me as I was making the movie. However, the area around Shimo-kitazawa Station has greatly changed since the ’90s, when the manga was first published.
The scene in which the protagonist, Tsuchida (Asami Usuda), stumbles upon her former boyfriend, Hagio (Joe Odagiri), is a clear reproduction of the South Exit Gate at Shimo-kitazawa Station in the original work. However, the station has since then been completely renovated and doesn’t look anything like its former self. I therefore decided to have Hagio run into Tsuchida at the live music club she works at, and filmed this scene at the live music club Shimokitazawa Garage (which Asami Usuda actually introduced me to!). Shimokitazawa Garage is on the first basement floor of a building that has office space and a waiting room on the second floor. As I was looking for locations for the movie, I became ecstatic when I saw the building’s rooftop. That was a nice additional feature for the movie. I also felt that the club’s furniture and empty bottles were just so perfectly lying around that nothing needed to be changed. The rooftop, whose access is restricted to the employees, was the perfect spot for Tsuchida and Hagio to quietly slip away for a short while.
The employees began taking measurements even before I mentioned that I’d like to shoot scenes there. It was just clear to me at first sight that this was the ideal place. Unfortunately, it was raining on the day the rooftop scene was supposed to be filmed, so I had to give up on my plan. However, I felt the rooftop of the building truly represented the mood of the town in the original manga.’
{Masanori Tominaga, director of “Pumpkin and Mayonnaise”}

In the movie “The Ringside Story” (2017), the training scene with Hideo (Eita), the protagonist, was filmed at Komazawa Olympic Park in Setagaya Ward. ‘I came up with the idea of a tribute to the training montage in the movie “Rocky.” John G. Avildsen, the director of “Rocky,” passed away on June 16 as we were getting ready to shoot. I thought that there was no choice but to recreate the training sequence that takes place between Rocky’s small apartment and the Museum of Art in Philadelphia. There would be no other chance like this. I could realize such a ridiculous dream because of Komazawa Olympic Park, which features a flight of stairs right at the end of the tree-lined path the protagonist dashes through as he trains. The surroundings of the park also match the settings of the town Hideo is likely to live in. The training sequence starts from his apartment in Nakano, passes through a shopping street in Nakano Minamidai, includes some training at a gym in Shin-Okubo, and finishes at Komazawa Olympic Park. I was looking for a park that is commonly used by the residents as a place to exercise, so I was really glad we were allowed to film scenes there. As we were shooting, several other young people were also running up and down the stairs. It was impressive to see them working hard, step by step, toward their dreams. Rocky’s theme song was echoing in my head while I was filming the scene. This running course definitely offered the ideal backdrop for Hideo as he was trying hard to become the best of bests. I hope the young people who watch the movie will one day follow this example. This is also one of the rewards of being a film director.’
{Masaharu Take, director of “The Ringside Story”}

‘In his initial plot for the movie “Godzilla Resurgence” (2016), director Anno was loosely planning to have Godzilla swim the Keihin Canal upstream from Ota Ward to Shinagawa Ward. Later, after director Higuchi and his staff went hunting for locations by bicycle on the route back from Haneda, we decided to have Godzilla first come ashore from Nomi River in Kamata, Ota Ward, because director Higuchi liked the diverse ambiences the town around Kamata could offer.
For the filming of the impactful opening scene, we made large-scale use of Kamata to achieve a tremendously powerful scene.’
[Producer of “Godzilla Resurgence”]
* Supported by Tokyo Location Box

‘The apartment complex where Yoshiko (Kirin Kiki) lives in the movie “After the Storm” (2016) is the Asahigaoka Apartment Complex in Kiyose City, Tokyo. I actually lived there from when I was nine until I was 28. Residents of the complex I know from back then came to have a look at the filming and congratulate my efforts. They welcomed me back in a somewhat jubilant fashion.’
[Hirokazu Koreeda, director of “After the Storm”]
Director Koreeda explains that ‘not becoming what one wants to become is exactly what also happened with the apartment complexes.’ As a result of a former ambition to expand the development of housing complex areas, apartment complexes were erected all over Japan. However, they are now deteriorating, and their residents are aging. We are forced to concede that the present situation is far different from the initial vision. To the gloomy picture of these apartment complexes, director Koreeda superimposes the painful image and nostalgia of characters who couldn’t become what they once wanted to become.
[“After the Storm” Official Homepage]
* Produced with the assistance of Tokyo Location Box

Sakuraichino Bridge served as one of the filming locations of “Before a Falling Star Fades Away” (2015). The scene in which elementary school student Keiichiro Kaji (Shono Hayama) fell off as well as the symbolic scene in which Naoko Motoyama (Haru) breaks down crying were taken here. The opening scene in which Takumi Kawashima (Jingi Irie) is running was also taken on a street nearby. This location was chosen for the filming because the townscape of the area perfectly fitted the world the movie director wanted to depict. Most of the movie was filmed in Musashino City and Mitaka City. While filming, the crew suffered many hardships because of the cold and the many night scenes taken in the midst of winter.
[“Before a Falling Star Fades Away” Director and Story Writer: Kenji Shibayama]

In the movie "Second Summer, Never See You Again", we filmed in the Tachikawa Souzousha in Tachikawa city. Tachikawa Souzousha used to be an elementary school, but is currently used as a multi purpose space for cultural activities. During the school-themed filmings, we were normally forced to use multiple locations to make up one school scene due to many restrictions in filiming in a school. However, we were able to shoot all school scenes at this place without any interruption, and completed all the school scenes here as we were able to use this facility on weekdays and at night.
In addition, filming the studio scene at the music shop was difficult because the real music practice studio was too small. To compensate, we decorated the music room in this facility to look like a practice studio and filmed all the scenes there. What was most memorable for me when shooting the school scenes here were, the corridor and the rooftop. The corridor was used for the scene where Satoshi (Nijiro Murakami) and Rin (Madoka Yoshida) run toward the School Culture Festival in the ending scene. Other hallways were surrounded by classrooms and did not have enough light, but the corridor had big windows and was very bright, so there was a good contrast. On the rooftop, we filmed a very important scene which was right before the end. This was a very heavy scene, but we had to film it at an early stage of our filming. It was raining on the day of the shooting so we had to be flexible avoiding the rain, but the two worked really hard and it became a very good scene as a result. ("Second Summer, Never See You Again"Director, Kenji Nakanishi)

Hohoemi Park in Hino City is featured as ‘Aobanishi Park’ in episode 2 of the drama series “The Public Enemy” (2017). The scene in which Tomoko Sato (Ryoko Shinohara) and Makoto Todo (Issei Takahashi) are taking about the preservation of the park was filmed at this location. The small park is located in a residential neighborhood and is mainly used by the local residents. It offers a splendid night view of the Toyoda area in Hino. Hino City is located almost in the center of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and consists mostly of residential neighborhoods. The Tama River runs through the city which is distinctively lush in greenery.

‘Ryoko Shinohara plays the role of a typical housewife and mother of a residential neighborhood of Hino City, where I decided to film many scenes. This mother unexpectedly becomes a city council member　and starts bringing a wave of changes to the world of politics. I hope you will enjoy this pleasantly entertaining drama series.’ (Hiro Kanai, director of “The Public Enemy”)

In the movie “Close-Knit” (2017), the mother (Mimura) of Tomo (Rinka Kakihara) runs away from home. Tomo ends up living with her uncle, Makio (Kenta Kiritani), and slowly opens up to his lover, Rinko (Toma Ikuta), a transgender. The cherry blossoms viewing scene in which Tomo takes a box lunch filled with her favorite food prepared especially for her by Rinko was filmed at Inagikita Ryokuchi Park in Inagi City.
‘When I was looking for a cherry-tree-lined path for the scene in which the protagonists head to the park to have lunch under the cherry trees in full bloom, I decided, on a recommendation of cameraman Shibasaki, on the Omaru embankment in Inagi and Inagikita Ryokuchi Park as they had favorable filming conditions. What was ideal about this location was that we could film the scene from the street that runs parallel to the bicycle path.
It was quite difficult to adjust the schedule to be able to shoot the scenes during full bloom. Sure enough, the flowers began to bloom late, and we had to change the schedule. Because we had to move the schedule around, other scenes had to be filmed here.
Every day, the production team kept a close eye on the blooming conditions to get the best timing. We were blessed with great weather on the day of shooting. Moreover, it was a weekday, so the park wasn’t overcrowded with people eating under the trees. We were also able to film the bicycle scene from the street that runs along the path as well as the scene on the embankment with the cherry trees in full bloom as the backdrop.
I was really hoping to shoot the scenes when the cherry trees would be in full bloom, which we managed to do. We were also able to find music that matched the scene perfectly. It all converged to create a scene that conveys a beautiful moment of happiness for the three characters.’
{Naoko Ogigami, director of “Close-Knit”}

© 2017 “Close-Knit” Production Committee

‘In the movie “A Story of Yonosuke” (2013), the last sequence that first shows Yonosuke (Kengo Kora) taking a picture of Shoko (Yuriko Yoshitaka) about to leave for France, then their pledge to soon meet again, and finally Yosuke taking a picture of cherry blossoms before running off was filmed around Hirayama 2-chome in Hino City. The cut that shows them sitting together—and used on the movie package—was also taken here. After hearing that many fans had been looking for the location to visit it, I decided to provide more details about it.’
[Producer of “A Story of Yonosuke”]