Actors with a dignified presence, portraying the powerful people of the Hokkaido region.

Aika Higashimori as Ichiko (left) and Riku Tanaka as Yutaka (right)

Although there are only photographs of Tokachi in the early to mid-Showa period, there were very few images left. That is why Ms. Osaka says she wants to create a work that will be loved beyond generations, so that those who know those days will feel nostalgia and pass on their memories.

The cast includes up-and-coming actors Aika Higashimori and Riku Tanaka. Their acting ability and presence reminded him of his predecessors who survived the harsh natural environment of Hokkaido. Ms. Osaka is looking forward to seeing the expression of the original landscape and culture of Hokkaido and the emotions of the people who lived there.

So far, the fall scenes have been shot and the climax will be shot this March. Currently, he is working on adding inspiration and newly obtained testimonials obtained during the filming so far to the script, and is focusing on improving the details of how the people of the village spent their time in the last scene.

The "horse-drawn sleigh" and the "bride" that he wanted to portray. How enthusiastic are you about shooting the last scene?

Mr. Osaka says he has not visited the location since the fall. He says he wants to incorporate the new impressions he gained from seeing the full-blown winter weather into the script. What were the people in the youth club doing on the day the bride rode in the horse-drawn sleigh, and what was Ichiko's sister thinking?

The original script focused on Kazuko's feelings, but I knew that everyone in the family was living hand in hand, and that the villagers were helping each other. I wanted to depict that while I was making the film. I hope that through the wedding ceremony, I can show the mutual support that was once there."

They plan to finish editing the film in May, and will proceed with advance screenings and participation in short film festivals. After living in Tokyo for more than 10 years and interacting with people in many countries, Osaka has moved back to Tokachi. How will this short film, which gives form to the thoughts and feelings he has gained in his life to date, turn out? Expectations are high.

Yoshiro Osaka
Filmmaker / Director

Mr. Osaka (right) at a meeting to discuss filming.

Born in 1980 in Makubetsu-cho, Hokkaido. After graduating from Obihiro Kashiwaoha High School, he went to the U.S. to study filmmaking at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, where he received his B.A. degree. After returning to Japan, he began working as a freelance filmmaker based in Tokyo. While shooting, editing, and producing a wide variety of genres, including commercials and documentaries, he has also made independent films. In recent years, he has been actively involved in projects in Asia. 2014 and 2016, he produced a short film "my little guidebook" (my little guidebook) aimed at promoting the attractions of Tokachi, and both films won the Hokkaido Director's Award at the Sapporo International Short Film Festival. 2021. Produced "Little Circus," a short film set in Cambodia during the Corona disaster, which was screened at more than 10 film festivals in Japan and abroad and was selected for the Golden Goblet Awards in the short film category at the Shanghai International Film Festival. 2022: Resident of Obihiro City, Japan.

HP：https://yoshiroosaka.onfabrik.com/
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