ARTICLES
An Interview with Director Yoshirō Aisaka on 'The Horse Sleigh Bride,' a Short Film Depicting Tokachi in the 1950s
Actors Who Embody the Strength and Dignity of Hokkaido's People
Aika Higashimori as Ichiko (left) and Riku Tanaka as Yutaka (right)
While there are photographs from the early to mid-Showa period in Tokachi, very little film footage remains. That is why, Mr. Osaka says, he wants to create a work that will be loved across generations—one that evokes nostalgia for those who remember the era and passes on those memories to others.
The cast features up-and-coming actors Aika Higashimori and Riku Tanaka. In their powerful presence and acting abilities, Mr. Osaka saw the spirit of the pioneers who survived Hokkaido's harsh natural environment. He has high expectations for their portrayal of the emotions of the people who lived amidst Hokkaido's pristine landscapes and culture.
The autumn scenes have already been filmed, with the climax scheduled for shooting this March. Currently, he is focused on adding details to the final scene, incorporating inspiration gained during filming and newly acquired testimonies into the script to flesh out how the villagers lived their lives.
The Vision for the "Bride on the Sleigh" and Excitement for the Final Scene
Mr. Osaka says he hasn't visited the location since autumn. He wants to see the full-fledged winter landscape for himself and weave any new impressions into the script. What were the members of the youth association doing on the day the bride rode the sleigh? What was going through Ichiko's younger sister's mind?—
"The original script focused mainly on Ichiko's feelings, but as we progressed, I realized I wanted to depict how families worked hand-in-hand and how villagers supported each other to survive. I hope to show that old spirit of mutual support through the wedding ceremony."
The plan is to finish editing by May and then proceed with advance screenings and submissions to short film festivals. After interacting with people in many countries and living in Tokyo for over a decade, Mr. Osaka has returned to his roots in Tokachi. Expectations are high for how this short film, a culmination of his life's experiences, will turn out.
Yoshiro Osaka
Filmmaker / Film Director
Osaka (right) during a production meeting.
Born in Makubetsu, Hokkaido in 1980. After graduating from Obihiro Hakuyou High School, he moved to the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in film production from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. After returning to Japan, he began his career as a freelance filmmaker based in Tokyo. While shooting, editing, and producing a wide range of genres including commercials and documentaries, he also produced his own independent films. In recent years, he has actively participated in projects set in Asia. In 2014 and 2016, he produced the short film series "my little guidebook" to promote the charm of Tokachi, both of which won the Hokkaido Director's Award at the Sapporo International Short Film Festival. In 2021, he produced "Little Circus," set in Cambodia during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was screened at over 10 film festivals in Japan and abroad and was selected for the Short Film category of the Golden Goblet Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival. He has been based in Obihiro City since 2022.
■HP：https://yoshiroosaka.onfabrik.com/
■Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/yoshiroosaka/
Writer's Profile
Magazine & Book Editor / Writer
Kyohei Yamashita
While working in program production at a radio station, he began producing fanzines and writing for magazines. He later joined a publishing house as an editor, where he primarily worked on local city magazines, handling a wide variety of articles. His hobbies include cooking, mountain climbing, river fishing, and exploring the stone monuments of Sapporo. A resident of Sapporo's Minami Ward, he has a deep affection for the area.
Your Journey with Tokachi Starts Here: "Tokachi Information Center"
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