Suwa, a tranquil region nestled in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, has quietly blossomed into a sought-after filming destination, attracting Hollywood blockbusters and international acclaim. Its serene landscapes and convenient location have made it a haven for filmmakers.
A Rising Star in the Moviemaking World
The Suwa area, encompassing six picturesque towns around Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains, has become a magnet for filmmakers. Not only does it boast breathtaking scenery, but its close proximity to Tokyo and its willingness to accommodate film projects have further cemented its reputation.
The area’s recent cinematic success was propelled by the Oscar-winning “Godzilla Minus One”, which filmed a pivotal scene at a former government building in Okaya. The director, Takashi Yamazaki, was captivated by the building’s untouched, old-fashioned charm, which perfectly aligned with the movie’s 1940s setting.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see a movie filmed in my hometown enjoyed by audiences worldwide,” shared Mika Oguchi, a local resident who appeared as an extra in the film.
The Suwa area has become a recurring backdrop for award-winning movies. “Kaibutsu” (Monster), which won Best Screenplay at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, and “Hyakka” (A Hundred Flowers), which earned Genki Kawamura the prestigious Best Director award at the 2022 San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain, were both filmed in this picturesque region.
A Passionate Pursuit of Cinematic Excellence
The Suwa area’s sudden rise to fame as a moviemaking hub didn’t happen overnight. It was the culmination of years of tireless work by the Suwaken Film Commission, a local organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating film production in the region.
Yosuke Miyasaka, the commission’s 45-year-old director, recalls a time when, following the commission’s inception in 2006, “there were no major film projects at all”. Undeterred, Miyasaka embraced every inquiry and personally scouted locations to meet the specific needs of each filmmaker. This unwavering commitment transformed the Suwa area into a filmmaker-friendly destination. By the end of fiscal 2022, the film commission had successfully attracted over 100 productions.
A Cinematic Boost for the Local Economy
The area’s cinematic success has spilled over into its local economy. The rise in movie tourism, with fans from South Korea, the United States, and other countries flocking to the region to visit filming locations, has been a welcome boost. In fiscal 2022 alone, the commission estimates that movie tourism generated at least 104 million yen (around $700,000) for the local economy.
Kazuo Terashima, head of tourism for the Suwa city government, expressed his enthusiasm for this positive development, emphasizing the role of internationally recognized films in promoting the area. “Being chosen as a filming location helps spread the word about the area’s appeal,” he remarked.
A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Convenience
Ruriko Sekine, secretary general of the Tokyo-based Japan Film Commission, attributes the area’s popularity among filmmakers to its convenient location, just a two-hour drive from the Japanese capital. However, she also highlights its natural beauty as a key draw.
“Many producers are captivated by the terrain, with mountains seemingly on all sides of Lake Suwa,” she explained.
Miyasaka, the director of the Suwaken Film Commission, expresses his vision for the future: “I want to attract movies that will be handed down for generations, ensuring the Suwa area’s place in history as the filming location of masterpieces.”
With its stunning landscapes, strategic location, and unwavering commitment to filmmaking, the Suwa area is poised to continue its ascent as a global moviemaking hotspot, leaving an enduring legacy on the cinematic landscape.
