Animes in Gifu Prefecture
Your Name
In the critically acclaimed anime “Kimi no Na wa” (Your Name), a significant portion of the narrative unfolds within the serene and picturesque landscapes of the Tokai region, specifically in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. This region serves as the backdrop for the quaint rural town of Itomori, a fictional place that draws heavily from the real-life beauty and cultural richness of Gifu. The anime meticulously captures the essence of Gifu’s lush countryside, the traditional architecture, and the deep spiritual heritage, encapsulating the tranquil and timeless atmosphere of the region. The juxtaposition of Itomori’s rural charm against the bustling urban life of Tokyo plays a pivotal role in the storyline, highlighting the contrast and connection between different ways of life in Japan. Through its breathtaking visuals and poignant storytelling, “Kimi no Na wa” brings to life the enchanting landscapes of Gifu Prefecture, leaving a lasting impression of the region’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
A Silent Voice
“A Silent Voice” (聲の形, Koe no Katachi) is set against the backdrop of the Tokai region, specifically drawing inspiration from the city of Ogaki in Gifu Prefecture. This anime film intricately portrays the emotional journey of Shoya Ishida as he seeks redemption for past wrongs against Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate. The detailed and authentic depiction of Ogaki’s landscapes, from its serene rivers and quaint bridges to the bustling streets and school settings, provides a deeply relatable and immersive backdrop for the narrative.
The choice of the Tokai region, with its mix of urban and natural beauty, enhances the film’s exploration of themes such as communication, empathy, and forgiveness. The real-world locations in Ogaki contribute to the film’s atmosphere, offering a poignant sense of place that mirrors the characters’ inner growth and the evolving dynamics of their relationships. By grounding the story in the familiar settings of the Tokai region, “A Silent Voice” achieves a compelling realism that underscores the emotional depth and complexity of its narrative, making the city and its surroundings an integral part of the film’s charm and impact.
Hyōka
“Hyōka” unfolds in the fictional Kamiyama, closely mirroring Takayama city in Gifu Prefecture, within Japan’s scenic Tokai region. The narrative centers around Hotaro Oreki, a lethargic high schooler coerced into joining the Classic Literature Club by his sister. Alongside Eru Chitanda, Satoshi Fukube, and Mayaka Ibara, Oreki engages in unraveling a series of intricate mysteries that often tie back to their school’s history and the local culture. The anime meticulously captures the essence of Takayama, renowned for its well-preserved Edo period streets and rich cultural heritage, blending this serene backdrop with the intriguing mysteries at the story’s core. The setting, with its historical and natural beauty, significantly enhances the anime’s atmospheric depth, making the mysteries more engaging and the slice-of-life moments more poignant.
Gintama
The live-action “Gintama” film, based on the beloved manga and anime, creatively blends the historical Edo period with whimsical science fiction elements, set in an alternate-history Tokyo where aliens have invaded. While the story’s setting is a fantastical Edo, the film production brought this unique world to life by filming in various locations, including Gifu Prefecture. Gifu’s historical sites and scenic beauty offered the perfect backdrop, embodying the film’s Edo period aesthetics while accommodating its fantastical narrative twists.
Gifu’s traditional architecture and landscapes helped recreate the bustling streets and samurai ambiance of the story, despite the anachronistic inclusion of aliens and modern-day humor. This choice of location added a layer of authenticity and visual richness to the film, grounding the outlandish and comedic elements in a real-world setting reminiscent of the period. The filming in Gifu not only enhanced the film’s visual appeal but also paid homage to the historical influences that underpin the “Gintama” universe, blending them seamlessly with the series’ iconic, genre-defying style.
Higurashi When They Cry
“Higurashi When They Cry” is a Japanese anime series set in the small village of Hinamizawa in 1983, centered around a group of friends who become entangled in a series of mysterious murders and disappearances that coincide with the annual Watanagashi Festival. The village is haunted by the supposed curse of Oyashiro, the local deity. The story unfolds across multiple timelines, revealing dark secrets and tragic backstories of the characters as they struggle to uncover the truth and break free from a cycle of violence. Combining elements of psychological thriller, horror, and mystery, the series is known for its complex plot and deep emotional engagement.