Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission.
Starting Sunday, September 8, 2024, the rebroadcast of NHK’s Special Drama Saka no Ue no Kumo (Clouds above the Hill ) has officially begun!
Can you believe it’s been 15 years since its first broadcast?
The drama originally aired in three parts:
📺 Part 1 – November 29 to December 27, 2009
📺 Part 2 – December 5 to December 26, 2010
📺 Part 3 – December 4 to December 25, 2011
It was a long-term project, airing over three years, and I was involved in the production support for four years.
Behind the Scenes: Research & Location Scouting
At the start, the preliminary research focused on historical elements like Moburi Meshi (a local sushi dish), period costumes, and daily life in the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras.
I remember accompanying the team on interviews and research at places like:
・Matsuyama Shiki Memorial Museum
・Matsuyama City Fisheries Public Wholesale Market
・Matsuyama Castle
・Local libraries
Then came the location scouting. Finding spots in modern-day Ehime and Matsuyama that could authentically represent the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods was quite the challenge!
However, some historical locations fit perfectly and were used in filming, such as:
・Matsuyama Castle (Over 400 years old!)
・Dogo Onsen (With more than 100 years of history)
・Tamaru Bridge in the Ishidatami district of Uchiko Town (Featured as the path where Saneyuki and the others return to Matsuyama)
・Shimegaura Coast in Imabari City
Looking Back After 15 Years
It’s incredible how much has changed since the original broadcast.
At that time, I already had several years of experience as a film commissioner at Ehime FC, so I could discuss filming logistics directly with producers, directors, and production teams.
Because “Saka no Ue no Kumo” is such a well-known story, coordinating the filming was relatively smooth compared to other productions.
Now, 15 years later, society and my perspectives have changed.
Watching the drama again in today’s world will probably give me new insights and emotions I didn’t experience the first time.
The drama will air every Sunday until March, so let’s follow the journey of the three men from Matsuyama together!
📺 NHK Special Drama “Saka no Ue no Kumo”
🔗 Official NHK Page