Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission.
The film shoot that took place in January has wrapped. Here’s a look back at how the production support unfolded.
Production Overview:
Title: BS Nippon TV Film Shooting Period: January 18 (Sunday) – January 27 (Tuesday), 2026 Cast: Takeshi Naito and others
Locations: Matsuyama, Uchiko, and Imabari, Ehime Prefecture
Production Company: Union Film Co., Ltd.
The process began with what’s called a “scenario hunt” (Shinahan, short for scenario hunting) — a research trip where the producer, screenwriter, and others explore locations to gather material for the story.
We accompanied the team around Ehime Prefecture, suggesting locations with potential story value. In practice, even when we propose many options, the story works best when it centers on a single compelling element — too many threads dilute the narrative. So only one location or theme typically gets selected, even if the others were strong. We think of those unused suggestions as seeds for future projects.
Once that one element is chosen, the screenwriter begins to dig deep — layering in character, plot, and meaning. That’s where the real craft comes in. We had a chance to read an early synopsis, and it was genuinely surprising how much depth and intrigue had been woven in from something so simple.
After multiple revisions, the script reached a “preparatory draft” stage, and a location scout (Rokehan) began. Many sites had been tentatively identified during the scenario hunt, but translating those ideas into an actual shoot brings new constraints and conditions into play — and it’s the film commission’s job to work through all of them with the production team and location partners.
This time, at every location we visited, we were met with genuine understanding and cooperation, which made everything go smoothly. The production team was able to get exactly what they needed.
The one thing that kept me a little anxious was the extras casting. One scene called for up to 100 extras, but we don’t maintain an extras roster at Ehime FC. On top of that, the recruitment window fell over the year-end and New Year holiday period — short and awkward timing. For the first few days, sign-ups were in the double digits. My concerns were proving well-founded.
Then the new year arrived. Information spread through Matsuyama City and national extras recruitment platforms, and within three days, we had over 1,000 applicants. The sign-up period closed far sooner than expected.
To everyone who took part — thank you. To those who applied but weren’t selected — we hope to see you on set another time.
One personal highlight for me was witnessing crew wrap-ups right here in Ehime. Shoots were still continuing in Tokyo, but as each location in Ehime finished, hearing “That’s a wrap for (a name of an actor) in Ehime!” felt like a small celebration — each one a sign that things were going well.
A small but lovely detail: when a cast member wraps their scenes, it’s customary to present flowers. This time, the gift was a box of Ehime sweets.
Filming is now complete and the production is in post. After editing, it will head to theatrical release.
Ehime FC will continue supporting the film’s promotion leading up to release. There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with a shoot in Ehime — not just the story itself, but the pleasure of spotting familiar places on screen. We’ll share theatrical release details once they’re confirmed.