Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission (Ehime FC).
Continuing along Prefectural Route 19, I arrived at Minatoyama Station on the Iyo Railway. Right next to (or rather, right in front of) the station is a small eatery called “Soft Time”, serving both coffee and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
The first time I visited Soft Time was during the filming of the drama version of Ganbatte Ikimasshoi (Give It All), back in 2005. That was 19 years ago! In the anime, this place is portrayed as a spot frequented by both Mitsu Higashi High School (Etsuko’s school) and their rival school, Minatoyama High School.
Interestingly, the movie version used a place called “Furusato” in Saijo City, the drama version featured “Melbourne” in the former Hojo City, and the anime version chose Soft Time. In a way, it’s like an Okonomiyaki Trilogy!
Inside the restaurant, the seat where Etsuko and her friends sat is toward the back. Even the owl figurines sitting by the window are faithfully depicted in the anime!
I ordered Mitsuhamayaki (local-style okonomiyaki with noodles and meat inside) and imagined the characters eating here, blowing on their hot food to cool it down. I mixed the provided mayonnaise with shichimi (Japanese chili spice) and enjoyed my meal.
The restaurant proudly displays posters of the anime inside and outside, and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you for their cooperation in the filming!
Next Stop: Mitsu no Watashi ferry
The Mitsu no Watashi ferry is just a few minutes’ walk from Soft Time. On the way, you can visit the Minatoyama Castle Ruins, which offer a nice view of Mitsu’s harbor town.
Nearby is also Mishima Shrine, where you can climb the stairs, purify your hands at the shrine’s water basin, make an offering, and then turn around to see a great view of Mitsu.
Mishima Shrine actually has a better vantage point for viewing the waterways than Minatoyama Castle Ruins.
A Free Ride Across the Water
Standing at the Mitsu no Watashi ferry dock, it’s exciting to watch the ferry automatically start moving toward you from the other side! (To be precise, the ferry operator notices you and comes over.)
The ride across is about 80 meters, and since the city operates it, it’s completely free—it almost feels like a mini amusement park attraction!
In the movie version, there’s a scene where a bicycle is loaded onto the ferry. In the anime version, Etsuko and Hime take a ride together. And just as I was thinking about all this, the ferry arrived