[Pilgrimage to Filming Locations]

Watching the current NHK morning drama series "Tora ni Tsubasa" has become my daily delight. Besides being captivated by the story of the protagonist's struggles and growth as Japan's first female lawyer, I find myself intrigued by the various impressive buildings depicted as courthouses and other settings. Curious whether these are real buildings or sets, I frequently rewatch episodes and research filming locations. Recently, I discovered that several of these locations are in Nagoya City, which coincidentally was where I was planning a trip. So, I decided to go on a "pilgrimage" to these sacred sites.

One of the most memorable locations frequently appearing as the "Tokyo District Court" in the drama is the Nagoya City Archives. This building, constructed in 1922 as the Nagoya Court of Appeal, District Court, and Ward Court, is a National Important Cultural Property. When I visited, it was bustling with many fans who, like me, had come on a pilgrimage inspired by the drama. Inside, there were displays related to the drama, such as pre-war judicial robes, and photo spots for fans to enjoy. People were joyfully taking photos mimicking scenes from the show and excitedly discussing the locations. Notably, the number of visitors from April to May, since the drama began airing, has more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

There are many notable sites within walking distance. One such place is the former residence of Sasuke Toyota. When I mentioned to the guide there that I was on a pilgrimage inspired by "Tora ni Tsubasa," they said, "What is everyday scenery to us looks so magnificent on TV. It's made me realize just how wonderful these buildings are." This comment struck me. Filming locations provide new discoveries and purposes for visitors and help locals recognize and appreciate the charm of their surroundings.

The term "pilgrimage" originally referred to journeys to religious sites but has evolved to include visits to locations featured in dramas, movies, manga, and anime, now termed "sacred sites." This type of tourism is also known as "content tourism." Research reveals that Japan’s first travel boom can be traced back to works like Ikku Jyuppensha's "Tokaidochu Hizakurige" and Hiroshige Utagawa's "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido," which inspired people to visit the scenes and specialties depicted. Internationally, films like "Roman Holiday" or the Korean drama "Winter Sonata" have similarly sparked significant travel trends. These works attract many tourists and serve as new resources for local revitalization, gaining attention in Japan in recent years.

However, these "sacred sites" are not always tourist spots and can be everyday living areas or private places. It's essential to respect the local residents, follow rules about passage and photography, and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Our Wakamatsu Showroom in the Ueno Building has been featured in numerous commercials, dramas, and movies, making it a true "sacred site." The view of Dokai Bay from the showroom windows is sure to become a memorable part of your summer. We invite you to embark on a pilgrimage to these filming locations.

Wakamatsu Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/wakamatsu.html

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B7%A1%E7%A4%BC_(%E9%80%9A%E4%BF%97)#cite_note-honichi-7
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%83%B3%E3%83%84%E3%83%84%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BA%E3%83%A0
https://www.nagoya-info.jp/spot/detail/154/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/tokai-news/20240514/3000035479.html
https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/stories/story094/