Film

Sakura Guardian in the North (Kita no Sakuramori)

Northern Hokkaido area

Set near the end of World War II, this film follows Tetsu Ezure (Sayuri Yoshinaga) and her two sons, who flee from Sakhalin to Abashiri as the Soviet army closes in. Later, younger son Shujiro (Masato Sakai) is back in Japan after becoming a successful businessman in the USA. He cannot stop thinking about his now-aging mother, and resolves to live together with her. Despite their estrangement, Tetsu and Shujiro decide to travel across Hokkaido. As they explore Hokkaido's abundant nature, they begin to discover the meaning of happiness and the ties between mother and child. This is the final volume of the North Trilogy, following Year One in the North (Kita no Zeronen) in 2005 and A Chorus of Angels (Kita no Kanariatachi) in 2012.

© 2018, Sakura Guardian in the North Production Committee

Year released: 2018

Starring: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Masato Sakai, etc.

Director: Yojiro Takita

Screenwriter: Machiko Nasu

Distributor: TOEI

STAMP SPOT!

Former Seto House

For around 20 years after World War II, Wakkanai flourished as the front line of offshore bottom trawling. A particularly successful figure in the industry was Tsunezo Seto, whose home is now registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Built in 1952, the house is now a time capsule of life in that era, with models of boats and public access to a traditional Japanese room and the kitchen. In the film, this house appears as an inn where Tetsu and Shujiro stay on their travels.

Address: 4-8-28 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0022

Phone: 0162-23-6468 (Wakkanai City Tourism and Exchange Section)

Access: Around a 5-minute walk from JR Wakkanai Station

Open hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm during summer season
9:00am - 4:00pm during winter season

Open period: Summer season: Early April - October 31
Winter season: November 1 - March 31

Closed: Closed on some occasions during the winter season (open every day during the summer season)

Admission: Admission: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children aged 6-15 (160 yen for each adult and 80 yen for each child aged 6-15 in groups of 20 or more)

Notes: -