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| Ken Takakura’s Hokkaido: A Cinematic Journey Through Iconic Film Locations |
Ken Takakura, one of Japan’s most legendary
actors, would have been 94 years old today. Born on February 16, 1931, in
Fukuoka, Japan, Takakura became a beloved icon known for his roles as a stoic,
honorable hero in the world of Japanese cinema. His tough, silent demeanor and
powerful performances made him a star, particularly in the yakuza genre
during the 1970s and 1980s. Films like The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness
(1977) and The Wolves (1971) cemented his place in the hearts of
audiences, capturing a spirit of honor, sacrifice, and loyalty that resonated
deeply with Japanese cultural values.
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| Ken Takakura |
Takakura’s rugged yet gentle persona
on-screen was often a reflection of the traditional ideals of
masculinity—strength, integrity, and sacrifice. His career spanned decades,
earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Japan Academy Prize for
Best Actor. Even after his passing in 2014, Takakura’s influence continues to
resonate through his work and the lasting impact he had on Japanese cinema and
culture.
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| Ken Takakura during his younger years |
For those who seek to connect with the world
of Ken Takakura, Hokkaido offers a remarkable journey. The northern island of
Japan is home to several iconic filming locations where Takakura’s legendary
films were brought to life. As someone who has visited all 179 municipalities
of Hokkaido, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing first-hand the places that
were immortalized in his films. Here’s a look at some of the memorable spots
where Ken Takakura’s cinematic legacy lives on in Hokkaido.
Mashike Town: The
Filming Location of Station (1981)
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| Station (1981) |
My journey began in Mashike, a town near
Rumoi City where I currently live where Takakura filmed the 1981 classic Station.
In this deeply emotional film, Takakura portrayed Eiji Mikami, a police officer
whose life is plagued by tragedy and difficult choices. While the Former Mashike Station, where the movie was filmed, no longer serves as a station, it
remains an important site for fans of the film. Nearby, the Kazemachi Shokudo
Information Centre, preserved as it was during filming, is where one of the film's
most poignant izakaya scenes took place. This spot, along with the Former
Tomdaya Ryokan (which Takakura stayed in), continues to pay homage to his work
in the town.
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| The Izakaya set used in the film is preserved as is |
Mashike holds a special place in the hearts
of Ken Takakura’s fans, as it houses a mini Ken Takakura Museum inside the
historic Kunimare Sake Brewery, Japan's Northernmost Sake Brewery. The museum is a testament to the love and
admiration the town has for the actor, preserving his memory and contribution
to its cinematic history.
Ikutora Station: Poppoya
(1999)
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| Poppoya (1999) |
My adventure continued south to Ikutora
Station in Minamifurano, the filming location for the 1999 film Poppoya
(The Station Master).
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| Ikutora Station, famously known as Horomai Station in Takikura's cinematic world |
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| Inside Ikutora Station |
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| Daruma Shokudo |
Takakura’s portrayal of a station master haunted
by the memories of his deceased wife and daughter is one of his most revered
performances. The station, which was closed in 2024, still proudly displays the
"Horomai Station" sign from the film. Nearby, Daruma Shokudo, another
iconic location from the movie, is preserved by the town as a living memorial
to Poppoya. The station now serves as a museum dedicated to the film,
allowing visitors to step into the world Takakura so powerfully brought to
life.
Yubari City: The
Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness (1977)
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| The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness (1977) |
No journey through Hokkaido's Takakura film
locations would be complete without visiting Yubari City, where his greatest
film, The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness (1977), was shot. Takakura
played Yusaku Shima, a former coal miner who is released from prison and
attempts to rebuild his life.
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| Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park |
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| Takakura’s red Mazda Familia |
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| Fans leave messages on yellow origami paper inside the tenement house |
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| Hamamatsu Cafe |
The filming locations in Yubari have been
preserved as part of the Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park. Here, you can see
the restored buildings from the film, including the barbershop, which now
serves as the Hamamatsu Café and the tenement house. Inside the house, visitors
can view Takakura’s red Mazda Familia, a central prop in the film, and
experience the nostalgic atmosphere. The park also features yellow origami paper left by visitors, resembling the yellow handkerchiefs that symbolize happiness
in the film.
Abashiri City: Abashiri
Prison (1965)
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| Abashiri Prison (1965) |
Abashiri City holds a historical connection
to Ken Takakura through the 1965 film Abashiri Prison, where he
portrayed Shinichi Tachibana, a prisoner nearing the end of his sentence. Based
on the real-life experiences of prisoners at the infamous Abashiri Prison, the
film provided a gritty look into life behind bars.
Today, the prison is renamed Abashiri Prison Museum, not focused on the film but on the history of the prison itself.
However, the connection to Takakura’s performance in the film remains strong
among fans of his work.
Other Filming Locations
in Hokkaido
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| Izakaya Choji (1983) |
As my travels through Hokkaido continued, I
stumbled upon more locations where Takakura’s films were shot.
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| Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse at night |
In Hakodate
City, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse served as the backdrop for the 1983 film
Izakaya Chōji, where Takakura played Eiji Fujino, a taciturn bar owner.
Fans of his work will appreciate the preserved location, capturing the essence
of his character’s quiet strength and personal struggles.
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| Jakoman and Tetsu (1964) |
Finally, I ventured to the scenic town of
Shakotan, where the 1964 film Jakoman and Tetsu was shot.
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| Shimamui Coast in the town of Shakotan |
This was one
of Takakura’s earliest roles, and it holds a personal connection to me, as my
home country, the Philippines, is indirectly part of the story. In the film,
Takakura’s character Tetsu returns to a small fishing village after being presumed
dead, confronting the antagonist Jakoman who has been terrorizing the town. The
stunning landscape of Shimamui Coast serves as a fitting backdrop for this
classic film.
Paying Homage to Ken
Takakura
Ken Takakura’s contribution to Japanese
cinema and culture is immeasurable. His performances remain a cornerstone of
Japanese film history, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of
filmmakers and actors. As I visited these locations across Hokkaido, I felt
deeply connected to the man who brought so much emotional depth and
authenticity to his roles. Takakura's films, with their powerful themes of
honor, integrity, and the complexities of human emotion, continue to resonate
with audiences worldwide.
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| Again, Happy birthday, Ken Takakura! |
Today, as we honor what would have been Ken Takakura’s 94th birthday, we remember him not just as an actor, but as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the quiet heroism that lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate his art. Ken Takakura, forever etched in the history of Japanese cinema, will always be remembered and cherished for the unforgettable characters he brought to life.
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