Ken Takakura’s Hokkaido: A Cinematic Journey Through Iconic Film Locations

Ken Takakura’s Hokkaido: A Cinematic Journey Through Iconic Film Locations
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.


Takakura Ken
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.

Ken Takakura during his younger years
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)

Station (1981)
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.

Former Mashike Station - Mashike
Former Mashike Station

Kazemachi Shokudo Information Centre - Mashike
Kazemachi Shokudo Information Centre

Photos of Ken Takakura inside Kazemachi Shokudo Information Centre

The Izakaya set used in the film is preserved as is

Kunimare Sake Brewery - Mashike
Kunimare Sake Brewery

Ken Takakura's mini museum inside Kunimare Sake Brewery
Ken Takakura's mini museum inside Kunimare Sake Brewery

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)

Station Master (1999)
Poppoya (1999)

My adventure continued south to Ikutora Station in Minamifurano, the filming location for the 1999 film Poppoya (The Station Master)

Horomai Station
Ikutora Station, famously known as Horomai Station in Takikura's cinematic world

Inside Ikutora Station
Inside Ikutora Station

Daruma Shokudo
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)

The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness (1977)
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. 

Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park
Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park

Takakura’s red Mazda Familia
Takakura’s red Mazda Familia

Fans leave messages on yellow origami paper inside the tenement house
Fans leave messages on yellow origami paper inside the tenement house

Hamamatsu Cafe
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)

Abashiri Prison (1965)
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. 

Abashiri Prison Museum - Abashiri City
Abashiri Prison Museum

Inside Abashiri Prison Museum
Inside Abashiri Prison Museum

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

Izakaya Choji (1983)
Izakaya Choji (1983)

As my travels through Hokkaido continued, I stumbled upon more locations where Takakura’s films were shot. 

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Hakodate City
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse at night

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

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.


Jakoman and Tetsu (1964)
Jakoman and Tetsu (1964)

Finally, I ventured to the scenic town of Shakotan, where the 1964 film Jakoman and Tetsu was shot. 

Shimamui Coast in Shakotan
Shimamui Coast in the town of Shakotan

Shimamui Coast in 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.

Ken Takakura
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.


Comments

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Japan Diaries 4: Day 437

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Revisited 2023 - Kyoto

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Todaiji Revisited 2023 - Nara

Sanjo Bridge - Kyoto

10 Things to Do in Uji City

Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Hokkaido

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Nijo Castle - Kyoto