In present-day Japan, Katori City’s Chief of General Affairs, Ikemoto (Kiichi Nakai), is assigned by the Head of Tourism (Keiko Kitagawa) to oversee development. In an attempt to attract visitors to the city, Ikemoto decides to sponsor a historical TV drama about Tadataka Inō, the cartographer renowned for being the first to complete a map of Japan in 1821. But during the process of creating the series with the help of his colleague Kinoshita (Kenichi Matsuyama), the pair uncover a startling truth—that the map was not actually made by Tadataka!
Back in the Edo period, Tadataka dies without seeing the completion of his lengthy enterprise. To honour his vision, Tadataka’s dedicated band of disciples decide to conceal his death and carry out a convoluted secret operation to finish their master’s life’s work.
Inspired by Shinosuke Tatekawa’s original rakugo story, director Kenji Nakanishi wisely selects a star-studded cast to portray both the past and present in this entertaining comedy, unveiling a surprising truth that’s evaded textbooks.
© 2022 "Dreaming of the Meridian Arc" Film Partners
"Hugely entertaining, witty and rich in historical detail"
- Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Saturday 5th November
112 min
ALL
Kenichi Matsuyama, Kiichi Nakai, Keiko Kitagawa, Yukino Kishii, Isao Hashizume
Kenji Nakanishi
Film Festival
Japanese with English subtitles
The Kino, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Barracks, Palace Electric Cinema, Palace Raine Square
