5 DRAMAS AND MOVIES

5 Dramas Filmed in the Oki Islands

The Oki Islands are part of Japan's Shimane Prefecture, and located in the Sea of Japan, but Oki's rolling green hills, steep coastal cliffs, and blue ocean waves all call up images of the Shetlands of Scotland.

Oki's unique, natural landscape continues to attract film crews from around the world. Below, we've listed a few famous TV and movie productions filmed here in Okinoshima a.k.a. "The Islands of Oki".

1. Boku ni Aitakatta (Bokuai) (2019)

Director Nishikori Yoshinari once professed his love for the Oki Islands, and this love shows in the film's cinematography and locations. Starring heartthrob TAKAHIRO, from the music phenomenon EXILE, Bokuai focuses on a fisherman with memory loss, and a group of exchange students from mainland Japan. This film generated a new wave of attention for Shima Ryugaku, an actual program where students from Tokyo and other big cities "study abroad" at Oki-Dozen High School.

2. Konodori (2017)

Season two of this popular maternity ward drama opened with "Dr. Stork" visiting his doctor friend in the Oki Islands. What challenges do rural doctors face when helping their patients give birth? Although Oki-Dozen Hospital is one film location you might not visit, rest assured that you will be well-taken care of should you need medical assistance!

3. Kokoro - Le Coeur regulier (2016)

Based on the French book Le Coeur regulier, Kokoro tells the story of a woman who journeys to Japan to investigate her brother's sudden death. Filming locations include Matsue Station (Shimane Prefecture) and the Oki Islands, particularly the scenic spot Matengai Cliff, which becomes a "cliff of death" in the movie. Lovely star Isabelle Carre praised the people and nature of Oki in her interviews, inspiring many new French-speaking fans to come see the Oki Islands for themselves.

4. Watashi wa Kai ni naritai (I'd Rather be a Shell) (2008)

Nakai Masahiro (of SMAP fame) and Nakama Yukie star in this thought-provoking tale of a small-town barber who finds himself caught up in World War II. From its opening scene of Tsutenkyo (Bridge to the Heavens), the Oki Islands's breath-taking backdrops provide a peaceful contrast to the chaos of war. Looking out over the Sea of Japan, you too might long to be reborn as a shellfish, floating peacefully in the clear blue waters.

5. Dan Dan (2008)

This heart-warming NHK TV series was filmed in Western Japan, including Shimane and the Oki Islands. Most memorably, the final scene of this popular musical drama was filmed here in Oki, in front of Sekiheki (Red Cliff). Viewers all over Japan learned of Oki's breathtaking cliffs, and how to say thank you the local way ("dan dan" - click for audio).

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Countless other programs have featured the Oki Islands, however these five are remembered most for their dramatic stories and beautiful cinematography. Think of these classics and enjoy recreating these famous scenes when you Visit Oki!