Journeys in photographs and words.
Film stills on the display shelf
Film stills on the display shelf

The 46th film in the Tora-san series, released in December 1993, directed by Yoji Yamada, with Keiko Matsuzaka as the leading lady. Yoko, who ran a restaurant in Kobe, has fallen ill and is recuperating on Kotojima, where her father lives. Tora-san comes to the island to bring back his runaway nephew Mitsuo, and grows close to Yoko. The fictional Kotojima was filmed on Shishijima and nearby Takamijima.

Sources: cinemaclassics.jp ja.wikipedia.org

This moment in the journey

A rest stop on the island Tora-san visited

Near the port, an old merchant's house now serves as the island's rest stop. Notes on the window read "Rest here" and "Cold drinks available." Inside, a framed old group photograph leaned against a folded futon. This island was a location for the 46th Tora-san film, Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Torajiro no Endan, and Tora-san himself once came here.

In the film, Tora-san leaves his bag on a bench. "There are no thieves on this island," the policeman tells him.

On the table were snacks and cup noodles, a sign saying "any item 100 yen" and a box for the money. On the shelf, bottles of Oronamin C, canned coffee and green tea. I dropped my coins into the payment jar and took a bottle. A red Yomeishu curtain, an electric fan, and film stills on the display shelf. I'd be walking the mountain trails, so a little energy drink first.

Watch this scene on YouTube3:12

Read this scene in the full journey

The "Rest here" notice seen through the window, dishes on the shelf
The "Rest here" notice seen through the window, dishes on the shelf
A framed old group photograph propped on a futon
A framed old group photograph propped on a futon
Snacks and drinks on the table with a "100 yen each" sign
Snacks and drinks on the table with a "100 yen each" sign
Oronamin C, canned coffee and green tea on the shelf
Oronamin C, canned coffee and green tea on the shelf
A bottle of Oronamin C and the jar for payment
A bottle of Oronamin C and the jar for payment
A red Yomeishu curtain and an electric fan
A red Yomeishu curtain and an electric fan
Seen through the window, holding a drink
Seen through the window, holding a drink