In the Spotlight as a Filming Location for the Movie Kokuho: Exploring the Charm of Toyooka City’s Eirakukan
The film Kokuho (National Treasure) has achieved an exceptionally long and successful run, reportedly leading to a continuous stream of repeat viewers. I myself have seen it twice, and after each viewing, I feel an addictive urge to watch it again. The scenes where the lead actors, Yoshizawa Ryo (吉沢亮) and Yokohama Ryusei (横浜流星), perform Kabuki (歌舞伎) in the roles of female characters (onnagata, 女方) were particularly breathtaking. Visiting the locations where these plays-within-the-movie were filmed is now a growing trend. I decided to visit the Izushi Eirakukan Theatre (出石永楽館) in Izushi Town, Toyooka (豊岡) City, Hyogo (兵庫) Prefecture, whose popularity has spread rapidly through word-of-mouth.