Kikujiro (1999) – Filming Locations
Comedy / Drama · Directed by Takeshi Kitano · Starring Takeshi Kitano, Kayoko Kishimoto
Brash, loudmouthed and opportunistic, Kikujiro is the unlikely companion for Masao who is determined to see the mother he has never met. The two begin a series of adventures which soon turns out to be a whimsical journey of laughter and tears with a wide array of surprises and unique characters along the way.
Where was Kikujiro filmed?
- Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo – Kikujiro and Masao begin their journey through the urban streets of Tokyo. The opening sequences establish the film's setting in contemporary Tokyo, with Kitano capturing the character of urban neighborhoods
- Izu Peninsula, Japan, Izu – Kikujiro and Masao travel through rural and coastal areas of the Izu Peninsula. The picturesque peninsula provides the main setting for the road trip narrative, showcasing Japan's natural beauty and small rural communities
- Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Chiba – Scenes of the pair traveling through rural farmland and small towns searching for Masao's mother. The rural Chiba region contrasts with urban Tokyo and grounds the film's narrative of searching for family connection in everyday Japanese landscapes
- Tateyama, Japan, Tateyama – Scenes involving the seaside and coastal elements of their journey. The coastal town provides scenic backdrop for key moments in the narrative arc of Kikujiro and Masao's relationship