Introduction: “I Can Hear the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture’s Deep Bond
The 1993 Studio Ghibli animated film “I Can Hear the Sea” continues to be loved by many fans as a coming-of-age story set in Kochi Prefecture. Based on a novel written by original author Himuro Saeko, who fell in love with Kochi, this work was meticulously produced by Ghibli staff through extensive location scouting. It has become a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the beauty of Kochi’s streetscapes and Tosa dialect to future generations.
This article thoroughly explains the charm of Kochi Prefecture, the setting for “I Can Hear the Sea,” covering pilgrimage spots, the work’s deep love for Kochi, and the enduring value of a work that remains vibrant even after more than 30 years.
The Setting of “I Can Hear the Sea”: Basic Information About Kochi Prefecture
Overview of the Work and Its Connection to Kochi Prefecture
“I Can Hear the Sea” is based on a novel by Himuro Saeko, set in a Kochi high school, depicting the youth of Tatsuki Morisaki, a local male student, and Rikako Muto, a female transfer student from Tokyo. Produced by Studio Ghibli as a television anime and broadcast in 1993, it was theatrically released nationwide in 2025.
Himuro Saeko had been deeply in love with Kochi for over 30 years, pouring her passionate feelings into the work. The Ghibli production staff also visited Kochi numerous times, carefully researching the town’s atmosphere, people’s lives, and the resonance of the Tosa dialect, reflecting all of this in the film.
Why Kochi Was Chosen as the Setting
Original author Himuro Saeko was captivated by Kochi’s unique culture and the warmth of its people. The open sea facing the Pacific Ocean, historic streetscapes, and above all, the unique rhythm and warmth of the Tosa dialect made it an ideal setting for a coming-of-age novel.
Additionally, Kochi’s considerable distance from Tokyo made it perfect for depicting the reality of a “regional city” and the cultural differences a transfer student would experience. The moderately local atmosphere—neither too urban nor too rural—supports the work’s worldview.
Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide: Major Spots in Kochi City
Obiya-cho Arcade Shopping Street: The Central Stage of the Work
The main setting for “I Can Hear the Sea” was the Obiya-cho arcade shopping street in central Kochi. This shopping street, which appears multiple times in the story, still retains much of its former appearance, and locals can immediately recognize many of the locations depicted.
Obiya-cho is located at the center of Kochi’s commercial district and is cherished by locals as an arcade-covered shopping street. Many scenes from the work are depicted around this area, making it an ideal starting point for sacred site pilgrimages. In actual pilgrimages, what might be planned as a 3-hour tour can be completed in about 1 hour, as spots are concentrated in close proximity.
Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School: The Alma Mater of the Characters
The model for the school attended by Tatsuki Morisaki and Rikako Muto was Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School. Particularly impressive is the school building’s clock tower, which Ghibli staff were reportedly drawn to during their research.
Otsute High School is known as a historic preparatory school in Kochi Prefecture, and its dignified building perfectly matches the atmosphere of the work. An episode remains that original author Himuro Saeko held meetings at this school and decided the main characters’ names there.
Other Important Sacred Sites
Numerous other sacred sites are scattered throughout Kochi City. Stations depicted in the work, seaside scenes, street corners, and landscapes—actual locations throughout Kochi served as references for the anime’s artwork. Since the Ghibli staff’s photographs were used as the basis for the drawings, some locations are actually depicted differently in the anime, which is part of the pilgrimage’s appeal.
Locations outside Kochi City, such as Nakamura Town in Takaoka District, also served as filming locations. Those wishing to experience the work’s world more deeply are encouraged to visit sites throughout the prefecture.
Practical Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide
How to Use Location Maps
Handmade location maps have been created to efficiently enjoy sacred site pilgrimages in Kochi. When the Kochi advance screening began ahead of the 2025 nationwide theatrical release, detailed maps were created by local fans and related parties and used as pilgrimage guides.
These maps show efficient routes by comparing scenes from the work with actual locations. Even first-time visitors to Kochi can visit major spots in 1-2 hours with a map in hand.
Pilgrimage Duration and Route Planning
The duration of a sacred site pilgrimage varies depending on how thoroughly you explore, but about 1 hour suffices for just the major spots centered on Obiya-cho, and 2-3 hours is enough even when taking photos carefully. Since spots are concentrated in a nearby area, walking is the primary means of transportation.
The recommended route starts at Obiya-cho Arcade and heads toward Otsute High School, visiting street corners and buildings that appear in the work in order. The town’s appearance changes with the season and time of day, so many fans visit multiple times.
Access Information to Kochi
Kochi is accessible by airplane, train, and highway bus from major cities. Highway buses and limited express trains operate from Fukuoka and Osaka, allowing you to compare travel times and fares to choose the best option.
If traveling by plane, it takes about 30 minutes by bus from Kochi Ryoma Airport to the city center. By train, JR Kochi Station serves as the gateway, and from there, you can easily access Obiya-cho by streetcar or bus.
The Work’s Charm That Fades Not Even After 30 Years
Why It Doesn’t Feel Outdated: Universal Coming-of-Age Depiction
One reason “I Can Hear the Sea” continues to be loved by many people more than 30 years after production is its universal depiction of youth. Themes such as romance, friendship, anxiety about career paths, and relationships with parents are depicted with care in ways that transcend eras.
The work contains no excessive trendy elements; rather, by steadily yet delicately depicting the daily lives of a regional city like Kochi, it achieves universality transcending time. When modern high school students watch it, they receive it not as “nostalgic” but as “the youth that remains unchanged.”
The Significance of Kochi’s Unchanging Streetscape
Many who watch the work are surprised by the fact that “Kochi has barely changed.” Even after 30 years have passed, many locations—the Obiya-cho Arcade, the Otsute High School clock tower, street-corner views—retain their original appearance.
This is not mere coincidence but rather reflects the unique flow of time in Kochi. Rather than rapid development and change, the region’s character of valuing tradition and everyday life has consequently preserved the work’s sacred sites over time. This “unchangingness” becomes the factor that gives deep emotion to those who visit for pilgrimages.
The Charm and Realism of the Tosa Dialect
The Beauty of the Tosa Dialect That Even Locals Appreciate
One of the major charms of “I Can Hear the Sea” is its beautiful depiction of the Tosa dialect. Original author Himuro Saeko held deep affection for Kochi’s language, and the dialogue of the characters features natural and warm Tosa dialect.
In anime production, Ghibli staff were meticulous about accurate expression of the Tosa dialect. Voice acting direction received local cooperation, with careful adjustment of intonation, rhythm, and word choice. As a result, the Tosa dialect that sounds real and beautiful resounds throughout the work, with no sense of discomfort even to Kochi residents’ ears.
The Depth the Dialect Adds to the Story
The use of the Tosa dialect carries meaning beyond mere regional flavor. Through the dialect, the cultural distance between Rikako, who transferred from Tokyo, and local students—the linguistic barrier through which emotional connection is depicted—adds depth to the narrative.
Subtle nuances and emotions that cannot be expressed in standard Japanese are depicted delicately through the Tosa dialect. This is evidence that Kochi is treated not as mere background but as an important structural element of the story.
Present-Day Kochi and “I Can Hear the Sea”
Comparison with Today’s Kochi High School Students
Comparing the high school life depicted in the work from the early 1990s with that of today’s Kochi high school students reveals interesting commonalities and differences. Changes due to technological advances like smartphones and SNS certainly exist, but worries about friendships, romantic turmoil, and anxiety about career paths remain unchanged aspects of youth.
The regional character of Kochi too has not dramatically changed. The natural environment surrounded by sea and mountains, the warmth of community, and the culture of speaking the Tosa dialect remain intact. Today’s Kochi high school students, like the work’s characters, are experiencing youth in this land.
How Locals Receive the Work
For Kochi residents, “I Can Hear the Sea” is a special work. The 2025 nationwide theatrical release held a Kochi advance screening, receiving high praise from prefecture residents. Gratitude toward Himuro Saeko and Ghibli for loving their town over 30 years ago, and pride in the unchanged streetscape, are reflected in viewers’ impressions.
Locals receive the work not simply as “nostalgic” but as “the continuation of Kochi’s everyday life.” Efforts to warmly welcome pilgrimage fans and promote Kochi’s charm nationwide through the work are actively underway.
Himuro Saeko’s Love for Kochi
The Writer’s Deep Relationship with Kochi
Original author Himuro Saeko fell deeply in love with Kochi in writing “I Can Hear the Sea.” She visited Kochi many times, walked its streets, interacted with people, and listened carefully to the Tosa dialect while spinning out this story.
Himuro Saeko’s love for Kochi appears throughout the work. The detailed landscape descriptions, natural character dialogue, and the expression of Kochi’s unique atmosphere all reveal affection beyond mere setting. For her, Kochi was not the story’s background but the story itself.
The Feelings for Kochi Embedded in the Work
“I Can Hear the Sea” depicts not only Kochi’s beauty but also challenges regional cities face and the conflict between young people’s admiration for Tokyo and affection for their hometown. These elements could only be depicted because Himuro Saeko understood and loved Kochi deeply and authentically.
Through the work, Himuro Saeko conveyed Kochi’s charm nationwide while depicting the authentic appearance of young people living in the regions. This sincere approach is one reason the work continues to be beloved more than 30 years later.
Studio Ghibli’s Meticulous Location Research
The Production Staff’s Engagement with Kochi
Studio Ghibli’s production staff visited Kochi many times during production of “I Can Hear the Sea.” They carefully observed the town’s scenery, building details, people’s expressions, and even the quality of light, documenting these through photographs and repeated sketches.
Particularly the clock tower of Otsute High School was an element strongly drawing the staff’s attention, becoming a symbolic motif in the work. The atmosphere of Obiya-cho Arcade, seaside scenery, and streetscapes with running streetcars—Kochi’s everyday life is meticulously woven into the work.
Kochi’s Details Reflected in the Artwork
Ghibli’s artwork references numerous photographs taken in Kochi. Rather than simply reproducing actual locations faithfully, a creative approach was also taken in combining elements from multiple locations to create ideal scenes.
As a result, imagery was born that maintains “Kochi-ness” while combining the beauty and narrative qualities of animation. Locals feel “such a place certainly exists,” while first-time viewers think “I want to visit such a town,” achieving exquisite balance.
Efforts to Leverage “I Can Hear the Sea” in Kochi
Relationship Between Regional Promotion and the Work
With the 2025 nationwide theatrical release, Kochi Prefecture has actively pursued efforts to leverage “I Can Hear the Sea” for regional promotion. Despite the short one-month screening period, there was significant resonance from prefecture residents, and movements have emerged to prevent this momentum from being fleeting and to continuously promote Kochi’s charm.
Multi-faceted approaches are under consideration, including promoting sacred site pilgrimages as tourism resources, transmitting Kochi’s culture through the work, and educational utilization to foster pride in the hometown among younger generations.
Talk Events and Fan Interaction
Kochi has hosted events related to the work. Local fans, pilgrims visiting from outside the prefecture, and those involved in the work’s production gather to speak about their feelings toward “I Can Hear the Sea.”
Through such events, the work is recognized as functioning as “living culture” rather than a mere past anime—continuously connecting people and promoting Kochi’s charm in the present.
Points for Viewing the Work
Advice for First-Time Viewers
For those watching “I Can Hear the Sea” for the first time, I recommend enjoying the story itself with no prior knowledge. Among Ghibli works, it may have a relatively modest impression, but precisely for that reason, the subtle nuances of the characters’ emotions and small changes in daily life are depicted delicately.
After viewing, visiting Kochi deepens understanding of the work. Conversely, watching the work after visiting Kochi allows you to experience the joy of discovery, “There’s that place!” Either order provides a richer viewing experience by experiencing both the work and the land.
New Discoveries Through Multiple Viewings
“I Can Hear the Sea” is a work with new discoveries upon repeated viewing. The first viewing tends to focus on plot progression, but from the second viewing onward, you notice deeper elements: changes in characters’ expressions, Kochi scenery depicted in backgrounds, fine nuances of the Tosa dialect.
Particularly, the changes in protagonist Tatsuki’s emotions and the loneliness Rikako carries are subtle emotional expressions scattered throughout the work that cannot be fully understood in one viewing. The fact that there are new discoveries no matter how many times you watch—that is this work’s charm.
Ways to Enjoy Visiting Kochi
Tourist Plans Combining the Work
Visiting Kochi is enriched by combining sacred site pilgrimages with sightseeing unique to Kochi. It’s recommended to also visit representative Kochi attractions like Katsurahama, Kochi Castle, and the Sunday Market while touring the work’s settings.
Particularly since “I Can Hear the Sea” features impressive seaside scenes, actually visiting Kochi’s Pacific-facing coast deepens understanding of the work. You can re-experience the emotions the characters felt while sensing the sea breeze.
Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences
The pleasure of visiting Kochi extends beyond sacred site pilgrimages. Enjoy Kochi specialties like bonito tataki and sara-jushi dishes. By tasting the local flavors that the characters in the work surely ate, you can touch Kochi’s culture more deeply.
Also, by experiencing traditional events like the Yosakoi Festival and traditional crafts like Tosa washi paper, you can feel the cultural richness underlying the work’s background.
Conclusion: The Future of “I Can Hear the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture
“I Can Hear the Sea” will continue to hold value as a cultural asset of Kochi Prefecture beyond being a mere animation work. The deep love for Kochi of original author Himuro Saeko, Studio Ghibli’s meticulous production approach, and Kochi’s streetscape remaining unchanged for over 30 years combine to create a work loved across generations.
Through sacred site pilgrimages, people visiting Kochi don’t merely tour the work’s settings—they touch the charm of Kochi itself. The warmth of the Tosa dialect, nature surrounded by sea and mountains, and people’s kindness—all these continue to be transmitted nationwide and worldwide through “I Can Hear the Sea.”
For Kochi residents, this work is a treasure that allows them to reconfirm pride in their homeland. And for the work’s fans, Kochi remains a “sacred site to visit someday.” The bond between “I Can Hear the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture will surely continue resonating in many hearts going forward.
If you haven’t seen the work, please watch it once. And if you have the opportunity, visit Kochi in person. The landscape you saw on screen appearing before you, the Tosa dialect you heard in the work reaching your ears—that experience will surely become an unforgettable memory.
