【The Sound of the Sea】(Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture)
Introduction: “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture’s Deep Bond
“The Sound of the Sea,” a Studio Ghibli animation that aired on television in 1993, continues to be loved by many fans as a coming-of-age story set in Kochi Prefecture. Based on a novel written by author Himuro Saiko, who fell in love with Kochi, and produced by Ghibli staff after conducting meticulous location scouting, this work has become a precious cultural heritage that passes down to future generations the beauty of Kochi’s streetscapes and the Tosa dialect.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the charm of Kochi Prefecture, the setting of “The Sound of the Sea,” covering everything from pilgrimage spots, the love of Kochi embedded in the work, to the value of a work that remains unfaded even more than 30 years later.
The Stage of “The Sound of the Sea”: Basic Information About Kochi Prefecture
Work Overview and Kochi Prefecture’s Connection
“The Sound of the Sea” is based on a novel by Himuro Saiko, and depicts the youth of Tomorisaki Taku, a local male high school student, and Mutou Rikako, a female high school student who transferred from Tokyo, set in a high school in Kochi Prefecture. Produced as a television anime by Studio Ghibli and aired in 1993, it will also be shown nationwide in 2025.
Himuro Saiko has loved Kochi deeply for more than 30 years, pouring her passionate feelings into the work. The Ghibli production staff also visited Kochi multiple times, carefully researching the air of the city, people’s lives, and even the resonance of the Tosa dialect, reflecting these in the work.
Why Kochi Was Chosen as the Setting
Original author Himuro Saiko was fascinated 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 is at a certain distance from Tokyo, making it optimal for depicting “regional city” realism and the cultural differences felt by a transfer student. The moderate regional city atmosphere—neither too urban nor too rural—supports the world view of the work.
Complete Holy Ground Pilgrimage Guide: Major Spots in Kochi City
Obiya-machi Arcade Street: The Central Stage of the Work
The primary setting of “The Sound of the Sea” is the Obiya-machi arcade street in downtown Kochi City. This shopping street, which appears numerous times in the work, retains much of its appearance from that time, and locals can immediately recognize many of the places depicted.
Obiya-machi is located at the center of Kochi City’s entertainment district and is loved by local people as an arcade-covered shopping street. Many scenes from the work are depicted in this area, making it an ideal starting point for pilgrimage. In actual pilgrimages, what one might plan to take three hours to complete can be visited in approximately one hour due to spots being concentrated in close proximity.
Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School: The School Where the Characters Study
Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School is the model for the school attended by Tomorisaki Taku and Mutou Rikako. Particularly impressive is the school building’s clock tower, which Ghibli staff reportedly became attracted to and began location scouting because of it.
Otsute High School is known as a historic preparatory school within Kochi Prefecture, and its dignified building perfectly matches the atmosphere of the work. An episode remains that original author Himuro Saiko also held meetings at this school and decided the names of the protagonists there.
Other Important Holy Ground Spots
Many other holy ground sites are scattered throughout Kochi City. Various locations in Kochi, such as stations appearing in the work, seaside scenes, and street corner views, were used as references for Ghibli’s illustrations. Because the drawings were based on photographs taken by Ghibli staff, some locations are actually depicted as different places, which is also part of the fun of holy ground pilgrimage.
There are locations that served as filming sites outside of Kochi City as well, such as Nakatosa Town in Takaoka District, and for those wanting to experience the world of the work more deeply, visiting various places throughout the prefecture is recommended.
Practical Holy Ground Pilgrimage Guide
How to Use Location Maps
To efficiently enjoy holy ground pilgrimage in Kochi, homemade location maps have been created. When the Kochi advance screening began ahead of the nationwide release in 2025, detailed maps were created by local fans and related parties and used as guides for pilgrimage.
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 approximately 1-2 hours with a map in hand.
Pilgrimage Duration and Route Design
The time required for holy ground pilgrimage varies depending on how thoroughly one wishes to explore, but for just the major spots centered on Obiya-machi, approximately one hour suffices, and even carefully photographing while touring takes only 2-3 hours. Since spots are concentrated in a nearby area, walking is the basic mode of transportation.
The recommended route starts at Obiya-machi Arcade and heads toward Otsute High School, visiting the street corners and buildings appearing in the work in order. The city’s appearance changes with seasons and times of day, so many fans visit multiple times.
Access Information to Kochi
Kochi can be accessed by airplane, train, or highway bus from major cities. Highway buses and express trains run from Fukuoka and Osaka, and you can compare travel times and fares to choose the optimal method.
If using an airplane, it takes approximately 30 minutes from Kochi Ryoma Airport to downtown by bus. By train, JR Kochi Station is the gateway, and from there, the Obiya-machi area is easily accessible by streetcar or bus.
The Work’s Charm That Doesn’t Fade Even After 30 Years
Why It Doesn’t Become Outdated: Universal Coming-of-Age Depiction
One reason “The Sound of the Sea” continues to be loved by many people more than 30 years after its production is its universal depiction of coming-of-age. Themes like romance, friendship, worries about the future, and relationships with parents are depicted carefully and resonate across time periods.
The work contains no excessive trendy elements; rather, by depicting the daily lives of a regional city with restraint, yet sensitivity, it achieves universality transcending eras. When viewed by modern high school students, rather than feeling “nostalgic,” they perceive it as “the unchanged form of youth today.”
The Meaning of Kochi’s Unchanged Streetscapes
Many who viewed the work are surprised by the fact that “Kochi has hardly changed.” Despite 30 years having passed, many places—the Obiya-machi Arcade, the clock tower at Otsute High School, and street corner views—retain much of their former appearance.
This is not mere coincidence but reflects the unique way time flows in Kochi. Rather than rapid development-induced change, the region’s emphasis on tradition and daily life has, as a result, continued to preserve the pilgrimage sites of the work. This “unchangingness” becomes the factor giving deep emotion to those visiting pilgrimage sites.
The Charm of the Tosa Dialect and Its Authenticity
The Beauty of the Tosa Dialect That Even Locals Admire
One major charm of “The Sound of the Sea” is its beautiful depiction of the Tosa dialect. Original author Himuro Saiko held deep affection for Kochi’s language, and the conversations of characters employ natural and warm Tosa dialect.
In anime production, Ghibli staff were particular about accurate expression of the Tosa dialect. Voice acting instruction was given with local cooperation, with fine adjustments made to intonation, rhythm, and word choice. As a result, Kochi residents hearing it find no discomfort, and real, beautiful Tosa dialect resonates throughout the work.
The Depth Dialect Brings to the Story
The use of the Tosa dialect carries meaning beyond regional flavor depiction. The cultural distance between Rikako, who transferred from Tokyo, and local students, the emotional exchange depicted through a language barrier—the dialect adds depth to the narrative.
Subtle nuances and emotions that cannot be expressed in standard Japanese are delicately depicted through the Tosa dialect. This is evidence that Kochi is being treated not as mere background but as an important narrative component.
Present-Day Kochi and “The Sound of the Sea”
Comparison with Current Kochi High School Students
Comparing the high school life depicted in the work in the early 1990s with the lives of present-day Kochi high school students reveals interesting commonalities and differences. While technological advances like smartphones and SNS have certainly brought changes, the worries of friendships, the pangs of romance, and anxiety about the future—emotions unique to adolescence—remain unchanged.
The regional character of Kochi has not significantly changed either. The natural environment surrounded by sea and mountains, the warmth of community, and the culture of speaking the Tosa dialect remain intact. Present-day Kochi high school students, like the work’s characters, enjoy their youth in this land.
How the Work Is Received Locally
For Kochi residents, “The Sound of the Sea” is a special work. The 2025 nationwide release included an advance screening in Kochi, which received great acclaim from prefectural residents. Gratitude toward Himuro Saiko and Ghibli, who loved their city more than 30 years ago, and pride in unchanging streetscapes are evident in viewing impressions.
Local people perceive the work not merely as “nostalgic” but as “the continuing daily life of Kochi today.” There are active efforts to warmly welcome pilgrimage fans and promote Kochi’s charm nationwide through the work.
Himuro Saiko’s Love for Kochi
The Deep Relationship Between the Author and Kochi
In writing “The Sound of the Sea,” original author Himuro Saiko fell deeply in love with Kochi. She visited Kochi repeatedly, walked the streets, interacted with people, listened carefully to the Tosa dialect, and wove this story.
Himuro Saiko’s love for Kochi appears throughout the work. The delicate landscape descriptions, the naturalness of characters’ conversations, and the expression of Kochi’s unique atmosphere—all reflect affection transcending mere setting. For her, Kochi was not the background to the story but the story itself.
The Thoughts About Kochi Embedded in the Work
“The Sound of the Sea” depicts not only the beauty of Kochi but also issues regional cities face and young people’s conflict between longing for Tokyo and affection for their hometown. These elements could only be depicted because Himuro Saiko understood and loved Kochi deeply, not superficially.
Through the work, Himuro Saiko communicated Kochi’s charm nationwide while depicting the authentic figure of young people living in the regions. This sincere attitude is one reason the work continues to be loved more than 30 years later.
Studio Ghibli’s Meticulous Location Scouting
Production Staff’s Approach to Kochi
Studio Ghibli’s production staff visited Kochi repeatedly for “The Sound of the Sea” production. They observed the city’s scenery, architectural details, people’s expressions, and even the quality of light carefully, capturing them in photographs and making sketches repeatedly.
The clock tower at Otsute High School is one element that particularly attracted staff and became a symbolic motif in the work. The atmosphere of Obiya-machi Arcade, seaside views, and streetscapes with streetcars running—all of Kochi’s daily life was carefully woven into the work.
Details of Kochi Reflected in the Illustrations
Ghibli’s illustrations draw on many photographs taken in Kochi as reference. Beyond faithfully reproducing actual locations, creative approaches were also taken, such as combining elements from multiple locations to create ideal scenes.
As a result, images that maintain “Kochi-ness” while possessing beauty and narrativity as an animation work were created. Kochi residents viewing it feel “such places actually exist,” while first-time visitors think “I want to visit such a place”—a delicate balance is realized.
Initiatives to Utilize “The Sound of the Sea” in Kochi
The Relationship Between Regional Revitalization and the Work
With the 2025 nationwide release as an opportunity, Kochi Prefecture has actively pursued initiatives to utilize “The Sound of the Sea” for regional revitalization. Despite a short one-month screening period, the work generated significant response from residents, and efforts have emerged to prevent this momentum from being temporary and continue promoting Kochi’s charm.
Various approaches are being considered, including promoting tourism-focused pilgrimage, communicating Kochi’s culture through the work, and utilizing the work in educational contexts to help younger generations develop pride in their hometown.
Talk Events and Fan Interactions
Talk events related to the work have been held in Kochi. Local fans, holy ground pilgrims from outside the prefecture, and those involved in the work’s production gather to share their thoughts about “The Sound of the Sea.”
Through such events, it is realized that the work functions as “living culture” that continues to connect people, promote Kochi’s charm, and is not merely a past anime.
Points for Viewing the Work
Advice for First-Time Viewers
For those viewing “The Sound of the Sea” for the first time, enjoying the story itself without any prior knowledge is recommended. Among Ghibli works, it may have a relatively subdued impression, but precisely because of this, the subtle nuances of characters’ emotions and small changes within daily life are delicately depicted.
After viewing, visiting Kochi deepens understanding of the work. Conversely, viewing the work after visiting Kochi allows one to experience the joy of discovery—”That’s that place!” Either order allows for a richer viewing experience by experiencing both the work and the land.
Multiple Viewings Reveal New Elements
“The Sound of the Sea” is a work where multiple viewings reveal new discoveries. First viewings tend to focus on narrative development, but from the second viewing onward, one can notice deeper aspects: changes in characters’ expressions, the Kochi scenery depicted in backgrounds, subtle nuances of Tosa dialect, and more.
In particular, subtle emotional expressions—such as protagonist Taku’s changing emotions or Rikako’s loneliness—are scattered throughout the work and cannot be fully understood in a single viewing. That it remains new upon each viewing is this work’s charm.
Ways to Enjoy Visiting Kochi
Tourism Plans Combined with the Work
Visiting Kochi becomes a more fulfilling trip when combining pilgrimage with Kochi’s unique tourism. Visiting representative Kochi tourist spots such as Katsurahama Beach, Kochi Castle, and the Sunday Market while touring the work’s settings is recommended.
Particularly, with “The Sound of the Sea” featuring impressive seaside scenes, visiting the Pacific-facing sea of Kochi deepens work understanding. Feeling the sea breeze and re-experiencing the emotions felt by the characters is possible.
Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences
The pleasures of a Kochi visit extend beyond pilgrimage. Savor Kochi specialties like bonito tataki and sara-jushi cuisine. By enjoying local flavors that the work’s characters likely ate, one experiences Kochi’s culture more deeply.
By also encountering traditional events like the Yosakoi Festival and traditional crafts like Tosa washi paper, one can truly appreciate the cultural richness underlying the work’s background.
Conclusion: “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture’s Future
“The Sound of the Sea” will continue to hold value beyond a mere animation work as Kochi Prefecture’s cultural asset. The original author Himuro Saiko’s deep love for Kochi, Studio Ghibli’s meticulous production approach, and Kochi’s unchanging streetscapes even after more than 30 years combine to create a work beloved across time.
Through pilgrimage visiting Kochi, people encounter not only the work’s settings but the charm of the land itself. The warmth of the Tosa dialect, nature surrounded by sea and mountains, and the kindness of people—all continue to be communicated nationwide and worldwide through “The Sound of the Sea.”
For Kochi residents, this work is a treasure that allows them to reaffirm pride in their homeland. For work fans, Kochi remains a “holy ground to visit someday.” The bond between “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture will surely continue resonating in many hearts.
For those who have not yet viewed the work, please try watching it once. If opportunity allows, try actually visiting Kochi. The experience of seeing landscapes glimpsed on screen spread before your eyes and hearing the Tosa dialect you heard in the work reaching your ears will surely become an unforgettable memory.
