【true tears】(Toyama Prefecture, Nanto City)
The anime “true tears” broadcast in 2008 is a youth romance work set primarily in the Shiroyama district of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. This work, produced by P.A.WORKS, has captivated many fans by carefully depicting the beautiful landscapes and culture of a real region. This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm of Nanto City, which served as the stage for “true tears,” and highlights of pilgrimage to sacred sites.
“true tears” – A Masterpiece Anime from Toyama
“true tears” is an original television anime produced by P.A.WORKS, an animation production company headquartered in Shiroyama, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. All 13 episodes aired from January to March 2008, and the series received high praise as a school romance work that delicately depicted the romantic entanglements of six men and women at a rural high school.
Characteristics and Appeal of the Work
The greatest characteristic of this work is its faithful recreation of the town streets and landscapes of the real Shiroyama district in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Because the production company P.A.WORKS is headquartered locally, it was able to create a work deeply rooted in the region.
The story unfolds centering on the protagonist Shinichiro Nakagami and three heroines (Hiromi Yuasa, Noe Ishidou, and Aiko Ando), and is a coming-of-age love story. The snow-covered mountains, traditional town streets, and the delicate psychological depictions of the characters have captured viewers’ hearts, and more than 15 years after its broadcast, the work continues to be loved by many fans.
Toyama Prefecture, Nanto City – The Stage of “true tears”
Overview of Nanto City
Nanto City was born in 2004 (Heisei 16) through the merger of eight towns and villages (Shiroyama Town, Taira Village, Kamitaira Village, Toga Village, Inami Town, Inokuchi Village, Fukuno Town, and Fukumitsu Town). Approximately 80% of the area is covered in forest, with rapid-flowing rivers such as the Shogawa and Oyabe rivers, making it a region blessed with abundant nature.
Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Gassho-zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama,” Nanto City retains distinctive culture including traditional crafts and festivals, making it an ideal environment for anime settings.
Shiroyama District – The Main Stage
The Shiroyama district, which served as the main stage for “true tears,” is an area within Nanto City where particularly traditional town streets remain. Known for its Hikiyama Festival, Shiroyama prospered as a silk fabric production center in ancient times, and its historic streetscapes are carefully preserved today.
In the work, the streets of Shiroyama are beautifully depicted alongside the changing seasons, adding depth to the story. The crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes as winter approaches become important elements in forming the work’s worldview.
Complete Guide to Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Zentokuji Temple Area
Zentokuji Temple Gate
The gate of Zentokuji Temple, a symbolic landmark of Shiroyama, appears in important scenes within the work. The impressive gate conveys Edo period architectural styles and is a valuable cultural asset and must-see spot for sacred site pilgrims.
Vicinity of Zentokuji Temple Gate
The landscape of stone-paved paths around the gate and traditional houses reflects the atmosphere of the work. Especially in winter, you can enjoy snowy scenery just as depicted in the anime.
Zentokuji Temple Intersection
An intersection that characters pass through regularly appears in the work. It retains traces of its original appearance and holds emotional significance for fans.
Zentokuji Hall
The hall adjacent to Zentokuji Temple is also depicted in the work. Functioning as a center for the community, it’s a place where one can feel the daily lives of the people of Shiroyama.
Shiroyama Town Streets
The entire Shiroyama district serves as the stage for the work, and simply walking through the streets allows you to immerse yourself in the work’s world. The traditional townhouses, slopes, and the distant mountains are truly the world of “true tears.”
In winter, snow accumulates, allowing you to experience the scenery depicted in the work more faithfully. The streets of Shiroyama, displaying different faces depending on the visit period, offer new discoveries with each visit.
Gobo Slope
Gobo Slope, a characteristic slope in the Shiroyama district, appears in scenes such as characters commuting to school. The view of the Shiroyama townscape seen while climbing the slope evokes iconic scenes from the anime.
Gobo-Shita Bridge
Gobo-Shita Bridge, which spans the river flowing through Shiroyama, is another sacred site pilgrimage spot. The scenery seen from the bridge and the atmosphere around it are carefully recreated in the work.
A Coop Nanto Sefre (Nanto Store)
“A Coop Nanto Sefre,” which served as the model for the supermarket appearing in the work, is a real store supporting local residents’ lives. Appearing as the setting for everyday scenes, it plays a role in realistically depicting the characters’ daily lives.
Fukumitsu Town Streets
In addition to the Shiroyama district, the streetscapes of the Fukumitsu district of Nanto City are also depicted in the work. Fukumitsu has a different atmosphere from Shiroyama, adding diversity to the work.
Other Spots Outside Nanto City
Structures not in Shiroyama also appear in the work. The taiyaki shop where Aiko works, park fountains, shopping malls (Pavore), and others are modeled on real buildings in Takaoka City, Himi City, and other areas of Toyama Prefecture. Fans aiming for complete sacred site pilgrimage can experience the work’s world more deeply by visiting these surrounding cities.
P.A.WORKS – Symbol of a Regional Animation Company
Reasons for Headquarters in Nanto City
P.A.WORKS is an animation production company headquartered in Shiroyama, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. While the anime industry tends to concentrate in Tokyo, P.A.WORKS has been featured in media as a symbol of regional revitalization for producing high-quality works while maintaining operations in a regional location.
Representative Works and Their Relationship with Nanto City
Following “true tears,” P.A.WORKS has continued to produce works set in Toyama Prefecture and Nanto City. Works like “Hanasaku Iroha” and “Sakura Quest,” which leverage the appeal of regions, have become characteristic of the company.
“Koitabi ~ True Tours Nanto ~” – Follow-up Project
Work Overview
“Koitabi ~ True Tours Nanto ~” is an original short animation set in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Members who worked on “true tears” reunited to depict three original love stories alongside the beautiful nature, landscape, and culture of various areas in Nanto City.
Relationship with “true tears”
The main production staff, cast, and artists include members who worked on “true tears,” continuing the work’s worldview while developing new stories. It is highly evaluated by “true tears” fans as a work that allows rediscovery of Nanto City’s charm.
Viewing Methods
“Koitabi ~ True Tours Nanto ~” can be viewed on the official site “Ani-tabi Nanto” operated by Nanto City Tourism Association. Despite being a short work, it is carefully made to leverage the characteristics of various areas in Nanto City and is ideal as preparation before pilgrimage to sacred sites.
15th Anniversary Commemorative Project
Wrapped Bus “World Heritage Bus”
In 2023, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of “true tears,” special wrapping was applied to the “World Heritage Bus” connecting Takaoka Station with the World Heritage Sites, Gokayama, and Shirakawa-go. Narration at bus stops by Ayahi Takagaki, who voiced Noe Ishidou, generated significant buzz among fans.
This wrapped bus can also be used as transportation for sacred site pilgrimage, making the travel itself part of the work experience.
Commemorative Exhibition Event
A commemorative exhibition was held titled “”true tears” 15 Years of True-Hearted History ~ An Anime Work Born and Nurtured in Toyama ~.” The exhibition’s content, reflecting on the work’s journey, held deep meaning for longtime fans.
Access and Practical Guide for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access Methods
By Train
- Get off at JR Johana Line “Shiroyama Station,” accessible to major spots on foot
- Express bus “World Heritage Bus” from Kanazawa Station to Shiroyama direction
- About one hour from Takaoka Station by JR Johana Line
By Car
- About 15 minutes from “Fukumitsu IC” on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway to Shiroyama district
- About 30 minutes from “Tonami IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage
Different Appearances by Season
Nanto City, the setting for the work, displays beauty throughout the four seasons. The winter snowy landscape in particular allows you to feel the work’s atmosphere most intensely. The cool air of April also matches the work’s worldview.
Photography Tips
In sacred site pilgrimages, many fans enjoy taking photos from the same angles as scenes in the anime. Saving anime scenes as screenshots beforehand makes comparison at the site smooth.
Consideration for the Community
Shiroyama is an actual place where people live. Do not forget consideration for residents—avoid trespassing on private property and loud conversations. Sacred site pilgrimage is possible because of residents’ understanding and cooperation.
Utilization of “Ani-tabi Nanto”
The official site “Ani-tabi Nanto” operated by Nanto City Tourism Association provides detailed information about sacred sites including “true tears.”
Site Features
- Search by “Work”: Find sacred sites by individual work
- Search by “Area”: Find spots by region
- Search by Category: Search according to purpose
- Work Introduction: Provides detailed information on each work
When planning a sacred site pilgrimage, using this site allows for efficient route planning.
Culture and Tourism in Nanto City
UNESCO World Heritage Gassho-zukuri Villages of Gokayama
Nanto City is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gassho-zukuri Villages of Gokayama. By visiting together with “true tears” sacred site pilgrimage, you can gain a deeper understanding of Nanto City’s cultural depth.
Shiroyama Hikiyama Festival
Held every May, the Shiroyama Hikiyama Festival is a traditional event with over 300 years of history. The sight of magnificent floats parading through town is impressive, and many fans visit during this period.
Local Cuisine
Nanto City offers abundant local cuisine. Shiroyama’s Japanese sweets, Fukumitsu’s taro dishes, Gokayama’s tofu, and more—you can enjoy the region’s flavors alongside sacred site pilgrimage.
Fan Community and Continuing Sacred Sites
15+ Years of Continuing Sacred Site Pilgrimage
More than 15 years after the 2008 broadcast, “true tears” remains an ongoing sacred site that fans continue to visit. This is realized because of both the work’s high quality and good relationships with the community.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
Fans who visit Nanto City through the work also contribute to the local economy. Through good relationships among P.A.WORKS, Nanto City, and fans, this has become a model case for sustainable anime tourism.
Information Sharing via SNS
Currently, many fans share their sacred site pilgrimage experiences on SNS. Searching hashtags like “#聖地巡礼,” “#アニメイベント,” “#truetears” allows you to find the latest sacred site information and other fans’ pilgrimage records.
Conclusion: The Bond Woven by “true tears” and Nanto City
The relationship between “true tears” and Toyama Prefecture’s Nanto City transcends a simple anime stage and filming location relationship, bound by deep connections. By functioning as a production company rooted in the local community and carefully depicting regional charm, the work has been loved by many fans and continues to create new fans more than 15 years later.
The beautiful nature, traditional streetscapes, and daily lives of people in Nanto City, centered on the Shiroyama district, are important elements that add depth to the story. Real locations such as Zentokuji Temple gate, Gobo Slope, and Shiroyama’s streets, fused with the work’s world, allow fans to have special experiences.
Through related works like “Koitabi ~ True Tours Nanto ~” and ongoing development of 15th anniversary projects, “true tears”‘ world continues to expand. Ongoing initiatives connecting fans and communities, such as the World Heritage Bus wrapping and narration, are continuously implemented.
When planning sacred site pilgrimages, utilize the official “Ani-tabi Nanto” site and build efficient routes using features like searching by work or by area. Nanto City, displaying different charms with the seasons, offers new discoveries regardless of visit period.
With P.A.WORKS headquarters located there and having handled other works like “Sakura Quest” and “Hanasaku Iroha,” Nanto City demonstrates an ideal model of coexistence between anime and regions. By remembering to be considerate of the community and respecting the efforts of production committees and tourism associations, experiencing the work’s world leads to sustainable sacred site pilgrimage.
Toyama Prefecture’s Nanto City, the stage of “true tears,” warmly welcomes all fans of the work. Listening to the masterpiece “Reflectia” while viewing snow-covered mountains and immersing yourself in the work’s world will surely become an unforgettable memory.
