“The Sound of the Sea” Kochi Prefecture Complete Guide: Thorough Explanation from Sacred Site Pilgrimage to the Charm of Tosa Dialect
Introduction: The Deep Bond Between “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture
The Studio Ghibli animated film “The Sound of the Sea” (Umi ga Kikoeru), broadcast 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 original author Atsuko Himuro, who fell in love with Kochi, this work was meticulously produced by Ghibli staff after conducting thorough location scouting. It has become a precious cultural heritage that conveys to future generations the beauty of Kochi’s streetscapes and the Tosa dialect.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the charm of Kochi Prefecture, the stage of “The Sound of the Sea,” covering sacred site pilgrimage spots, the love for Kochi embedded in the work, and the value of a work that has not faded even after more than 30 years, until now.
The Setting of “The Sound of the Sea”: Basic Information about Kochi Prefecture
Work Overview and Connection to Kochi Prefecture
“The Sound of the Sea” is based on a novel by Atsuko Himuro, set in a high school in Kochi Prefecture, depicting the youth of Takao Morisaki, a local male high school student, and Rikako Muto, a female high school student who transferred from Tokyo. Produced as a television anime by Studio Ghibli, it was broadcast in 1993, and in 2025, a nationwide theatrical release was realized.
Atsuko Himuro had 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 atmosphere of the city, the lives of its people, and even the resonance of the Tosa dialect, reflecting them in the work.
Why Kochi Was Chosen as the Setting
Original author Atsuko Himuro 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 ideal as a setting for a coming-of-age novel.
Additionally, Kochi has a certain distance from Tokyo, making it an optimal location for depicting the reality of a “regional city” and the cultural differences felt by a transfer student. The moderately regional atmosphere—not too urban, yet not too rural—supports the world of the work.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide: Major Spots in Kochi City
Obiyamachi Arcade: The Central Stage of the Work
The main setting for “The Sound of the Sea” is the Obiyamachi Arcade in the center of Kochi City. This shopping street, which appears multiple times in the work, retains much of its appearance from that time, and locals will immediately recognize many of the locations in the film.
Obiyamachi is located in the center of Kochi City’s entertainment district and is beloved by locals as an arcaded shopping street. Many of the scenes appearing in the work are depicted in this area, making it an ideal starting point for sacred site pilgrimage. In actual pilgrimages, what you might plan to spend 3 hours on can be visited in about 1 hour for the major spots, since they are concentrated in a close range.
Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School: The Alma Mater of the Characters
The school attended by Takao Morisaki and Rikako Muto served as the model for Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otsute High School. Particularly striking is the clock tower of the school building, and it is said that Ghibli staff were drawn to this clock tower and began their research there.
Otsute High School is known within Kochi Prefecture as a historic college preparatory school, and its dignified buildings perfectly match the atmosphere of the work. There is a remaining anecdote that original author Atsuko Himuro held meetings at this school and determined the names of the protagonists.
Other Important Sacred Sites
Many other sacred sites are scattered throughout Kochi City. Various locations in Kochi were referenced in the animation, including stations appearing in the work, scenes of the seaside, and street corner views. Since Ghibli staff’s photographs served as references for the artwork, some places are actually depicted as slightly different locations, but that too is part of the joy of sacred site pilgrimage.
Places in areas outside Kochi City, such as Kaminaka, Takaoka District, also served as location scouting sites, and for those wishing to experience the world of the work more deeply, visiting various locations throughout the prefecture is recommended.
Practical Guide to Sacred Site Pilgrimage
How to Utilize Location Maps
To efficiently enjoy sacred site pilgrimage in Kochi, hand-made location maps have been created. When the Kochi advance screening began prior to the nationwide theatrical release in 2025, detailed maps were created by local fans and related parties and utilized as guides for sacred site pilgrimage.
These maps show locations in the work compared with actual places, indicating efficient routes to visit. Even for those visiting Kochi for the first time, using a map allows you to visit major spots in about 1 to 2 hours.
Time Required for Pilgrimage and Route Planning
The time required for sacred site pilgrimage varies depending on how thoroughly you visit, but for just the major spots centered on Obiyamachi, about 1 hour suffices, and even with careful photo-taking, 2 to 3 hours is enough. Since the spots are clustered in a nearby range, walking is the basic mode of transportation.
A recommended route starts at Obiyamachi Arcade and heads toward Otsute High School from there, visiting street corners and buildings appearing in the work in order. The appearance of the city changes with the season and time of day, so it is not uncommon for fans to visit multiple times.
Access Information to Kochi
Kochi can be accessed by airplane, train, or highway bus from major cities. Highway buses and limited express trains operate from Fukuoka and Osaka, and you can compare travel time and fares to choose the best method.
If traveling by air, it takes about 30 minutes by bus from Kochi Ryoma Airport to the city center. When using trains, JR Kochi Station is the gateway, from which you can easily access Obiyamachi via streetcar or bus.
The Charm of a Work That Doesn’t Fade Even After 30 Years
Why It Doesn’t Look Dated: Universal Depiction of Youth
One reason “The Sound of the Sea” continues to be loved by many people more than 30 years after its creation is its universal depiction of youth. Themes such as romance, friendship, worries about the future, and relationships with parents are carefully portrayed in ways that transcend time periods.
The work does not incorporate excessive trendy elements; rather, by depicting the daily lives of a regional city like Kochi in a matter-of-fact yet delicate manner, it has gained universality that transcends time periods. Even when viewed by modern high school students, rather than feeling “nostalgic,” they perceive it as “the unchanging form of youth today.”
The Meaning of Kochi’s Unchanged Streetscapes
Many people who watch the work are surprised by the fact that “Kochi has barely changed.” Despite the passage of 30 years, many places retain their appearance from that time—the Obiyamachi Arcade, the clock tower of Otsute High School, street corner views, and more.
This is no mere coincidence but rather reflects the unique flow of time that characterizes Kochi as a city. Rather than rapid change due to development, the regional character of valuing tradition and daily life has, as a result, continued to protect the sacred sites of the work. This “unchanging quality” becomes a factor that gives deep emotion to those visiting sacred pilgrimage sites.
The Charm and Authenticity of the Tosa Dialect
The Beautiful Tosa Dialect That Even Locals Appreciate
One of the great charms of “The Sound of the Sea” is its beautiful portrayal of the Tosa dialect. Original author Atsuko Himuro held deep affection for Kochi’s language, and the conversations of the characters are rendered in natural, warm Tosa dialect.
In anime production as well, Ghibli staff were particular about accurate expressions of the Tosa dialect. With the cooperation of locals, voice acting coaching involved careful adjustment of intonation, rhythm, and word choice. As a result, the Tosa dialect that resonates throughout the work is real and beautiful, free of discomfort even when heard by Kochi Prefecture residents.
The Depth Dialects Bring to Stories
The use of the Tosa dialect holds significance beyond mere regional flavor in the portrayal. Through the language, the cultural distance between Rikako, who transferred from Tokyo, and local students—the language barrier—and the exchange of hearts transcending that barrier are depicted. Dialects add depth to the narrative.
Subtle nuances and emotions that cannot be expressed in standard Japanese are portrayed delicately through the Tosa dialect. This is proof that Kochi as a place is treated not merely as a background but as an important narrative element.
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 current Kochi high school students reveals interesting similarities and differences. There are certainly changes due to technological progress such as smartphones and social media, but the emotions unique to adolescence—worries about friendships, romantic conflicts, anxiety about the future—remain unchanged.
The regional character of Kochi has also not changed significantly. The natural environment surrounded by sea and mountains, the warmth of community bonds, and the culture of speaking the Tosa dialect all remain. Today’s high school students in Kochi, like the characters in the work, enjoy their youth in this land.
How Locals Receive the Work
For Kochi Prefecture residents, “The Sound of the Sea” is a special work. With the 2025 nationwide theatrical release, Kochi’s advance screening was held, receiving great acclaim from prefectural residents. Gratitude for those like author Atsuko Himuro and Ghibli who loved their town more than 30 years ago, along with pride in the city’s unchanging streetscapes, are reflected in post-viewing impressions.
Local residents do not merely find the work “nostalgic” but rather receive it as “the ongoing daily life of Kochi today.” Active efforts are underway to warmly welcome pilgrims visiting sacred sites and disseminate the charm of Kochi nationwide through the work.
Atsuko Himuro’s Love for Kochi
The Deep Relationship Between the Author and Kochi
Original author Atsuko Himuro fell deeply in love with Kochi while writing “The Sound of the Sea.” She visited Kochi multiple times, walked the streets, exchanged with people, listened to the Tosa dialect, and wove this story together.
Atsuko Himuro’s love for Kochi appears throughout the work. The fineness of landscape descriptions, the naturalness of character dialogue, and the expression of the unique atmosphere that the land of Kochi possesses—all reveal a deep affection that transcends mere setting. For her, Kochi was not merely a backdrop to the story but the story itself.
The Feelings Toward Kochi Embedded in the Work
“The Sound of the Sea” depicts not only the beauty of Kochi but also the challenges faced by regional cities and the conflict between young people’s admiration for Tokyo and their attachment to their hometown. These elements could only be portrayed because Atsuko Himuro understood and loved Kochi deeply, not superficially.
Through the work, Atsuko Himuro conveyed the charm of Kochi nationwide while portraying the authentic appearance of young people living in regional areas. This sincere approach is one reason the work continues to be loved more than 30 years later.
Studio Ghibli’s Meticulous Location Scouting
The Production Staff’s Commitment to Kochi
The Studio Ghibli production staff visited Kochi multiple times while producing “The Sound of the Sea.” They carefully observed the cityscape, architectural details, people’s expressions, and even the quality of light, photographing, sketching, and refining their observations repeatedly.
In particular, the clock tower of Otsute High School was one of the elements that strongly attracted staff and became a symbolic motif in the work. The atmosphere of Obiyamachi Arcade, seaside views, the streetscape with streetcars running—all of Kochi’s daily life was carefully woven into the work.
The Fine Details of Kochi Reflected in the Artwork
Many photographs taken in Kochi were referenced for Ghibli’s artwork. While faithful reproduction of actual locations was pursued, a creative approach was also taken, such as combining elements from multiple locations to create ideal scenes.
As a result, images were created that maintained “Kochi-ness” while possessing both the beauty of animation and narrative depth. For locals, viewing evokes the feeling “there certainly are places like this,” and for first-time visitors, it inspires “I want to visit this kind of city.” An exquisite balance has been achieved.
Efforts to Leverage “The Sound of the Sea” in Kochi
The Relationship Between Regional Revitalization and the Work
With the nationwide theatrical release in 2025, Kochi Prefecture has actively engaged in efforts to leverage “The Sound of the Sea” for regional revitalization. Despite the brief one-month theatrical run, the work received a large response from prefectural residents, and momentum has emerged to prevent this phenomenon from being temporary and to continue disseminating the charm of Kochi.
Various approaches are being considered, including the promotion of sacred site pilgrimage as a tourism resource, the dissemination of Kochi’s culture through the work, and educational applications 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, sacred site pilgrims from outside the prefecture, and people involved in the production of the work gather to share their feelings about “The Sound of the Sea.”
Through such events, it is realized that the work functions not merely as a past anime but as “living culture” that continues to connect people and disseminate the charm of Kochi.
Points to Note When Watching the Work
Advice for First-Time Viewers
For those watching “The Sound of the Sea” for the first time, it is recommended to enjoy the story itself first, without any prior knowledge. Among Ghibli works, it may give a relatively modest impression, but precisely because of this, the subtle nuances of the characters’ emotions and small changes within daily life are portrayed with delicacy.
Visiting Kochi after watching deepens understanding of the work. Conversely, watching after visiting Kochi allows you to experience the joy of discovery: “That’s the place!” Experiencing both the work and the place yields a richer viewing experience, regardless of the order.
What Becomes Visible Through Multiple Viewings
“The Sound of the Sea” is a work that reveals new discoveries through repeated viewing. In the initial viewing, attention tends to focus on plot development, but in subsequent viewings, you can notice deeper aspects: changes in the characters’ expressions, Kochi’s scenery depicted in the background, and the fine nuances of the Tosa dialect.
In particular, the protagonist Takao’s emotional changes and the loneliness Rikako carries are subtly expressed emotional elements scattered throughout the work that cannot be fully grasped in a single viewing. There are always new discoveries no matter how many times you watch it—that is the charm of this work.
Ways to Enjoy Visiting Kochi
Tourism Plans Combined with the Work
When visiting Kochi, combining sacred site pilgrimage with Kochi-specific sightseeing creates a more fulfilling trip. A plan that visits famous Kochi tourism spots such as Katsurahama Beach, Kochi Castle, and the Sunday Market while touring the work’s settings is recommended.
Since “The Sound of the Sea” features impressive seaside scenes, actually visiting the Pacific-facing sea of Kochi deepens understanding of the work. Feeling the ocean breeze, you can re-experience the emotions felt by the characters.
Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences
The pleasure of a Kochi visit extends beyond sacred site pilgrimage. Savor local cuisine unique to Kochi, such as bonito tataki and sara-wachi dishes. Enjoying the local flavors that the work’s characters would have eaten allows for deeper engagement with Kochi’s culture.
Additionally, by experiencing traditional events such as the Yosakoi Festival and traditional crafts such as Tosa washi paper, you can appreciate the cultural richness underlying the work’s background.
Conclusion: The Future of “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture
“The Sound of the Sea” will continue to hold value as a cultural asset of Kochi Prefecture, transcending its status as merely an animation work. The combination of original author Atsuko Himuro’s deep love for Kochi, Studio Ghibli’s meticulous production approach, and Kochi’s streetscapes that have remained largely unchanged even after more than 30 years has created a work beloved across time.
Those who visit Kochi through sacred site pilgrimage experience not just the touring of the work’s setting but engagement with the charm of the land itself. The warmth of the Tosa dialect, nature surrounded by sea and mountains, and the kindness of people—all of these continue to be disseminated throughout the nation and the world through “The Sound of the Sea.”
For Kochi Prefecture residents, this work is a treasure that allows them to reconfirm pride in their hometown. And for fans of the work, Kochi remains a “sacred site one hopes to visit someday.” The bond between “The Sound of the Sea” and Kochi Prefecture will continue to resonate in the hearts of many people.
If you have not yet seen the work, please watch it once. And if opportunity permits, try visiting Kochi in person. The experience of seeing the scenery you viewed on screen spread before you and hearing the Tosa dialect you heard in the work will surely become an unforgettable memory.
