The Takatsu River (2019)

Other name: 高津川, たかつがわ, Takatsugawa

Description:

In a scenic mountain town, rancher Manabu faces a looming crisis threatening his community's proud heritage. The ancient Kagura dance, a vibrant tradition, is endangered as local youth increasingly depart for urban centers. Manabu’s son is expected to debut in the annual festival's Kagura performance this year, yet he skips practices, fueling his father’s fear that he will abandon their ancestral culture. Concurrently, the elementary school, a vital symbol of the community, faces closure due to a dramatic decline in children. This mass exodus of young people not only jeopardizes the cherished Kagura dance but also puts countless unique regional traditions and crafts at critical risk. This is a poignant story of individuals striving to uphold their pure cultural roots, as resilient as a clear river, amidst the relentless tide of population decline.

Director: Nishikori Yoshinari [錦織良成]

Country: Japanese

Status: Completed

Released: 2019

Genre:Drama; Slice of Life