Shiga Location Office is Showing Results
By MORITO MITSUYA
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Kitanosho-cho, Omihachiman
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In its 2nd year since launching into the business of providing locations for television and movie projects, Shiga Prefecture is producing results. The prefectural office provides information on locations, help gaining filming approval, accommodation introductions, helps recruit locals to appear as extras and other activities of use to production crews. A Web site that features photos of 350 locations in Shiga, including the lake, famous and historical sights and towns, is equipped with an easy search function to help producers find what they are looking for.
The office is also busy in Tokyo. With brochures in hand, staff frequently visits Tokyo's broadcasting companies and film production companies to promote Shiga as a film location.
All this action is paying off. From April 2002 to January 2004, a total of 157 films, including movies, television shows and other productions, were filmed at Lake Biwako. Approximately 800 citizens are registered as extras. And currently, the office is helping in a hunt to find a scenario writer for a story based in Shiga Prefecture.
North of Lake Biwako, A Scenic Treasure
Surrounded by chains of mountains, including the Suzuka Range, Mount Hiei and the Hira Mountains, Lake Biwako is a font of rich nature that has inspired many beautiful poems over the ages.
Many stories in history have described Shiga Prefecture, from the Manyo-shu era of 1,300 years ago, through to the present. Many famous and historic sites from that era still remain.
This is especially true for the coastline between Hikone and Imazu, which is blessed with scenic treasures ideal for film locations. For a samurai drama story, locations such as Hikone Castle, the tree-lined shores of northern Biwako and Hachimanbori of the traditional city of Omihachiman are all excellent. Throughout the year, foreign tourists frequently visit the well-known Hikone Castle and its main street, reconstructed to resemble the castle's heydays.
Hikone, gateway to northern Lake Biwako, is just 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and will be your first window to the beauties of the lake.
(IHT/Asahi:March 13, 2004)
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天気 
Herald Tribune/Asahi
CHANGING JAPAN: SHIGA
