Tottori Prefectural Museum Opens 'Pioneering Manga: Jiro Taniguchi Exhibition' & 'Bosai Kokutai 2026 in Tottori' 100-Day Countdown Event Features Cast and Director of Film 'To a Distant Town'

Tottori Prefecture, which promotes itself as the 'Manga Kingdom Tottori,' opened the special exhibition 'Pioneering Manga: Jiro Taniguchi Exhibition' at the Tottori Prefectural Museum on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The exhibition showcases the artistic career of Jiro Taniguchi (1947–2017), renowned for works such as 'Gourmet Club' and the recently adapted film 'To a Distant Town,' exploring the possibilities of manga as an art form.

Alongside the exhibition opening, guests included actress Nahoko Toda, actors Tori Oikawa and Momoko Isotani, and screenwriter-director Yoshinari Nishikori, all involved in the upcoming film 'To a Distant Town' (scheduled for release on October 9, 2026), based on Taniguchi's original work. They shared insights into the charm of Taniguchi's creations and the appeal of Tottori Prefecture, the film's setting.

Additionally, a 100-day countdown event for 'Bosai Kokutai 2026 in Tottori,' Japan's largest domestic disaster prevention event to be held in Kurayoshi City on October 17 and 18, was co-hosted on the same day.

The opening ceremony of the 'Pioneering Manga: Jiro Taniguchi Exhibition' was attended by members of the exhibition executive committee, as well as Kurayoshi City Mayor Kazuyasu Hirota, and actors Tori Oikawa and Momoko Isotani as guests. Representing the organizers, Tottori Prefecture's Policy Coordination Director, Toshiki Endo, stated, 'In Tottori, we honor local masters such as Jiro Taniguchi, Shigeru Mizuki, and Gosho Aoyama as the 'Three Great Masters' and celebrate them in various ways. This exhibition allows visitors to appreciate the brilliance of Taniguchi's work and encourages reevaluation. We believe the October film release of 'To a Distant Town' will attract global audiences, bring many visitors to Tottori, and enhance the prefecture's recognition and image.'

Following this, Sakura Ryumon, the exhibition's curator, introduced the highlights of the exhibition alongside actors Oikawa and Isotani. She described Taniguchi as a pioneering artist whose unique manga world transcends individual works and genres through exceptional artistic detail. After viewing the exhibition, Oikawa commented, 'The original artwork was so realistic, I thought it was a photograph. Being involved in the live-action adaptation of such a great master's work is deeply moving.' Isotani added, 'Seeing Kurayoshi, the setting of 'To a Distant Town,' depicted in manga form allowed me to truly feel its essence. It made me want to read more of his other works.'

Prior to the film's PR event on the same day, a press roundtable was held with the film's cast and director.

Director Nishikori praised Taniguchi's work, saying, 'The “ma” (pacing) in Taniguchi's works is exceptional. His meticulous depiction of everyday life represents the world I love most, and I believe that’s why his work is globally appreciated.' He emphasized that the most important aspect during the live-action adaptation was, 'Preserving the integrity of Jiro Taniguchi's worldview. That was our sole focus throughout production.'

Nahoko Toda, who plays the young protagonist's mother, Nakahara Kazue, shared her dedication to the role: 'Beyond costumes and makeup, I particularly wanted to embody a mother who exists “like the wind.” I believed her mere presence was most important, so I focused on capturing that atmosphere.'

Tori Oikawa, portraying the protagonist Nakahara Hiroshi, who time-travels to 1963 at age 14 but with the mind of a 48-year-old, revealed behind-the-scenes insights: 'The crew told me, “Oikawa, your face is so dignified that even a slight serious expression makes you look 48, like a man who’s endured hardship” (laughs). So, surprisingly, portraying a 48-year-old wasn’t that difficult.' Director Nishikori praised him, saying, 'He thought deeply every single day about his performance. I truly hope audiences will see his incredible portrayal.'

Momoko Isotani, who plays the protagonist’s first love, Nagase Tomoko, reflected on filming: 'Kurayoshi felt exactly like stepping into the pages of the 'To a Distant Town' manga. It has such a retro and charming atmosphere. The costumes were designs I’d never worn before—fresh and adorable.' Toda added, 'She perfectly matched the image of the girl from the original manga—so pure and lovely.'

Finally, Oikawa expressed his hopes for the film: 'Scenes I filmed with Takato Kenichi, who played my father, still move me deeply when I recall them—they almost bring me to tears. There are so many emotionally powerful moments. I hope audiences will immerse themselves in this nostalgic world and experience its heartfelt emotions.'

During the 'Bosai Kokutai 2026 in Tottori' 100-day countdown event, Toda and Director Nishikori also appeared to present handwritten messages for the film’s promotion:

'May this be your own distant town!! —Nahoko Toda'

'Filming in my heart’s hometown!! So happy!! —Yoshinari Nishikori'

A talk show featuring Toda, Oikawa, Isotani, and Director Nishikori drew a large audience, with lively discussions about interactions with local extras and volunteers during last year’s filming in Kurayoshi, as well as favorite local foods and spots.

When asked about their favorite scenes in the film, Director Nishikori replied, 'All of them.' He added, 'Writing the script was challenging. The original work would run nearly five hours as a film, so we condensed it into two hours without compromising Taniguchi’s worldview. Every scene is packed with meaning. I hope viewers watch the film multiple times and discover their own 'distant town' within it.'

Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai commented on the film’s release: 'The film 'To a Distant Town' will finally be released nationwide on October 9. I’ve heard it may also be screened overseas. I sincerely hope that after watching it, audiences will visit Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture—the film’s setting and a place preserving nostalgic, quintessential Japanese scenery.'

The talk show with Toda, Oikawa, Isotani, and Director Nishikori once again attracted a large crowd, with enthusiastic conversations about local collaborations during filming, favorite foods, and scenic spots in Kurayoshi.

Regarding favorite scenes, Director Nishikori reiterated, 'All of them,' explaining, 'The script was a challenge. We condensed the nearly five-hour original into a two-hour film while preserving Taniguchi’s worldview. Every scene is condensed and powerful. We expressed it differently from the manga, through film. I hope audiences watch it multiple times and find their own personal 'distant town.'

Official Video and Photos ■

Download from the URLs below:

〇 Official Video: https://xgf.nu/d1UJf

※ Audio: 1ch camera mic, 2ch interview mic (silent outside interviews)

〇 Official Photos: https://xg