For the author, the world of movies is something that exists within the screen, a distant presence.
I had an image of a director holding a crumpled script and shooting with a serious face. However, contrary to that fixed notion, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to cover a filming site where they enjoyed acting in a friendly atmosphere.
In the world behind the scenes of movies I encountered for the first time, I was not only surprised by the atmosphere. It was a style where dogs appeared, and humans shot according to the dogs.
Animal-first movies require ingenuity, time, and cost. I covered the interesting behind-the-scenes of filming and the thoughts about the movie.
A Movie Based on a True Story
The movie "Your Tail!" directed by Takaya Akihiro is themed around dogs.
The heroine, played by Hinata Suzume, is a groomer named Nekota Rumi. She finds joy and fulfillment in her work, interacting with beloved animals and being appreciated by the local community. However, there are times when she feels disconnected from the owners' feelings and becomes downcast.
A groomer is essentially an animal beautician who cuts the fur of dogs and cats and gives them baths.
One day, Nakashima Kenta, played by Takaya Akihiro, visits the salon. Nekota Rumi notices something unusual with the dog Matsuo that has been left with her and recommends a visit to the hospital. Upon examination at the hospital, it is discovered that there is an abnormality in its heart.
This work is a story of growth for the protagonist, Nekota Rumi, through her interactions with animals and the customers who visit the salon. It is a nonfiction piece based on the real experiences of Takaya and his beloved dog Matsuo (the same Matsuo appearing in the movie), and the cases depicted in the story were drawn from interviews with groomers and pet owners.
Takaya Akihiro's Challenge
Takaya is from Osaka Prefecture.
He moved to Okayama for work. He encountered theater after becoming a working adult and appeared in movies and stage plays while working as a company employee, but now he is active solely in the entertainment industry.
He belongs to the Okayama Theater Company SKAT!! and appears in stage plays, commercials, movies, and reenactment dramas.
To commemorate his 40th anniversary in acting, he began film production.
In "Your Tail!", he serves as the executive director, handling the script, direction, and production, and also appears in the film. This is his first time working on the script, but he thought that if he were to make a movie, it should be about his beloved dog Matsuo.
Amid a series of first-time challenges, what Takaya values is the atmosphere on set. It is said that typical filming sites often have shouting and a tense atmosphere. He strives to create a homely environment for the works he is involved in.
During the interview, I could truly feel the atmosphere that Takaya aims for on set. Even with a wide age gap among the staff, they get along well, and smiles are exchanged throughout.
Thanks to this relationship, natural performances can be achieved, and the animals can also approach filming in a relaxed manner.
Filming Conditions
I was allowed to observe the filming of the movie.
The filming site was a showroom for Hinoki housing. It seems they started using it due to Takaya appearing in a commercial for Hinoki housing.
The scene being filmed was one where the depressed Nekota Rumi is comforted by her beloved dog Jack.
Jack is an animal cast member, not a professional performer.
His owner was present on set, and Jack was relaxed while filming. When they thought of encouraging him by having him lick their face, the owner said, "He responds when you make a blowing sound."
Since Hinata struggled to make the blowing sound, they couldn't easily guide Jack to the desired movement. Due to retakes, they decided not to force it and changed to a performance that both could do comfortably. It was evident that they were filming in a way that did not stress Jack.
Filming with animals does not always go smoothly as one would like.
However, the atmosphere on set was calm, and they took their time filming a scene that would likely only last a few seconds in the final cut, prioritizing Jack.
What was impressive was that everyone was involved in confirming the performance. It was not just the executive director's decision; they exchanged opinions and continued filming while everyone was satisfied. It seems that everyone, including the cast, is working together to create the piece.
I spoke with Takaya Akihiro, the executive director of the movie "Your Tail!", director Yamanaka Genki, and heroine Hinata Suzume.
Data on the Movie "Your Tail!"
| Name | Movie "Your Tail!" |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | March 22, 2026 (Sunday) Doors open at 4 PM, screening for 30 minutes |
| Location | 1421-8 Kojima Karakoto-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | The screening tickets are sold out |
| Homepage |
