For the writer, the world of movies exists on a screen and feels far away.
I had imagined directors filming with a stern expression, clutching a crumpled script. But contrary to that fixed image, I had the opportunity to visit a set where people filmed while enjoying the performances in a relaxed atmosphere.
In this first glimpse behind the scenes of a movie, it wasn’t just the atmosphere that surprised me. Dogs appeared in the film, and the humans adjusted the filming to suit the dogs.
Animal-first filmmaking takes ingenuity, time, and money. I spoke with the team about the fascinating process behind the scenes and their thoughts on the film.
The information presented was current when this article was published in January 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
A film based on a true story
The film “Your Tail!”, led by chief director Akihiro Takatani, is about dogs.
The heroine is Rumi Nekota, a groomer played by Suzume Hinata. She loved working with animals and found joy and fulfillment in a job where people in the community appreciated her. At times, however, she and pet owners saw things differently, leaving her feeling down.
A groomer is essentially a beautician for animals, cutting and shampooing the fur of dogs, cats, and other pets.
One day, Kenta Nakashima, a customer played by Akihiro Takatani, visits the salon. Rumi Nekota notices something unusual about Matsu, the dog left in her care, and recommends taking him to the hospital. An examination reveals a heart problem.
This is a story about the growth of the protagonist, Rumi Nekota, through her interactions with animals and the customers who visit the salon. The film is nonfiction, based on the real-life experiences of Takatani and his beloved dog Matsu (the same Matsu who appears in the film). The incidents depicted in the story were developed through interviews with groomers and pet owners.
Akihiro Takatani’s challenge
Takatani is from Osaka Prefecture.
He moved to Okayama for work. He says he discovered theater after becoming a working adult. While working as a company employee, he appeared in films and stage productions, but now works exclusively in entertainment.
He belongs to the Okayama theater company SKAT!! and has appeared in stage productions, commercials, films, and reenactment dramas.
He began making a film to mark his 40th anniversary as an actor.
For “Your Tail!”, he served as chief director, wrote the screenplay, directed, and produced the film, as well as appearing in it himself. This is his first time writing a screenplay and taking on similar roles, but he says that if he made a film, he wanted it to be about his beloved dog, Matsu.
Amid a series of first-time challenges, Takatani places great importance on the atmosphere on set. He says that typical film sets are often filled with shouting and tension. He makes a point of creating a warm, welcoming set for the projects he works on.
As I interviewed him, I could feel the atmosphere on set that Takatani strives to create. The staff members get along well despite their age differences, and smiles were everywhere throughout.
Thanks to this rapport, the actors can perform naturally, and the animals can relax as they take part in filming.
On set
I was allowed to observe the filming of the movie.
The shoot took place in the showroom of Hinoki Housing. Takatani says they were able to use it because he had appeared in a commercial for the company.
The scene showed Jack, Rumi’s beloved dog, comforting her as she felt down.
Jack is not an animal cast member—in other words, a professional performer.
Jack’s owner was on set, and Jack was relaxed as filming began. When they thought of having Jack lick her face to cheer her up, the owner said, “He responds when you make a raspberry sound.”
Since Suzume Hinata struggled to make the raspberry sound, it was difficult to guide Jack into the desired action. They also had to reshoot, so rather than force it, they changed the performance to something that was easy for both of them. It was clear that they were filming in a way that would not stress Jack.
Filming with animals does not always go smoothly as planned.
But the set was calm throughout, with no tension. Jack came first, and they took their time filming a scene that would probably last only a few seconds in the finished movie.
What stood out was that everyone reviewed the performances together. Rather than leaving decisions to the chief director alone, they exchanged opinions and continued filming once everyone was satisfied. It felt as though everyone, including the cast, was working together to create the film.
I spoke with Akihiro Takatani, chief director of “Your Tail!”, director Genki Yamanaka, and heroine Suzume Hinata.
film “Your Tail!” Information
| Name | The film “Your Tail!” |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, March 22, 2026 Doors open at 4:00 p.m. 30-minute screening |
| Location | 1421-8 Karakoto-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Screening tickets are sold out |
| Website |
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