Interview with the Cast of the Movie "Your Tail!"
We spoke with Takatani Akihiro, Yamanaka Genki, and Hinata Suzume about their thoughts on the movie "Your Tail!" and behind-the-scenes stories from the filming.
Turning Experiences with My Dog Matsu into a Movie
What inspired you to make this movie?
Takatani (honorifics omitted)
"Your Tail!" is based on my real-life experiences. I have a Chihuahua named Matsu, and the groomer at the pet salon I always take him to told me, "The color of his gums doesn't look good." They suggested I should take him to the vet, so I did.
It turned out he had a heart condition. I'm grateful to the groomer for noticing the abnormality. He started showing symptoms at 7 years old, and with medication and exercise restrictions, he has made it to 10 years old without much progression.
I titled it "Your Tail!" because the tail is a barometer of health. If the tail is down during walks, it means he is unhappy, and if it is up, he is happy, right?
The filming was handled by director Yamanaka Genki.
Since bright lights and loud noises scare dogs, all the filming was done with a smartphone. This way, we can capture their natural behavior.
When the movie is completed, I hope viewers will realize that movies can be shot with a smartphone and feel inspired to try it themselves. I hope it will revitalize entertainment in Kurashiki.
I have been an actor for a long time, and this is my first attempt at making a movie as part of my 40th anniversary project. Being an actor makes you want to create films. Since I am always with Matsu, I wanted to incorporate that into the movie. It was Yamanaka who made my dream of co-starring with Matsu come true.
I am the overall director and oversee everything. I spent three years researching and writing the script. I have asked people I have co-starred with in the past for casting. There are even middle school girls acting for the first time, but they had fun performing.
The staff and the location bento are acquaintances. This location bento was made by a friend's mother. Due to the connection of co-starring with her son, I asked her to take care of the location bento. Most of the location bento was provided by her, and I am grateful.
I have appeared in many dramas and movies, but the set can be intimidating. So, I wanted to create a fun atmosphere when I am in charge. Although there is an age gap, we get along well.
What are you particular about in the movie?
Takatani
We intentionally mention the names of real companies and stores.
Normal commercial films do not mention locations or store names. This time, I wanted to do it intentionally to contribute to the industrial promotion of Kurashiki. We have obtained permission properly.
We are also particular about taking time for filming in the summer to match the animals in the cast.
We started filming on April 3, Matsu's birthday, but it would be too hot in the summer, right? So we did not film in July and August.
The filming wrapped up on November 1, inspired by "Woof Woof Woof."
A Homely Set
We spoke with Hinata Suzume, who plays the heroine Nekoda Rumi.
What was the reason you were chosen as the heroine?
Hinata (honorifics omitted)
I am from Ehime Prefecture and joined the drama club in high school.
Now, I am attending a university in Okayama while working as a freelancer in acting and singing. At one point, I appeared in a JR West Japan commercial and met Takatani-san.
It was my first time working with him, but about six months later, he contacted me about this movie.
Takatani-san has appeared in commercials and various things, but that was my first appearance in a commercial. I am shy, so I was quiet the whole time, and he kindly reached out to me.
I had a strong impression that Takatani-san was a very kind person, so I decided to participate when he invited me.
You don't have any experience as a groomer, do you?
Hinata
No, I don't.
I have a toy poodle at home, so I like dogs, but I have no knowledge about them at all. When I was at home, I sometimes noticed something was off with the dog but didn't know the cause, which made me worried.
This "Your Tail!" has a story where noticing a dog's abnormality leads to discovering a disease, so I can relate to it. I want to convey my love for dogs through the theater I enjoy.
Before filming, I learned how to brush and interact with dogs from a professional groomer.
Some dogs are friendly, while others are shy, which made it difficult. I thought I was interacting normally, but I ended up scaring them, and what I thought was correct turned out to be wrong. I realized many things, and it was a great learning experience.
What do you do when you can't film with the dog as you wish?
Hinata
We wait or change the progress to match the dog.
This movie is made to avoid putting a burden on the dogs, so after filming a few times, we take a break. We do not force the dogs to move in ways we want. We change the camera angles to allow the dogs to move naturally.
Can you give a message to the audience?
Hinata
Through this movie, I want to convey the importance of cherishing animals to both pet owners and non-pet owners.
In the movie, there are troubles with customers saying, "Don't say things you aren't a vet!" while I convey my feelings. It is a story of growth while connecting with customers, not just animals. I would be happy if watching the movie warms your heart and makes your tail go up.
The filming set is a warm environment where we can joke with each other. It was my first time filming, and I was often nervous, but thanks to the warmth of the set and good teamwork, I was able to enjoy it.
Filming with Animal First
We spoke with director Yamanaka Genki.
Can you tell us how you became the director?
Yamanaka (honorifics omitted)
My main job is writing scripts, but I have directed films in the past. Takatani-san asked me to direct "Your Tail!" and I took on the role.
This is my first time handling dogs as the main focus, and my challenge was to ensure that filming would not be a burden on them. I have been involved in projects with animals before, but I had forced them in some cases. There was a lack of consideration for the animals.
In "Your Tail!", we create an environment where animals can be filmed in their natural state. If they cannot perform the desired actions, we wait. An environment that does not burden the animals seems to allow both them and the humans to relax.
Since we prioritize the animals, filming has taken nearly a year. I hope as many people as possible will watch it. Ideally, with their beloved dogs.
Takatani
I made the movie 30 minutes long so that people can watch it with their dogs. I thought 30 minutes would be manageable for them.
Filming started at Ojigadake Rest House, so we will also hold a screening there.
We plan to enjoy the café menu at Marugodeli Ojigadake, watch the movie with dogs, and take home souvenirs.
Conclusion
At times, we joked with each other, and the set was filled with smiles throughout the interview. When it came to the actual filming, everyone was serious. The discussions during filming conveyed the joy of creating the work together.
Filming with consideration for the dogs is very challenging. We had to retake many scenes, and the schedule was adjusted to accommodate the dogs. It was impressive how the humans adjusted to ensure the dogs were not scared or stressed.
However, it seems that it wasn't all difficult, as Jack also became a source of healing on set. Thanks to him, the atmosphere became even more relaxed and enjoyable. As a dog lover, I had a lot of smiles during the interview. It might have been the first time I felt healed during an interview.
The movie born from the real experiences of overall director Takatani and his dog Matsu is scheduled for screenings in various locations.
One of them will be a screening at Ojigadake Rest House, starting at 4 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026. You can also watch it with your dog.
Tickets for the screening have sold out.
Data on the Movie "Your Tail!"
| Name | Movie "Your Tail!" |
|---|---|
| Date | 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) | Tickets for the screening have sold out. |
| Homepage |
