WANKO~The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog
Opening July 23 (Saturday) at Toho Theaters nationwide
Directed by: Isamu Nakae
Featuring: Ryuta Sato, Kumiko Aso, Mieko Harada, Mitsuko Baisho
Introduction
This is a story about me, my family and Rock ―
August 2000 ― a devastating volcanic eruption ravaged the island of Miyakejima.
This is a story of friendship and the indelible bond between a dog, a boy and his family.
A miraculous story based on true events of a family torn apart by an unimaginable
natural disaster.
In 2008, a large-scale volcanic eruption forced all residents of Miyakejima, a small
island on the Izu Peninsula, to evacuate to Tokyo. All except for one dog that was left
behind and separated from his family…
Rock is the beloved dog of the Noyama family, owners of a small inn “Taiyo” on the
island of Miyakejima. The family consists of a young boy Shin (Ryunosuke Hashino)
who raised Rock since he was a puppy, his dad Matsuo (Ryuta Sato), his mom Takako
(Kumiko Aso) and his grandmother Fusako (Mitsuko Baisho).
Following a devastating volcanic eruption, the Noyama’s are forced to evacuate from
their island home in Miyakejima. Separated from each other and their beloved Rock and
struggling to adapt to life as evacuees in Tokyo, they grapple with anxiety and despair
on a daily basis. But they never give up hope of being reunited with Rock and moving
back to their home in Miyakejima.
11 years later ―
Set in the beautiful, natural environment of Miyakejima, this story is retold through the
eyes of a boy and his dog. It reminds us of the importance of emotional connection,
family bonds, love of the homeland, and the will to live. Based on true events, this story
of hope is coming to you this summer!
The movie was inspired by a popular segment on a Fuji TV morning program called
“Kyou no Wanko” (Doggie of the Day) which first aired in 1994.
The episode which introduced Rock, a dog that survived a devastating volcanic eruption
on Miyakejima, aired in June 2007. Rock immediately captured viewers’ hearts. The
original screenplay of the film “WANKO” is based on this episode which features a
free-spirited dog that roams the ferry ports welcoming island visitors.
“WANKO” is directed by Isamu Nakae, director of the film “Twixt Calm & Passion” and
the heartwarming TV drama series, “Dr. Koto Shinryoujo” (Dr. Koto’s Clinic) among
others. Ryuta Sato plays Shin’s father, Matsuo. Sato has appeared in a string of
blockbuster hits such as the “Umizaru” series and “ROOKIES – Sotsugyou”. Veteran
actresses Mitsuko Baisho and Kumiko Aso are also members of Rock’s close-knit family.
Summer 2011 ― Courage and hope inspired by Rock will shine on Japan!!
Story
6 1/2 hours by boat from Tokyo. A little island floating in the Pacific – Miyakejima.
A volcanic island with a cycle of eruptions every 20 years…
“My mom said…this island is alive.”
“My grandma said…only the sun knows.”
The Noyama family runs a small inn Taiyo in “Rokku” Prefecture, Miyakejima.
Dad, Matsuo Noyama, (Ryuta Sato) always welcomes visitors arriving by ferry with a
colorful sign. He’s brutally honest and a little scatterbrained at times, but sincere,
passionate and caring.
Mom, Takako (Kumiko Aso) is cheerful, free-spirited and always karate chopping people
on the head. She’s a bit scary when she’s mad but vivacious and fun-loving, too.
Shin Noyama (Ryunosuke Hashino) is in second grade and lives with his family,
surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. When his grandma Fusako’s (Mitsuko
Baisho) dog Hana has puppies, Shin adopts one and names him Rock.
“Before I knew it, being with Rock felt natural.
Rock was always with me.”
Every day was filled with fun and laughter for Shin, Rock and their family.
Until that summer day…
August, 2000 ― the great eruption of Mt. Oyama, Miyakejima
“The island…my birthplace, Miyakejima…changed that summer.”
As volcanic smoke rose 6,000 meters in the air, spewing toxic gases and covering the
island in volcanic ash, more and more residents fled the island. Ultimately, an
evacuation order forces all residents to leave Miyakejima indefinitely. The evacuation
tears Shin apart from Rock and his parents, as the Noyama family begins a new life as
evacuees in Tokyo.
“No! I want to stay with you! I’m staying! No! No! No!”
“My dad said…Believe in what you can’t see.
Even if we’re apart…no matter how far apart…we’re still connected.
We’re still connected.”
The clock stopped on August 29.
In preparation for the family’s evacuation, Rock and Hana are to be transported to a
Disaster Animal Rescue Shelter ― but in spite of grandma Fusako’s loving care, the
elderly Hana dies a quiet, peaceful death at home on the island. Unaware of Hana’s
death, but sensing an urgent need to see her, Rock breaks free of his cage at the port
and disappears…
“My “honest dad” told me the truth that night. How Rock ran away…”
An eruption on an unprecedented scale…
The island is deserted. Shin and his family begin a new life in Tokyo, not knowing when
they can return to their home. They live each day, encouraging each other, clinging to
the hope that they will return one day to the island… with Rock.
“There’s only one weapon we’ve got. Keep our heads up.
If we don’t, we’ll lose.”
One evening, they receive news from the Disaster Animal Rescue Shelter that a dog has
been spotted on the deserted island of Miyakejima. He is covered in volcanic ash,
unresponsive and weak, but there’s hope. Shin and his family round up all their cash
and rush to the Rescue Shelter in a taxi…
“Rock…?
It’s Rock…Dad, it’s Rock!”
“Rock was alive. This ray of hope lit us all up.”
Rock and Shin are miraculously reunited.
Rock’s will to live becomes a beacon of hope, not only for the Noyama family, but for all
evacuees grappling with uncertainty in Tokyo.
“Our Rock survived all by himself!
If a dog can do it, humans had better do it, too!”
With dogs prohibited in the evacuees’ quarters, Shin must settle for visiting Rock at the
Animal Shelter. But life in a shelter takes a toll on Rock, as he grows weaker and
weaker. The Shelter’s veterinarian Sayoko Maki (Mieko Harada) encourages Shin to
consider giving Rock up for adoption.
“I want to go home…to the island.
I want to take Rock…and go home.”
Volcanic gases from the eruption still pose a risk and no one knows when they can
return to the island. Shin must think hard…
About the future…about Rock…about life…
With conflicting emotions, Shin makes a decision…
Production
On location at Miyakejima
Even with the evacuation order lifted in 2005, 30% of Miyakejima remains off limits due
to the effects of volcanic gases. 2,800 residents are currently living in this environment,
hoping for the eventual restoration of their island home. This movie was filmed on the
island to heighten awareness of the need for reconstruction and to express our
wholehearted support for Miyakejima.
Comment from the Mayor of Miyakejima, Sukeyasu Hirano
This lovely film is told through the eyes of a dog and his family in Miyakejima.
I hope the people of Japan will feel the powerful, natural beauty of this island and the
people who live and work here.
Rock
The actual Rock, on which this film is based, is a male mix-breed dog owned by the
Okiyama family, who runs a small inn “Yu-kei” on the island of Miyakejima. When Rock
appeared on Fuji TV’s “Doggie of the Day” in 2007, he became an instant sensation,
bringing tourists to the island just to see Rock.
Since talk of a movie version of Rock’s episode began in 2008, the staff and Director
Nakae have visited Miyakejima many times.
Sadly, Rock was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in 2010. The gentle, courageous and
beloved Rock, survivor of a horrific natural disaster in 2000, died a peaceful death on
July 15th, 2010, before the start of filming.
The carefree, lovable Rock was a symbol of the island’s restoration and everyone’s idol…
“I bet he’s wandering around the island, even today…”
Director: Isamu Nakae
DOB: June 13, 1963, Miyagi Prefecture
Joined Fuji TV in 1988. After gaining experience as Assistant Director in the TV series
“Kita No Kuni Kara”, Nakae made his directorial debut with the award winning drama
“Love Simulation” (winner of the 1991 Young Scenario Grand Prix.)
Other notable works include “Aito Iu Nano Motoni” (’92), “Kono Yono Hate” (’94),
“Nemureru Mori” (’98), “Dr. Koto Shinryoujo” (’03), “Pride” (’04) and “Bara no Nai
Hanaya” (’08).
Nakae directed his first film “Twixt Calm & Passion” in 2001. “WANKO” is his third
film following “Sugar and Spice” (’06).