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MIRADOR - Soundscape through Japan (52min)

Embark on 'MIRADOR' with world-class beatboxer SHOW-GO in northern Japan's wilderness. Miniature microphones capture wind whispers, 'geophones' record underground waves, unveiling unheard sounds. Explore the sounds of wisdom of those in harmony with nature, from the last indigenous instrument maker or a fisherman with a traditional rake, preserving shells for future.
This unconventional soundscape documentary also features SHOW-GO performing sessions with bubbling mud volcanoes or oyster baskets. In the final act, SHOW-GO crafts the sounds into a captivating musical piece. Disguised as a music travel documentary, 'MIRADOR' invites appreciation for nature, culture, and sustainability, all captured with breathtaking cinematography.

  • Azusa Maruyama
    Writer
    Welcome to the World of Dementia, The Wishing Tree
  • Ryota Kotani
    Producer
    Somewhere Street, A Normal Life: Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler
  • Shigeki Ishigami
    Producer
    Red and White Song Contest
  • Koji Yamamoto
    Producer
    Digital Eyes, Global Agenda
  • SHOW-GO
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ミラドール　絶景を聴く
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Music Video, Television, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Music, Conservation, Culture, Documentary, Cross-genre, Travel, Travelogue, Nature
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 22, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Japan
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Language:
    Japanese
  • Shooting Format:
    8K HDR (mainly Red V-Raptor)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    17:9/16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • ABU Prizes (Asia Broadcasting Union)

    Winner - Best Entertainment Program
  • Asian Academy Creative Awards
    Singapore
    Singapore
    Winner - Best Music or Dance Programme
  • JPPA Awards
    Tokyo
    Japan
    Winner - Best Color Grading
Distribution Information
  • NHK Enterprises
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography

Azusa Maruyama is a Japanese director/producer who makes programs both in English and Japanese, covering various factual genres including current affairs, nature, history, culture and music. She won the Best Emerging Director Award at 2023 ATP Television Grand Prix for directing her recent work "Welcome to the World of Dementia", an uplifting anime-docu factual series that portraits the experiences told by the people with dementia.

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Director Statement

Why sound? Three key reasons:
1. In an era of quick, photogenic snapshots, MIRADOR offers a fresh perspective— encouragement for the younger generation, encouraging a pause, unwinding, and full immersion in the landscape.

2. Sound is a subtle yet powerful tool for slow yet enduring impact. In a world filled with documentaries on climate change or cultural diversity, MIRADOR bridges the gap between vital issues and casual viewers who rather avoid serious content, by sparking curiosity.

3. Move beyond Japan's clichés. For those tired of shrines, ramen and anime, MIRADOR unveils the off-the-beaten-track, showcasing the harmony between nature and humanity—the secret behind Japan's captivating scenery.
Join us on our journey to appreciate nature, culture, and sustainability over the long term.