The theme for the Hobonichi Techo 2021 is “Handwrite: Written by me.” The act of writing has continued for generations and is a theme that is so closely intertwined with the Hobonichi Techo, that will be turning 20 this year. This movie was created in hope to spread the joys, happiness, and depth of the act of writing by hand. We hope you enjoy the freeness of the world of handwriting.
Koto Nagata's Profile
Movie director. Born in Osaka.
After graduating from Osaka Kwansei Gakuin University, she worked in production and as an assistant director before studying under film director Shunji Iwai. After her film debut, she released Shibuya-Maruyama Story and Little DJ in 2007. Main works include Shanti Days: 365 Days of Happy Breathing, and Sake production at Hakkaisan; a documentary taken over the span of two years.
Established ginger studio in 2011, and hosts Eigakko, a movie workshop for children.Takes on various projects, including a project to advance thinking and communication skills of children through movie production. Recent works include Tokyo Love Story 2020 (streamed on Amazon Prime) and Go Go Bakawoman! (Now showing in TOHO cinemas across Japan).
Director Koto Nagata's comment
There's something that's been on my mind about lately. This time that we're given now may have happened to make us reflect on the important things that we had forgotten in this fast-speed, digitalized world. When I initially started to search for things online, and started to to use Facebook and Instagram, I rejoiced in the ease to go across the sea so easily (of course, I'm still thankful that I'm able to use it...)
But I realized that I’ve built relationships so rapidly because I was content with virtually meeting someone based on their information off the Internet. To think of it, I haven't bought copy paper in a while. I'd thought too much about cutting down on paper consumption that I manage everything on my computer. Because I own less things, organizing has never been easier. There are so many good things... but then I thought to myself. Have I been losing my human touch? Have I not been moving my hand as much?
People have written for a long time. Praying, letters, records, petitions... Children move their hands the minute they hold a pen and scribble without thinking, and get excited by the traces they create. As a student, you copy the whiteboard to take notes, but your notebook ends up being completely different to your friend’s. Note taking already reflected your personality.
Handwriting has the human touch. You can feel the person who wrote it. I think this is something that is especially important these days. I've encapsulated these messages in this movie. I hope you feel the warmth in people, and their energy.