Dreaming of the Meridian Arc Poster

Dreaming of the Meridian Arc 2022

★ 8.02 votes112 min📅 2022-05-20

Set against the backdrop of a small Japanese city's ambitious local TV project, *Dreaming of the Meridian Arc* (2022) blends sharp wit with historical intrigue as a crew casts, scripts, and shoots a taiga drama about Tadataka Ino, the famed cartograp...

Director: Kenji Nakanishi

Cast

Kiichi Nakai
Kiichi Nakai
Kenichi Matsuyama
Kenichi Matsuyama
Keiko Kitagawa
Keiko Kitagawa
Yukino Kishii
Yukino Kishii
Takuya Mizoguchi
Takuya Mizoguchi
Isao Hashizume
Isao Hashizume
Masahiko Nishimura
Masahiko Nishimura
Chizuru Asano
Chizuru Asano
Masato Wada
Masato Wada
Mitsuru Hirata
Mitsuru Hirata

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dreaming of the Meridian Arc (2022) about?

The film follows a local TV crew in Katori City as they create a historical drama about cartographer Tadataka Ino, only to uncover that his claim to fame—the first map of Japan—may be a historical misattribution. What begins as a lighthearted project spirals into a mix of comedy and drama as the team grapples with the implications of their discovery.

Who directed Dreaming of the Meridian Arc?

The film was directed by Kenji Nakanishi, known for blending historical themes with comedic and dramatic storytelling.

Who stars in Dreaming of the Meridian Arc?

The film stars Kiichi Nakai, Kenichi Matsuyama, Keiko Kitagawa, Yukino Kishii, Takuya Mizoguchi, and Isao Hashizume in key roles.

Is Dreaming of the Meridian Arc (2022) worth watching?

With its clever premise and engaging performances, *Dreaming of the Meridian Arc* offers a unique blend of comedy and drama that should appeal to fans of offbeat historical storytelling. While it's not a blockbuster, its wit and heart make it a surprisingly satisfying watch—especially for those who enjoy films that play with perspective and legacy.

How long is Dreaming of the Meridian Arc?

The runtime for *Dreaming of the Meridian Arc* is 112 minutes.

About Dreaming of the Meridian Arc (2022) — A taiga drama's shocking discovery shakes up history and comedy

Set against the backdrop of a small Japanese city's ambitious local TV project, *Dreaming of the Meridian Arc* (2022) blends sharp wit with historical intrigue as a crew casts, scripts, and shoots a taiga drama about Tadataka Ino, the famed cartographer behind Japan's first national map in 1821. Directed by Kenji Nakanishi, the film unfolds in the present day, where the team stumbles upon a bombshell discovery: Ino wasn't the mapmaker he was credited to be. The revelation sends the production—and the audience—on a playful yet thought-provoking journey through fact, fiction, and the slippery nature of historical truth. With a lively mix of comedy, drama, and historical reflection, the movie captures the quirks of local ambition while delivering a wry commentary on legacy and perception.

Kiichi Nakai, Kenichi Matsuyama, and Keiko Kitagawa lead an ensemble cast that balances humor and heart, grounding the film's lighter moments in genuine emotional stakes. The atmosphere oscillates between the cozy chaos of a provincial TV studio and the grandeur of Japan's Edo-era ambitions, all wrapped in a narrative that's as much about the people behind history as it is about history itself. *Dreaming of the Meridian Arc* asks whether legends are built on truth or on the dreams of those who tell them, making it a clever, heartfelt watch for fans of smart, character-driven stories.