The Name of the Whale 2015
Set against the windswept coastal backdrop of Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, *The Name of the Whale (2015)* follows a curious junior high student whose passion for uncovering ancient fossils becomes a gateway to understanding his hometown's layered past.
Director: Fumito Fujikawa
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Name of the Whale (2015) about?
This Hiroshima-set drama centers on a young amateur paleontologist whose obsession with fossils leads him to uncover his hometown's rich history. As he explores the coastline and digs through archives, he connects personal and collective memories, witnessing how places and people evolve over time.
Who directed The Name of the Whale?
Fumito Fujikawa directed *The Name of the Whale*, blending documentary-style realism with narrative filmmaking to create a deeply atmospheric experience.
Who stars in The Name of the Whale?
The film features Shunto Tanaka in the lead role, joined by Sanshiro Takehiro, Yuki Kimura, and Masana Hirabuki as key members of the local community.
Is The Name of the Whale (2015) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Name of the Whale* offers a thoughtful, visually engaging drama for fans of slice-of-life films and historical storytelling. Its quiet ambition and authentic setting make it a rewarding pick for viewers who enjoy understated, character-driven cinema.
How long is The Name of the Whale?
The Name of the Whale runs for 91 minutes.
About The Name of the Whale (2015) — A fossil hunter's journey through Hiroshima's hidden past
Set against the windswept coastal backdrop of Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, *The Name of the Whale (2015)* follows a curious junior high student whose passion for uncovering ancient fossils becomes a gateway to understanding his hometown's layered past. Directed by Fumito Fujikawa, this understated drama blends real-life documentary footage with fictional storytelling to paint a vivid portrait of a changing seaside community. Through the boy's eyes, the film explores themes of memory, growth, and the quiet resilience of people who live where the land meets the sea, capturing a slow-burning emotional journey that mirrors the tides themselves.
The story unfolds as the protagonist pieces together fragments of local history, from ancient whale bones to modern-day transformations, all while navigating the universal turbulence of adolescence. Fujikawa's sensitive direction balances intimate character moments with sweeping environmental context, creating a meditative experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With its atmospheric blend of drama and documentary, *The Name of the Whale* is a quietly ambitious film that celebrates the stories hidden in plain sight.