Tora-san of Goto 2016
"The 22 years of the familiarity of the family is drawn"
Directed by Masaru Oura, *Tora-san of Goto (2016)* is a heartfelt documentary-drama that chronicles two decades in the life of the Inuzuka family, a nine-member clan known for crafting the famed Goto Udon noodles in Nagasaki's Goto Islands.
Director: Masaru Oura
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tora-san of Goto (2016) about?
*Tora-san of Goto* follows the Inuzuka family over 22 years as they sustain their udon-making business in Japan's Goto Islands. The documentary highlights Toru Inuzuka's efforts to keep the tradition alive amid rural decline, while documenting the daily lives of his seven children who balance school with udon production.
Who directed Tora-san of Goto?
The film was directed by Masaru Oura, who spent over two decades capturing the family's journey through the lens of documentary realism.
Who stars in Tora-san of Goto?
The documentary centers on Toru Inuzuka, along with his wife Masayo, their seven children (Kokoro, Hanae, Takuro, Sebun, and others), and the broader Goto community.
Is Tora-san of Goto (2016) worth watching?
For viewers who appreciate slow-burn documentaries or family sagas, *Tora-san of Goto* offers a deeply personal and visually rich experience. Its themes of tradition and perseverance make it a compelling watch, especially for those interested in Japanese rural life and generational storytelling.
How long is Tora-san of Goto?
The film runs for 114 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 54 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Tora-san of Goto (2016) — A Family's 22-Year Udon Legacy Captured on Film
Directed by Masaru Oura, *Tora-san of Goto (2016)* is a heartfelt documentary-drama that chronicles two decades in the life of the Inuzuka family, a nine-member clan known for crafting the famed Goto Udon noodles in Nagasaki's Goto Islands. At the heart of the film is Toru Inuzuka, affectionately dubbed 'Tora-san,' whose dedication to preserving traditional udon-making traditions becomes a symbol of resilience amid rural depopulation. Shot over 22 years, the documentary captures the family's daily grind—from sunrise udon production to school mornings—where even the seven children's labor is logged and rewarded as pocket money. The film weaves together themes of legacy, hard work, and the quiet strength of family bonds.
With a runtime of 114 minutes, *Tora-san of Goto* blends observational documentary authenticity with the warmth of a family saga, offering a poignant look at how tradition and modernity intersect in a fading corner of Japan. Oura's lens turns the Inuzuka household into a microcosm of rural Japan, where every noodle rolled and every salt harvest tells a story of endurance.