Oda Kaori’s final journey underground: A trilogy completed

A new chapter in Oda Kaori’s filmmaking

With her latest film, “Underground”, Oda Kaori completes a gripping trilogy exploring subterranean spaces in Japan. Starting with the 2015 “Aragane” and continuing with the 2019 “Cenote,” Oda takes us from the bustling subways of Sapporo to the haunting caves, known locally as “gama”, in Okinawa. This docudrama does more than just follow in the footsteps of its predecessors; it ventures into new territory with a melding of fiction and documentary elements.

From underground to a new direction

Although Oda has dabbled with combining fictional and documentary styles before, as seen in her award-winning 2012 film “Thus a Noise Speaks”, “Underground” marks a significant shift in her creative approach. This film stars the enigmatic Yoshigai Nao, who guides viewers through Oda’s poetic and mysterious explorations of the borderlands between darkness and light, life and death, past and present. Nao’s role is crucial, establishing her own presence while complementing Oda’s vision.

Not just another documentary

What sets “Underground” apart from the previous entries in the trilogy is its vibrant fictional layer. Oda reveals that while the trilogy format wasn’t initially planned, a unifying vision emerged as she aimed to depict varying underground spaces across Japan and their impacts on the people inhabiting these areas. This new narrative approach allows Oda to candidly and unreservedly explore themes she might not have pursued through a purely documentary lens.

Technical analysis and industry trends

“Underground” showcases Oda’s maturation as a filmmaker, blending deeply resonant storytelling with technical mastery. The film’s cinematography captures the contrasting worlds of urban Sapporo and rural Okinawa with striking clarity and emotion. The sound design plays an equally crucial role, immersing viewers in environments that feel both familiar and alien.

In the current landscape of documentary filmmaking, there’s a trend towards hybrid forms that blend reality and imagination. Oda Kaori is at the forefront of this movement, pushing boundaries and redefining genres. As the demand for innovative storytelling grows, her work sets a high standard for authenticity and creativity.

A journey through Hokkaido and Okinawa

The filmmaking process for “Underground” was a comprehensive three-year journey. From the northernmost main island of Hokkaido, where Oda captured life in the Sapporo subway, to the southern reaches of Okinawa, where she recorded poignant accounts from local historians, Oda’s dedication to her craft is evident. The narrative weaves through various elements, from the survival stories during the 1945 U.S. invasion to the lingering emotional and historical impact on the community.

Some footage was developed into standalone short films, such as the Sapporo segment, which premiered in 2022, and the Okinawa section, re-edited into the 2023 short “Gama”. The non-linear narrative crafted through meticulous editing ensures each segment stands alone while collectively contributing to the overarching story.

Reflections and future directions

Oda’s journey into the depths of Japanese underground spaces has yielded a trilogy rich in cultural and historical significance. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authentic storytelling resonate with audiences and critics alike.

However, after dedicating a decade to this theme, Oda feels ready for a new creative chapter. Instead of embarking on another large feature film, she is currently focusing on smaller projects, including short films made in collaboration with her mother. This intimate and personal direction hints at more emotionally resonant works to come, showcasing a different facet of her filmmaking prowess.

Sharing poetic explorations

Oda Kaori’s “Underground” is more than a film; it’s an invitation to delve into the hidden layers of Japan, exploring the spaces that shape its history and people. By combining the documentary’s factual strength with the freedom of fiction, Oda crafts a unique narrative experience that bridges the past, present, and future.

Stay connected to discover more about the intricate and evolving world of innovative filmmaking. Share Oda Kaori’s journey with others who appreciate the powerful blend of storytelling and technical excellence, and follow updates for the latest in cinematic exploration.