This documentary film follows Tokyo-based Ishinomaki Tourism Ambassadors Miyuki Shigeta, who have been working to bring about a “smile recovery” following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The film follows them as they work as symbols of smile recovery at the annual Ishinomaki River Opening Festival, alongside university students from Tokyo, outside Miyagi Prefecture. With full cooperation from Ishinomaki City Hall, they are spreading smiles from Ishinomaki to the world. This year’s event kicks off with a “prayer for smiles” at Kashima Miko Shrine.
Directed by Tomohisa Ishigami (Japan)