[Aichi, Tokoname] Feature Articles on the film "Swans and Bats"

2026.09.08

The film "Swan and Bat" is based on a novel by Keigo Higashino. Filming also took place along the Tokoname Pottery Footpath!

• Table of Contents
• Step into the world of "The Swan and the Bat"—a journey through Tokoname, the Tokoname of the story.
• story
• The story begins here. Tokoname Station
• A Tokoname you can only find in Tokoname: Denden Slope
• Walking through a town known for its pottery. Earthen pipe slope, climbing kiln, and Pottery Footpath.
• Recommended Information
• Another story to discover in the alleyways. (by Touhei Hachi)
• Time flows in the port town. Onizaki area
• Recommended Information
• Dusk marks the end of the day's story.
• Following the story, to Anjo

Step into the world of "The Swan and the Bat"—a journey through Tokoname, the Tokoname of the story.

Keigo Higashino's novel "The Swan and the Bat," a leading author in the mystery genre, has sold over 1.95 million copies in total across the series. Higashino, who passed away on July 23, 2026, said before his death, "My goal for the future is to surpass this work." This novel has now been made into a live-action film, which was released nationwide on September 4th.
The setting for the story, which holds a crucial key to its plot, is Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture .
The scenery depicted in the novel and actually filmed in the movie still breathes life into this town. In this Feature Articles, we present the landscapes of Tokoname that appear in Higashino's works, as a tribute and expression of gratitude for the stories he left behind.
Why not follow in the footsteps of the characters and explore the world of "The Swan and the Bat," as well as the town of Tokoname that brings the story to life?

story

The case involves the stabbing death of Shiroishi Shiraishi, a kind and honest lawyer.
"I did it. I am the culprit in 'all the incidents'." Tatsuro Kuraki emerged as a suspect. His confession should have solved the case—
However, the suspect's son, Kazuma Kuraki, and the victim's daughter, Shiroishi Shiraishi, both feel uneasy about their fathers' words and actions.
"Why did my father commit murder?"
"Why did my father have to be killed?"
When the suspect's son and the victim's daughter, who should never have met, join hands, the "truth" begins to waver.

Official website for the movie "Swans and Bats"

The story begins here. Tokoname Station

Tokoname Station, the gateway to Tokoname, boasts Tokoname access, being only about 30 minutes from Nagoya Station and about 10 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport. As Kazuma and Mirei arrive in this town in pursuit of their father's past, hidden truths are revealed one after another, and the story accelerates rapidly.

●Key points of the novel

This is a crucial starting point where Kazuma and Mirei arrive in search of clues about their father.
This is the gateway to a pottery town boasting a 1,000-year history as one of Japan's six ancient kilns.

● Movie highlights

- This filming location is impressive for its composition, capturing the station sign from behind the bus stop. - If you stand there while being mindful of the camera angle, you can feel the atmosphere of the characters firsthand.

A Tokoname you can only find in Tokoname: Denden Slope

Denden-zaka, a Tokoname Tokoname landscape, features walls lined with shochu bottles and the ground embedded with "kesawa," discarded rings used during the firing of clay pipes. This nostalgic slope draws you deeply into the profound mystery world of the story.

●Key points of the novel

- Located within the "Pottery Footpath," this is a place where you can feel history and atmosphere firsthand, prompting Mirei to exclaim in admiration in the story. - The unique scenery of Tokoname further enhances the mysterious atmosphere in the story.

● Movie highlights

The striking cityscape was also used in the trailer and has become an iconic shot of the film.

Walking through a town known for its pottery. Earthen pipe slope, climbing kiln, and Pottery Footpath.

The "Clay Pipe Slope" is lined with clay pipes and shochu bottles covering the walls, and kiln tools called "kesawa" are laid out on the ground. Then there is the "Noborigama" (a nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property), one of the largest climbing kilns in Japan, with its 10 chimneys. This spot offers a glimpse into the rich history of Tokoname pottery, along with a deep sense of history and storytelling.

●Key points of the novel

・"Dokanzaka" (Earthen Pipe Hill) and "Noborigama" (Climbing Kiln) appear in the story as landmarks that symbolize the charm of the "Pottery Footpath." As you walk through the narrow alleys and slopes, past stacks of shochu bottles and earthen pipes, the history of Tokoname and the world of the artwork become intertwined. ・The process of arriving at this landscape itself provides clues to unraveling the past. As you wander through the Tokoname streets of Tokoname, the hidden thoughts and the truth behind the story are gradually unraveled.

● Movie highlights

At the Tokoname Tourist Information Center, you can take commemorative photos with the raccoon dog statue actually used in the filming, and also purchase souvenirs. Electric-assist shared bicycles are also available, making it the perfect base for exploring Tokoname.

Recommended Information

A special gift for the first people to see the movie "Swans and Bats"!

At the Tokoname Tourist Information Center, present proof of having seen the movie "Swan and Bat," such as a movie ticket or e-ticket screen, and receive a free Beckoning Cat) postcard! 🎁 The Tokoname Tourist Information Center also provides information on filming locations within Tokoname City! *One postcard per person / First 300 people only / While supplies last

Another story to discover in the alleyways. (by Touhei Hachi)

If you take a slight detour, you'll come across places that evoke the atmosphere of the artwork, such as raccoon dog sculptures and charming buildings. Enjoy your stroll and find your own favorite spot.

●Key points of the novel

- Removing the cover of the paperback reveals a photograph of a rural town overgrown with weeds. This scene, with pots and clay pipes placed haphazardly, is the vacant lot in front of the workshop and gallery shop "Touhei Hachi". - By placing the paperback over the actual scenery and taking a photograph, you can deeply immerse yourself in the world of the work.

● Movie highlights

- A scene was filmed in which Kazuma and Mirei search for clues.

・We also recommend taking a short trip using a shared bicycle! Just a 5-minute bike ride away is "Tokoname Ceramic Forest," which is full of photo opportunities, including the "Moon Chair" used at the 1970 Osaka World Expo.

・Another 10-minute bike ride away is "Udon no Sankakuan," a long-established restaurant with a 100-year history. *Please note that shared bicycles can only be rented and returned at the "Tokoname Tourist Information Center," so don't forget to return them!

Time flows in the port town. Onizaki area

From a pottery town to a port town, the townscape changes dramatically, and the story takes on a quiet, lingering atmosphere and a sense of tension.

●Key points of the novel

- The small post office that Kazuma and Mirei stopped by near Kamachi Station—the description in the story is reminiscent of the real-life "Tokoname Onizaki Post Office." - As the two continue their inquiries at a house near the fishing port, they finally arrive at a crucial truth. From here, the story rushes towards a whirlwind climax, overwhelming the reader.

● Movie highlights

・Be sure to check out the POP display of Tokoname City's character "Tokotan" on the counter, and the raccoon dog figurines that you can buy at the tourist information center! "Onizaki Nori" is recommended as a souvenir!
[Access] Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kamachi Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname.

- A scene of Kazuma and Mirei conducting an investigation was filmed in the Nishinokuchi area, a short distance away. [Access] Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Nishinokuchi Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname.

Yoshino, a shop specializing in handmade shrimp crackers, has been in business for over 80 years.

A fresh fish and vegetable shop located a 1-minute walk from Nishiroku Shoten Yoshino .

Recommended Information

●The two lead actors were also moved! Check out Nori Onizaki!

In an exclusive interview on CBC TV's "Chant!", the two lead actors mentioned "Onizaki Nori," which the mayor of Tokoname brought to the set in large quantities, as something that impressed them during filming in Tokoname City . You can enjoy a variety of flavors, including the roasted and seasoned nori that the two actors tasted, as well as butter-flavored nori and mentaiko nori. Be sure to check it out as a souvenir of Tokoname to remember your visit to the filming locations!
Onizaki seaweed is sold at the Onizaki Fisheries Cooperative and the Tokoname Tourist Information Center, among other places.

Dusk marks the end of the day's story.

As you walk along the harbor bathed in the setting sun, take some time to reflect on the journey you've taken today and the worldview of the artwork.

● Movie highlights

This striking shot, also featured in the trailer, was filmed at Onizaki Fishing Port (Kamachi). As the two characters are increasingly shaken by their growing internal conflict as they get closer to the truth, why not take some time to reflect on the film's lingering impact as you conclude your journey?
[Access] Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kamachi Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname.

Following the story, to Anjo

Along with Tokoname , Anjo City in Aichi Prefecture was the setting for "The Swan and the Bat." The novel features Shinome-cho and Anjo, and the film was also shot there. After visiting Tokoname, we headed to Anjo, the other setting of the story.