‘Noto Democracy' and the slow work of civic change

Japan Times

13 hours ago

In one of the final scenes of the documentary 'Noto Democracy,' director and journalist Yukio Iokibe looks Koki Yoshimura, the mayor of Ishikawa Prefecture's Anamizu, directly in the eyes.
Iokibe had just confronted the mayor about the celebratory money Yoshimura gifted a newly elected council member — a clear violation of the Public Offices Election Act, but a tradition quietly passed down among local politicians.
'As a local journalist, I trust and believe you will change these customs for the better,' he tells Yoshimura, who shifts in his seat but nods. The exchange is sharp but laced with hope.
'I struggled over whether to include that scene because I wanted to avoid criticizing for the sake of criticism,' says Iokibe during a post-screening talk on June 28 at Nagano Aioiza, a three-screen cinema in Nagano. 'Ultimately, I decided to as an indication of my optimism for Anamizu's future and my commitment to continue reporting on the town.'
Iokibe, who is touring nationwide with the film, is previously known for 'Haribote' (2020), which exposed corruption in the Toyama City Council and forced many council members to resign. He discovered Anamizu by chance, after a participant in a previous film encouraged him to investigate the town's politics. Iokibe says that while he was shocked by the structural problems of Anamizu's local government, the personal relationships he developed inspired a more hopeful film this time around.
Many rural areas in Japan are entering what experts call 'the final stages of population decline,' with hollowed out, aging communities. Anamizu, with fewer than 7,000 citizens, is one such town that struggles with low civic participation and political corruption. Lack of engagement and oversight has led to nearly uncontested elections and a plan for a 'multigenerational exchange center' project backed by a social welfare corporation chaired by Yoshimura. The center is currently being built on land owned by Nobuo Ishikawa, the former mayor.
Iokibe's film centers on Motoyuki Takii, a former junior high school teacher who has published a handwritten newspaper every month since 2007. 'Politics should be a tool for shining light on unspoken voices,' Takii wrote in 2020, criticizing local leaders and calling for residents to engage civically.
Through Iokibe's lens, it's clear Takii holds a warm, trusted presence in Anamizu, serving as a crucial source of individual advocacy. The film's portrayal of his engagement in local politics and heartfelt communication with residents suggests that democracy is protected not only through systems but also through human connection.
Despite the issues the town faces, the film captures a glimmer of positive change amid disaster. When the Noto earthquake of 2024 strikes, Anamizu is left with demolished homes and displaced citizens. Yet, Yoshimura is shown listening to citizens' concerns at evacuation sites and actively participating in brainstorming sessions with residents at the town council, where they discuss future projects such as disaster prevention and infrastructure renovation.
Iokibe, however, remains realistic.
'As of now, I can't assert that Anamizu has truly changed,' he says. 'But seeing Takii's tedious yet meaningful work inspire others, and the fact that Anamizu officials remained willing to speak with a journalist like me made me hope for a better future.'
As Japan grapples with severe population decline, many communities face — or will soon face — the structural issues that Anamizu struggles with in the film.
'Our small town in Nagano is also heading toward a smaller and more aged population,' says Mayuko Aoki, a Nagano resident who attended Iokibe's screening. 'The humanity of the characters in the film touched me, and I couldn't help but re-evaluate how I can protect my own community.'
Iokibe notes that such reactions have given meaning to screening the film nationwide.
'Through speaking to audiences, I've reaffirmed that this isn't a story particular to Anamizu,' he says. 'I can't tell every community's story, but I can illustrate the specific stories of my community in detail to offer a starting point for conversation and reflection.'
'Noto Democracy' is currently screening at select theaters nationwide. For more information, visit notodemocracy.jp