The Iwate Prefectural Government has released "Cafe IHATOV - A Tale about IWATE," an online film starring Ayumi Ito, on an accompanying website sharing Iwate with the world. Showcasing Iwate's products and sightseeing spots, this film is part of its project to promote the sales of specialty goods in Iwate.

Online film "Cafe IHATOV - A Tale about IWATE":

For China: http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/h-taBw2hWoA/

For other countries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mgULJkqehw

A heartwarming story about a father and his daughter, set in Iwate and starring Ayumi Ito:

Summary and background of the film

"Cafe IHATOV - A Tale about IWATE" is an online film about the emotional lives of a father and daughter who can't seem to understand each other. The story is set in the capital city of Morioka, a place that strikes the perfect balance between city and nature.  In the heart of the city lies the district Nataya, which still proudly shows off its history as a feudal castle town. The protagonist Yuka returns to her hometown for the first time in 12 years. It has been a long time since she has spoken with her father Masashi, a lacquerer who has inherited a craft that has been handed down for generations.

Her father told her a lie she could never forgive. Yuka moved to Tokyo, searching for a place where she belonged. She spent her days mired in work, her focus on the path right in front of her. And over time, she began to discover just what it was she wanted out of life. Her dream is almost in reach when she receives a sudden message. Her father has fallen ill.

Back to Iwate, where Yuka was born and raised. Passing by the people who live here, catching a whiff of an Iwate home-cooked meal... Long-forgotten memories of the past rush back to her. Can the broken bond be mended between father and daughter?

IHATOV. A word for homeland. A word for Iwate.

Now that Yuka has learned the truth, will she be able to find her own IHATOV?

Online Film Details

Title: Cafe IHATOV -- A Tale about IWATE

Date of release: Oct. 20, 2015

Director: Kentaro Hagiwara

Cast: Ayumi Ito, Suon Kan and others

"Cafe IHATOV - A Tale about IWATE" will be presented with an accompanying website that showcases the specialty goods of Iwate. Viewers can also find a storyline of the film, cast and film production staff information, and in-depth information on the various products of Iwate, including Nambu ironware, lacquerware, Iwate-Maezawa beef, wanko soba noodles, Nambu senbei crackers, and locally brewed liquor.

Website: "Sharing Iwate with the world: Cafe IHATOV - A Tale about IWATE"

http://www.iwate-cafe.com/