Tokyo is one of the most populous cities on earth, with its population exceeding 37 million. However, it is not only humans that call Tokyo their home. An astonishing variety of wildlife inhabits the city, including a substantial population of wild crows that has been adapting and thriving in the urban environment like few other species.
Tokyo Waka is a documentary film that explores the relationship between humans and nature in Tokyo through the eyes of the crows. The movie is directed by John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson, and the narrator is the Japanese poet and musician, Kae Ishimoto. The documentary is a poetic and philosophical look at the interdependence between urban life and wildness.
The movie begins by showing the amazing adaptation of crows to live in Tokyo. Crows have learned to use man-made objects such as cars and traffic lights to their advantage. They have also developed more sophisticated ways of communication, making their cawing sound language more complex than ever before. Their intelligence and problem-solving skills are quite impressive, and their use of tools is almost unparalleled in the animal kingdom.
The documentary explains that the relationship between crows and humans in Tokyo is complex. While some people see them as pests, others revere them as sacred creatures. Crows are an essential part of Japanese culture and mythology, and they represent both good and evil, life and death.
The film also shows how Tokyo's human population interacts with nature in other ways. We are shown how throughout the city, plants have been cultivated in every available space, on rooftops, and inside buildings. The film highlights how increased urbanization has made green space rare, but within Tokyo, people are working to make their surroundings greener.
The film shows the importance of working together to build an environment in which both humans and animals can thrive. Moments of quiet observation and contemplation lead to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. The film's sound design and immersive cinematography combine with the poetry of the narration to produce a captivating sense of place.
Tokyo Waka is not only a philosophical and poetic movie; it is also a visually stunning piece of cinema. The filmmakers have captured breathtaking shots of Tokyo, including the city's neon-lit streets, urban vistas, and evocative corners that are often overlooked. In addition, the film captures specific footage of wildlife, including the crows in their natural environment, exploring their interactions with the city's infrastructure.
The documentary depicts Tokyo as a living organism, whose thriving wildlife populations suggest that the city is as much a natural habitat as any forest or meadow. The portrayal of Tokyo's wildlife and vegetation, and their relationship with the people of Tokyo, serves as an inspiring reminder of the beauty that can be nurtured in even the most unexpected of places.
Tokyo Waka is a unique and affecting film that prompts its audience to think carefully about the relationship between modern urban life and nature. The film is a testament to collaboration between humans and nature, bridging the gap between the artificial and the organic to present Tokyo as a place where the built and the natural intersect in unexpected and rewarding ways.
The movie's message is clear: there can be harmony between humans and nature. If one takes the time to observe and appreciate the living world around us, the changes necessary for that harmony can be implemented. Tokyo Waka is a must-watch for anyone interested in conservation, philosophy, and the unexpected beauty of the natural world in even the most industrial of environments.
In conclusion, Tokyo Waka is a documentary that will lead its audience on a journey of discovery about the interdependence of humans and the natural world. It is a film that balances a sense of wonder with understated humility, capturing the unique and unexpected beauty to be found in an industrial metropolis.
