A Silent Voice Real-Life Locations

“Um… It’s kind of awkward—I’m thinking about dying.” This is the inner monologue of Shoya, the protagonist of 2016’s A Silent Voice (Koe No Katachi, 聲の形). A snippet of dialogue which dutifully represents one of the animated film’s key themes: communication. Adapted from the titular manga series by Yoshitoki Oima, A Silent Voice does not restrict itself to only telling a well-written relationship narrative, rather it brings to the surface taboos that are rarely discussed in animated media, thus provoking needed discussions around self-hate, disability discrimination, and the possibility of redemption. 

With 2026 marking the 10^th anniversary of the film’s release, let us revisit a story that deserves its critical acclaim, and the city which provided the ideal backdrop.

A Silent Voice (Naoko Yamada, 2016)

A Silent Voice’s plot follows Shoya Ishida, a high schooler, as he attempts to atone for the actions he took in middle school. It was during this time that Shoya, then a brash and confident class clown, made a newly transferred deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, a target of ridicule. Being deaf, Shoko was initially met with curiosity by her classmates, though this quickly turned to scorn and distrust, with Shoya jumping on the chance to impress through imperious means. This campaign of taunts eventually leads Shoko to be taken out of the school, though it also culminates with Shoya being marked as the sole perpetrator of the young girl’s abuse, his coconspirators outing him as the fall guy. Shoya is hereafter tarred and feathered by those who once cheered him on, labelled persona non grata well into his high school years. It is at this point that the film starts, with Shoya standing atop the rails of a suspension bridge. 

Having sold most of his possessions, quit his part-time job, and marked the final day off of an ominously-ripped calendar, Shoya intends to take his own life, only to be stopped by the sound of a firework erupting above, a recurring motif. Snapped out of this darkest ideation, Shoya resolves to try and mend the relationships he thought irreparable, primarily by apologizing to Shoko. The film then proceeds to explore these complex relationships, be they friendly, familial, or those of self-attachment. Much like with Kyoto Animation’s mesmerizing art direction, the narrative is not black or white. An act of bullying may be the catalyst for the film’s events, but it is not a film about bullying. A Silent Voice is an exploration of redemption and self-worth, with several of its characters struggling with personal demons that they hope to conquer. The narrative also makes necessary and striking comments on the negative externalities of communal guilt and collective failure. 

Boosted by Kensuke Ushio’s (Chainsaw Man, Dandadan) ethereal soundtrack, Kyoto Animation’s vibrant production, and Naoko Yamada’s character-focused direction, this filmic adaptation of Yoshitoki Oima’s manga series met with critical acclaim upon release. Ten years later, the central themes of regret, self-doubt, forgiveness, and redemption are only ever more applicable in our socially reclusive world that is obsessed with image. It is rare that the animated medium deals with such taboo as shown in A Silent Voice; yet it is through mature direction and powerful writing that these heavy subjects are discussed with a nuance that is not only appreciated, but one that should be commended. 

Ogaki City: Real-Life Locations

Mangaka Yoshitoki Oima drew on a number of subjective experiences when crafting her story. Not only is her mother a sign language interpreter, providing an inspiration for and assistance with creating A Silent Voice, but Oima is also a native of Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, the setting for the plot. As such, many of the film’s most emotional moments were drawn from the streets and parks of Oima’s hometown and transferred onto the canvas. This central city (in fact, the most centrally located city in Japan) was adorned with film posters upon release and the tourist center still proudly displays promotional material. For fans of A Silent Voice, Oima’s illustrative recreations were so truthfully realized that they can indeed be visited within Ogaki City. 

Shin-Ohashi Bridge

The site of Shoko’s misinterpreted confession, Shoya may have believed that the moon looked pretty (a faux pas that does not truly translate in the English-language version), but this bridge and the connecting Suimon River are certainly gorgeous. 

Midori Bridge

Arguably, the central location of the narrative, when accounting for emotional beats and character revelations, Midori Bridge is further seen in most of A Silent Voice’s promotional posters. Located in the Four Seasons Plaza, the sakura that bloom in spring provide a calming ambience, even if diegetic events are emotionally wrought. 

Ogaki Park

Located just west of Ogaki Castle, which is more than worth a visit in its own right, Ogaki Park is where Shoya plays the role of dutiful uncle for Maria, his older sister’s daughter, and later comes to the aid of Shoko’s little sister, Yuzuru. Scenic and serene, it is recommended that visitors take a leisurely stroll here before or after visiting the restored historic castle nearby. 

Four Seasons Plaza

It is here that visitors will find not only the aforementioned Midori Bridge, but other expressive locations such as the thematic Tunnel Falls, where Shoko is frequently seen reflecting. The falls provide not only seclusion but also an enforced silence due to the roar of the cascading water. 

JR Ogaki Station and Ogaki Station Road 

The main commuting hub for the city, JR Ogaki Station provides passage to Gifu. Seen several times in the film, notably when the gang are searching for Sahara, Shoko’s former friend from middle school. The Station Road is a shopping arcade and too is shown several times.

Ibi River and Ibio Bridge

The setting of the opening scene, Shoya is looking over the Ibio Bridge when contemplating his own mortality. The Ibi River runs throughout the area and is the spot for the film’s tension-filled summer hanabi (fireworks display).

Other Locations

There are several other true-to-life locations in and around the Ogaki City area. These include Yoro Falls, where Shoya, Shoko, and Yuzuru take a day trip, Aoyanagi Bridge, a spot for catching a sight of colorful koi, and JR Gifu Station. 

_{Cover image: Official Website}