From South of ASO: Where Warmth Blooms Within

Director: Haruki Anami

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Country: Japan

Synopsis

"May you find a place here in Minami Aso that feels as comforting as a warm bath you could soak in forever." On the southern foot of Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, unique hot springs with various mineral qualities bubble up in different locations. Minami Aso Onsen Village: “Gogaku Gotō” (Five Peaks, Five Springs) This name is a shared phrase among the guardians of the springs, likening the five hot spring areas that emerge in this region to the five mountains that have watched over Aso since the time it was still a lake—a way to embrace them as one unified hot spring village. Come and soak in pure happiness in this beautiful countryside.

Objectives

This film aims to evoke the deep sense of healing and connection found in the hot springs of Minami Aso, where nature, tradition, and community converge. By introducing the concept of “Gogaku Gotō”—the Five Peaks and Five Springs—the film invites viewers to explore not only the physical landscape but also the emotional warmth that flows from the earth and its people. It seeks to promote sustainable, mindful tourism by highlighting the unique character of each spring and the poetic spirit of the region. Ultimately, the film aspires to offer a gentle reminder: that in places shaped by time and cared for by generations, quiet joy still blooms—waiting to be discovered.