Japan
Shara is about a family living in a (beautifully shot) Japanese town, which is a bit devoid of the modern culture we'd expect from Japan. The people live in a traditional way, and prepare for the annual Shara-festival.
I'd like to add that while this is not what most people expect of Japan, a huge portion of Japan looks just like the town in this movie. It is not exceptionally traditional or devoid of modern, Japanese culture. It is a very typical Japanese town.
I've lived in Shizuoka, Shimizu, Kyoto, Tendryu, Tokyo, and have temporarily stayed in many other parts throughout Japan and most of Japan looks just like this: narrow streets with houses filled with gardens and winding roads and hills with a lot of old buildings and traditional-looking houses. A lot of people celebrate traditional festivals just like the annual Shara festival in this movie.
I just wanted to add that most of Japan is like this, and the film is more about typical Japanese people and a typical Japanese town rather than one that is out of the ordinary. The idea that the majority of Japan looks very up-to-date like Tokyo with tall skyscrapers and neon lights is a myth.
By the way, I love this film. It's the most touching films I've ever seen. The acting is superb and real in a way that Hollywood can never be. share