Aruku

On the renowned 88-temple pilgrimage across Shikoku Island, a spiritual journey that has endured for more than 900 years, a filmmaker documents her chance encounters with fellow pilgrims.

Legend has it that Kūkai, the revered Japanese Buddhist monk and founder of the Shikoku pilgrimage, walks alongside every pilgrim, guiding each person according to their individual needs.

The documentary ARUKU, meaning “to walk,” unfolds as a series of encounters along the nearly 1,200-kilometre route. As the pilgrims immerse themselves in the natural landscape, in the presence of the camera, and in quiet introspection, they begin to re-evaluate their lives.

In an interview with Camera Japan, director Shiho Kataoka describes the pilgrimage route as a “microcosm of life.” Allowing herself to be guided by the people she meets during filming, she moves organically from traveller to traveller, from story to story, creating a contemplative portrait of shared humanity.

All images: © 2025 “Aruku”