Trivia

This film is set in Hokkaido which is an Ireland sized island north of mainland Japan. Haokkaido is not as densely populated as other parts of Japan and has had a good network of decent roads built. These roads are mostly traffic jam free. It is a popular place to visit for a driving holiday.

While talking about his times with his wife, the ex-con Yusaka mentions that he hopes to put Koi-nobori carp flags up the pole beside their house. These traditional Japanese flags are flown in early May to celebrate the health of children. Yusaka notices them flying when they stop to listen to some people performing music.

Won the first-ever Japanese Academy Award for Best Picture, in 1978.

Ken Takakura was famous for his role as tough guy. He is somewhat a John Wayne mixed with Clint Eastwood kind of actor.

Tetsuya Takeda (Kinya) was not really driving the car in this movie. He did have a provisional license but he was bad at driving so close ups were shot with the car on a trailer and in long distant shots a film staff drove instead.