At Benito Jaurez International Airport, a Japanese man has been actually living the role of Tom Hanks’ character in the 2004 movie called “The Terminal.” However, there is no Catherine Zeta-Jones character to provide as the romance interest. In the story, Hanks plays a character Viktor Navorski that comes from the fictional country of Krakozhia. However, the government was overthrown by rebels. As a result, Navorski’s passport is no longer valid.
Overall, Navorski’s trapped at the airport against his will. He cannot go back home to Krakozhia and he cannot leave the airport.
This movie was inspired by the story of Iranian refugee Mehran Karimi Nasseri back in 1988; who ended up living in Terminal One of Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, France.
In the case of Hiroshi Nohara, he appears to be living in Terminal 1 on his own free will. So far, Nohara’s been living at the terminal for at least three months now. However, it does not seem that Nohara is going to leave that terminal.
The Mexican government cannot kick him out of there. They cannot until early March. That is when Nohara’s visa expires. The Japanese embassy has no clue on why Nohara has remained here since September 1.
Even Nohara himself does not know the reasons he had remained behind.
“I don’t understand why I’m here,” Nohara said. He adds: “I don’t have a reason.”
However, he has become somewhat of a celebrity. International passengers making stops at the Benito Jaurez International Airport can get their pictures taken with him. For all of this time, Nohara has been living off of donations from the fast food restaurants and compassionate passengers.
Plus, he has the appearance of a homeless person. Over time, Nohara’s hair has grown out. Also, it looks as if Nohara can definitely use a nice warm shower.
Finally, he jokes that this is a sequel to the Terminal. Perhaps a light bulb over someone’s head will illuminate and that person could possibly make a movie out of Nohara’s experience.
So far, Nohara’s visa does not expire until early March.
Will Nohara remain at Terminal 1 until then?
Another question should be asked: Is there someone willing to take up the role of Jones’ character?