AFM 2022: hot projects from Japan

And So I’m At A Loss

Dir. Daisuke Miura

Director Miura adapts his own stage play that centres on a 20-something slacker and recently received its world premiere at Tokyo International Film Festival. Also making the move from stage to screen is the play’s lead actor Taisuke Fujigaya, known as a member of popular boy band Kis-My-Ft2. He plays Yuichi, a young man who works in a failing Tokyo bar and has a girlfriend he takes for granted. Things begin to change when he accidentally meets his estranged father. Miura’s features include Love’s Whirlpool, Someone and Call Boy. And So I’m At A Loss is set for release in Japan on January 13. 
Contact: Rie Hatano, Happinet Phantom Studios 

Downfall

Dir. Naoto Takenaka

This dark drama is an adaptation of Inio Asano’s manga, also known as Reiraku. Takumi Saitoh (Shin Ultraman) plays a formerly successful manga artist who struggles to come up with an idea for his next work and subsequently flounders in relationships with his editor and wife. He connects with a prostitute and they decide to visit her hometown. The cast includes Shuri as the prostitute and Megumi as the wife of the artist. A prolific actor, Takenaka’s credits as a director include Nowhere Man, which also centres on a manga artist and won the Fipresci prize at Venice in 1991. Downfall’s Japanese release is planned for March 17, 2023. 
Contact: Mami Furukawa, Nikkatsu

The Forbidden Play

Dir. Hideo Nakata

J-horror pioneer Nakata, director of Ring and Dark Water, returns with a chiller in which a young woman begins to experience mysterious events. These stem from the death of her colleague’s wife, whose spirit returns to exact terror. The cast has yet to be revealed for the film, which is in post-production and lined up for release in 2023. 
Contact: Daichi Yashiki, Toei / Shiori Takata, Toei

Immersion

Dir. Takashi Shimizu

Horror maestro Shimizu, who topped the US box office with Ju-On: The Grudge, returns with the story of a virtual-reality research team, based on a remote island, that experiences a series of mysterious deaths which appear to be linked to a vengeful ghost. Produced by Toei Company, the film’s cast has yet to be revealed. A summer 2023 release is planned. 
Contact: Daichi Yashiki, Toei / Shiori Takata, Toei

Lion-Girl

Dir. Kurando Mitsutake

Based on a character created by cele­brated manga artist Go Nagai, this superhero adventure is aimed at adult audiences with director Mitsutake’s trademark blend of violence, action and erotica. Set in a future where the planet has been devastated by meteors and people have mutated into predatory beasts, the fate of humanity comes down to superhero yakuza fighter Lion-Girl. The cast of the English-language feature is led by Tori Griffith and Damian Toofeek Raven. The completed feature was made by Toei Video Company and Nagai’s own Dynamic Production. 
Contact: Daichi Yashiki, Toei / Shiori Takata, Toei

#Manhole

Dir. Kazuyoshi Kumakiri

This suspense thriller marks the first feature in five years from director Kumakiri and centres on a successful young man who falls to the bottom of a deep manhole on the eve of his wedding. Desperate to escape, the man uses his smartphone in an attempt to reach police, his friends and social media as time begins to run out before he needs to walk down the aisle. The lead role is played by Yuto Nakajima, star of Isao Yukisada’s 2015 drama Pink And Grey. Kumakiri’s previous features include Sketches Of Kaitan City and My Man, which won festival prizes in 2010 and 2014 respectively. The screenplay comes from Michitaka Okada, who wrote hit features Masquerade Hotel and Masquerade Night. Currently in post-production, the film’s Japan release is set for February 2023. 
Contact: Keiko Yoshida, Gaga Corp

We Make Antiques! Osaka Dreams

Dir. Masaharu Take

Following 2018’s We Make Antiques! and 2020’s We Make Antiques! Kyoto Rendezvous, Kiichi Nakai and Kuranosuke Sasaki reunite in the third instalment. Director Take also returns to helm the comedy drama, which revolves around forgeries, the world of antiques and a priceless tea bowl. Shota Yasuda, a member of Japanese idol group Kanjani8, also joins the cast. Director Take is known for The Gun, 100 Yen Love and The Naked Director. His latest feature is set for release on January 6. 
Contact: Keiko Yoshida, Gaga Corp

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