“Living in a paradise of blue waters and skies. It’s the touristy image most Japanese have… The locals want to see realism in films about Okinawa” director Yasuhiro Yoshida explains in a recent interview with Jff+. Since December, the streaming platform has uploaded a lineup of free-to-watch titles, including Yoshida’s 2013 feature “Leaving on the 15th Spring”. A gentle, heartfelt drama, the movie brews an unexpectedly nuanced message about growing up, that is both unique and universal.
Leaving on the 15th Spring is streaming as part of Jff+ Independent Cinema
Yuna (Ayaka Miyoshi) is turning 15 soon, a momentous age on her small home island, Minami-Daito. On Minami-Daito, there is no school for children above 14 years-old. As children turn 15, they must all leave to the main island to attend high school. We follow Yuna across her final year, preparing for departure as she juggles teenagehood, budding romance and growing pains.
Leaving on the 15th Spring is streaming as part of Jff+ Independent Cinema
Yuna (Ayaka Miyoshi) is turning 15 soon, a momentous age on her small home island, Minami-Daito. On Minami-Daito, there is no school for children above 14 years-old. As children turn 15, they must all leave to the main island to attend high school. We follow Yuna across her final year, preparing for departure as she juggles teenagehood, budding romance and growing pains.
- 3/1/2023
- by Renee Ng
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese cinema has always been fascinating while handling the family dynamics. Even the most mundane aspects of their relations share deep insights on life and other aspects. Similarly, ‘Our Departures’ directed by Yasuhiro Yoshida weaves an intricate drama based on the sense of connection.
“Our Departures” is screening at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival
Akira is a 20-something naïve woman who has been married with Shunhei for a while. After his unexpected death, she has no other option due to financial problems, but to move to his native town. She decides to stay at his father’s place, where he grew up. As a result, she comes along with her step-son Shunya on the parent’s doorstep. Shunya instantly recognizes his grandfather. He was the driver of the train that brought them there. Later, while having dinner, Shunhei’s mother seems concerned about whether Akira would fit in this environment...
“Our Departures” is screening at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival
Akira is a 20-something naïve woman who has been married with Shunhei for a while. After his unexpected death, she has no other option due to financial problems, but to move to his native town. She decides to stay at his father’s place, where he grew up. As a result, she comes along with her step-son Shunya on the parent’s doorstep. Shunya instantly recognizes his grandfather. He was the driver of the train that brought them there. Later, while having dinner, Shunhei’s mother seems concerned about whether Akira would fit in this environment...
- 6/9/2019
- by Akash Deshpande
- AsianMoviePulse
Fans of Japanese novelist Keigo Higashino are in for a double treat in the next few months, as two more of his books make it to the big screen. Rights to both are being offered for sale by Shochiku at the Tiffcom market this week.
First in cinemas will be “The House Where The Mermaid Sleeps,” a drama about an already estranged couple who torment each other further when their daughter is put on to a new-tech life support system. The film is directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and stars Ryoko Shinohara and Hidetoshi Nisjijima. Its world premiere is on Monday as a gala at the Tokyo International Film Festival. It releases in Japanese theaters on Nov. 16.
The book was written to commemorate Higashino’s 30th year as a novelist. And became an instant bestseller, with 270,000 copies sold in the first month alone. Prolific, Higashino has seen more than 20 of his books adapted as Japanese films,...
First in cinemas will be “The House Where The Mermaid Sleeps,” a drama about an already estranged couple who torment each other further when their daughter is put on to a new-tech life support system. The film is directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and stars Ryoko Shinohara and Hidetoshi Nisjijima. Its world premiere is on Monday as a gala at the Tokyo International Film Festival. It releases in Japanese theaters on Nov. 16.
The book was written to commemorate Higashino’s 30th year as a novelist. And became an instant bestseller, with 270,000 copies sold in the first month alone. Prolific, Higashino has seen more than 20 of his books adapted as Japanese films,...
- 10/23/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Sakura Ando, Yu Aoi, Hikari Mitsushima and Aoi Miyazaki to be feted.
Tokyo International Film Festival is highlighting the work of four Japanese actresses – Sakura Ando, Yu Aoi, Hikari Mitsushima and Aoi Miyazaki – in this year’s Japan Now section.
The highlight, ‘Muses of Japanese Cinema’, is one of the special programmes that the festival is planning to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The four actresses have won acclaim in recent years for the high standard of their work, collaborations with renowned directors and increasing international status.
Ando won multiple awards for 2015 releases 0.5 mm and 100 Yen Love, while Aoi’s credits include Over the Fence (2016) and Japanese Girls Never Die (2016).
Mitsushima gained worldwide attention in Sion Sono’s Love Exposure (2009) and recently starred in Traces Of Sin (2017). Miyazaki’s recent credits include Sang-il Lee’s Rage (2016) and Yasuhiro Yoshida’s Birthday Card (2016).
In addition to screenings of films featuring the selected actresses, Tokyo will host...
Tokyo International Film Festival is highlighting the work of four Japanese actresses – Sakura Ando, Yu Aoi, Hikari Mitsushima and Aoi Miyazaki – in this year’s Japan Now section.
The highlight, ‘Muses of Japanese Cinema’, is one of the special programmes that the festival is planning to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The four actresses have won acclaim in recent years for the high standard of their work, collaborations with renowned directors and increasing international status.
Ando won multiple awards for 2015 releases 0.5 mm and 100 Yen Love, while Aoi’s credits include Over the Fence (2016) and Japanese Girls Never Die (2016).
Mitsushima gained worldwide attention in Sion Sono’s Love Exposure (2009) and recently starred in Traces Of Sin (2017). Miyazaki’s recent credits include Sang-il Lee’s Rage (2016) and Yasuhiro Yoshida’s Birthday Card (2016).
In addition to screenings of films featuring the selected actresses, Tokyo will host...
- 5/18/2017
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
On Wednesday it was announced that 15-year-old model and actress Ayaka Miyoshi will get her first starring role in a movie called Jugo no Haru: Tabidachi no Uta.
Last year Miyoshi was named 7th generation “Natchan”, the image character for Suntory’s “natchan!” drink. This has been considered a pretty important gig ever since it helped boost first-gen Natchan Lena Tanaka from a relatively unknown film actress to a household name in the late 90s.
In addition to the ad work, Miyoshi has been an exclusive model for teen fashion magazine Seventeen and had a small role in Tetsuya Nakashima’s Confessions.
The new film is set on an island 360 kilometers east of Okinawa’s main island called Minami Daito. Because there’s no local high school, Miyoshi’s character has to face leaving her home behind at 15. Shinobu Otake and Kaoru Kobayashi will co-star as her parents.
Yasuhiro Yoshida...
Last year Miyoshi was named 7th generation “Natchan”, the image character for Suntory’s “natchan!” drink. This has been considered a pretty important gig ever since it helped boost first-gen Natchan Lena Tanaka from a relatively unknown film actress to a household name in the late 90s.
In addition to the ad work, Miyoshi has been an exclusive model for teen fashion magazine Seventeen and had a small role in Tetsuya Nakashima’s Confessions.
The new film is set on an island 360 kilometers east of Okinawa’s main island called Minami Daito. Because there’s no local high school, Miyoshi’s character has to face leaving her home behind at 15. Shinobu Otake and Kaoru Kobayashi will co-star as her parents.
Yasuhiro Yoshida...
- 4/26/2012
- Nippon Cinema
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