English
Japanese director Ishikawa Hiroshi is returning to cinema after a 13-year absence. His new film, the blue we touch (original Japanese title: Awo no Jo), is currently in post-production and will open in Japan in 2027. Distributor Bitters End announced the project ahead of TIFFCOM, the market event connected to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
A Story of Quiet Feelings and Reconnection
The film is an ensemble drama built around two pairs of characters. It explores the difficult-to-define emotions that flow between people, particularly former friends. Nao leads the cast as Mitsu, a 29-year-old contract web designer who wants a permanent job and work that genuinely reaches an audience. She grows close to Fujino, played by Nakajima Ayumu, who works in HR at her company. Over time, she begins to open up about frustrations she has long kept to herself.
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Meanwhile, Karata Erika plays Ayane, who works night shifts while studying to become a public prosecutor. She meets Tomoki, an art student struggling with figure drawing, played by Aoki Yuzu. Ayane agrees to sit for him as a model. The arrangement helps Tomoki break through in his work. At the same time, it leads Ayane back to memories she holds dear.
Nakano Arisa also appears in the film as Nozomi, a classmate of Tomoki’s who watches his transformation at close range. Nakano made her screen debut in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days.
Ishikawa Hiroshi’s Career and Filmmaking Style
Ishikawa handled writing, directing and editing on the new film. He first built a reputation directing commercials before moving into features. His debut film, Tokyo.sora, arrived in 2002. Su-ki-da. followed in 2006 and earned him the best director award at the New Montreal FilmFest. His third feature, Petal Dance, came out in 2013. His films are widely recognized for their precise use of color and their sensitivity to the atmosphere of everyday life.
The cast brings together a strong group of established performers. Nao previously appeared in The Last 10 Years and Sensei’s Pious Lie. Karata Erika’s credits include Asako I & II, Desert of Namibia and Netflix’s The Queen of Villains. Nakajima Ayumu has appeared in TBS’ Until the T-Shirt Dries, Happyend and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. Aoki Yuzu’s past work includes 5 Centimeters per Second, Blue Lock and Minamata.
Bitters End Expands Its International Reach
Bitters End has operated for more than three decades as a leading Japanese distributor. The company has released films in Japan by directors including Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Bong Joon-ho, the Dardenne brothers, Jia Zhangke, Roy Andersson and Gianfranco Rosi. Recent releases include Below the Clouds, Young Mothers and The Odyssey.
On the production side, Bitters End’s credits include the Oscar-winning Drive My Car and the Locarno Golden Leopard recipient Two Seasons, Two Strangers. This year, All of a Sudden competed at Cannes, won a prize there and serves as Japan’s Oscar submission for international feature. In addition, All the Lovers in the Night earned a spot in the Un Certain Regard lineup.
The company is also growing its international sales operation. Most recently, In My Father’s Room competed at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where it won both the Fipresci Prize and the Ateneo Guipuzcoano Award. The return of Ishikawa Hiroshi to feature filmmaking, backed by Bitters End, adds further momentum to the company’s expanding global profile.
