Movie Haha to Kuraseba to be released nationwide on December 12, 2015

The movie Haha to Kuraseba (Nagasaki: Memories of My Son), which Sumitomo Corporation helped produce, will be released nationwide on December 12, 2015. The movie is about a man (played by Kazunari Ninomiya) killed in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, who appears before his mother (played by Sayuri Yoshinaga) as a ghost three years later to engage in heart-to-heart communication. Highlighting their time together, the story exudes both warmth and a tinge of sorrow. Produced in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the foundation of Shochiku Co., Ltd., Haha to Kuraseba is the 83rd film directed by Yoji Yamada, and his very first fantasy film.

The story of Haha to Kuraseba was written by Yamada as the Nagasaki version of Chichi to Kuraseba, a play created by late writer Hisashi Inoue. The play is set in Hiroshima, and depicts a war-deceased father appearing before his daughter. Inoue's strong desire to create a Nagasaki version of his play prompted Yamada to follow his unachieved wish.

The premiere on November 22 was attended by Yoji Yamada, along with six cast members including Sayuri Yoshinaga, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Haru Kuroki. Kazunari Ninomiya, who took on the challenge of playing the difficult role of a ghost, shared his thoughts on Yamada's direction and memories of the shooting process, saying, "The distinct atmosphere that prevailed during shooting made me nervous, but Sayuri Yoshinaga and Yoji Yamada were warm and patient, for which I was most grateful." Sayuri Yoshinaga added, "Kazunari Ninomiya instantly understood the director's instructions and acted exactly as requested. He seemed like a fairy to me, although he is a man."

Another movie directed by Yoji Yamada, Kazoku wa Tsurai yo (What a Wonderful Family!) will be released on March 12, 2016. We hope you will enjoy his upcoming series of movies.