Assistant Director
On the surface, 22-year-old Horigai seems to be drifting through life. Having managed to secure a decent job as a child welfare officer, but not attaching much value to anything in life, she whiles away her boring days between classes and her apartment before she graduates. However, her indifferent exterior hides various tangled emotions, including her apprehensions about becoming a social worker and the fact that she’s still a virgin. When she meets Inogi, Horigai’s life gains a sort of anchorage as the women develop an unlikely bond. Yet tragic developments with one of Horigai’s friends, as well as revelations about Inogi’s dark past, threaten to unbalance their new-found peace, bringing unexpected sadness to the surface.
Director
One day after school, the serious Ito and the child-like Nishi meet by chance, as each endeavors to remain walking on the sidewalk's white line. As time goes by, Ito recognizes he is drawn to Nishi in a way that is new to him. Nishi, for his part, is frustrated that they only get to meet on the sidewalk. Ito decides to act upon his feelings and kisses a surprised Nishi, who agrees they need to walk side by side for a change. The sparks between them are undeniable as their relationship blossoms in high school, survives the college years, and matures into adulthood. A deeply moving work that bears witness to loving partners, whose unchanging feelings must co-exist within a world of changing realities.
Director
Three years after Tozai Ikusa (mahjong tournament), Hiroyuki Igawa receives a letter that Shigeru Akagi’s funeral ceremony will be held. Hiroyuki Igawa attends the funeral, but he is surprised when Shigeru Akagi appears at his own funeral ceremony. Shigeru Akagi states that he is ready to die in a few hours. He then faces the people, including Takashi Ten, whom he played at Tozai Ikusa.
Director
The university student Sota falls in love with a girl at the library at first sight. However, she was born deaf. Determined not to give up, Sota starts learning sign language and they fall in love. Will they be able to overcome the fact that they live in different worlds?