Sakura Ando
Biography: With parents in the show business perhaps it is not surprising that Sakura Ando would become an actress and, moreover, also end up marrying an actor. She was born to actor/director Okuda Eiji and celebrity Kazu Ando on 18.02.1986. Her great grandfather was prime minister Tsuyoshi. Her older sister is director Ando Momoko. She saw her father on stage at age five and decided to become an actress while in second grade. She was often ill as a child. Her disease made her dizzy, lose her balance and more throughout her childhood. Her brain would shut down. She would opt for her mother's maiden surname for her professional career. Sono Sion picked her for his film Love Exposure and gave her a major start on the big screen. She won an award as the Best Supporting Actress for her work in it at the 31st Yokohama Film Festival. Earlier her father cast her in his film Kaze No Sotogawa ('Outside The Wind') alongside her mother and sister. She has since appeared in multiple movies and serials and won several more awards. She married actor Emoto Tasuku in 2012. She had met him on a train in 2008 and had obtained her father's permission to date and marry. She was a boxer in 100 Yen Love, which was fortunate since she had practiced boxing when she was fourteen-years-old. She gave birth to her first child, a girl, in 2017. She won the award for Best Actress at the 42nd Japan Academy Prize for her work on 2018's Shoplifters. By then she was considered one of several top young actresses in Japan next to Yu Aoi, Miyazaki Aoi and perhaps Aso Kumiko. Interestingly, she had earlier decided to retire and focus on raising her child. She is a graduate of Gakushuin Women's College.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: February 18, 1986
Deathday: N/A
Popularity:
Known For
Love Exposure
2009-01-31
Love Exposure
Overview: The story of a teenage boy named Yu, who falls for Yoko, a girl he runs into while working as an "up-skirt" photographer in an offshoot of the porn industry. His attempts to woo her are complicated by a spot of cross-dressing – which convinces Yoko that she is lesbian – dalliances with kung-fu and crime, and a constant struggle with the guilt that's a legacy of his Catholic upbringing.
Genres: Action Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-01-31
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Oh, My Buddha!
2009-08-15
Oh, My Buddha!
Overview: Based on the semibiographical novel by Jun Miura, Oh My Buddha is the classic summer coming-of-age story that is burned to a crisp with teenage angst, youthful dreams and that warm sense of folk zeitgeist of the 70s. The narrator is a first-year student at an all-boys Buddhist school. Jaded by his dull, ordinary life, he longs for the type of creative, liberal and forward life his idol Bob Dylan leads, writing rock songs alone in his room, imitating his hero's signature croon, until one day he got invited on an island trip of sexual liberation with his fellow liberal friend.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-08-15
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Ain't No Tomorrows
2008-11-22
Ain't No Tomorrows
Overview: 17 year-old Hiruma is desperate to get laid and takes out his sexual urges on Anpai, a fat boy who has "boobs." His classmate Tomono, a sickly loner, is in a serious relationship with their married teacher.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2008-11-22
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Bad Lands
2023-09-29
Bad Lands
Overview: A grifter and her loose-cannon brother get their hands on a massive amount of money, but their ill-gotten gains puts a huge target on their back.
Genres: Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-09-29
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孤独のグルメ2019大晦日スペシャル 緊急指令！ 成田～福岡～釜山 弾丸出張編！
2019-12-31
孤独のグルメ2019大晦日スペシャル 緊急指令！ 成田～福岡～釜山 弾丸出張編！
Overview:
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2019-12-31
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A Crowd of Three
2010-06-12
A Crowd of Three
Overview: A Crowd of Three tells the story of two men, Kenta & Jun, who grew up as almost brothers at a children's facility. Kenta & Jun now works as part of a demolition crew but become fed up with their jobs. The friends then decide to take a road trip up north to visit Kenta's brother at the Abashiri prison.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-06-12
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Our Homeland
2012-07-01
Our Homeland
Overview: From the late 1950s through the '70s, more than 90,000 of the ethnic Koreans in Japan emigrated to North Korea, a country that promised them affluence, justice, and an end to discrimination. KAZOKU NO KUNI tells the story of one of their number, who returns for just a short period. For the first time in 25 years, Sonho is reunited with his family in Tokyo after being allowed to undergo an operation there. Sonho’s younger sister Rie is at the centre of the film, and is not hard to recognise as the director’s alter-ego. In her documentaries DEAR PYONGYANG and SONA, THE OTHER MYSELF, Yang Yonghi told the story of her own life, and how, at age six, she experienced the departure of her three older brothers, who left their family for Pyongyang.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2012-07-01
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For Love's Sake
2012-06-16
For Love's Sake
Overview: Troubled high school student Makoto arrives in Tokyo to exact revenge from a past incident. He then falls in love at first sight with Ai, a daughter raised in a wholesome family. Around Makoto and Ai are Iwashimizu, who has feelings for Ai and Gamuko, a gang member who eyes Makoto.
Genres: Drama Romance Music Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2012-06-16
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We're Millennials. Got a Problem? International
2023-10-13
We're Millennials. Got a Problem? International
Overview: Three men, born in 1987, are from the yutori generation (relaxed generation) and they continue their attempts at finding love, friendship, and success. Masakazu Sakama stopped working for a large company and took over his family business. But, his family business is not doing well. Kazutoyo Yamaji is a sweet and sincere man. He works as an elementary school teacher, but he doesn't have experience in romantic relationships. For 11 years, Maribu Michigami took the college entrance exam for the university he wanted to attend. He finally made it and attended the school. After graduation, Maribu Michigami launched his own business in China, but that failed. He now supports himself working part-time jobs.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-10-13
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The Samurai That Night
2012-11-17
The Samurai That Night
Overview: Five years after a hit-and-run accident kills his wife, a distraught metalworker comes face to face with the man behind the steering wheel.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2012-11-17
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Torso
2009-11-13
Torso
Overview: Hiroko is a young, alienated woman "in love" with a blow-up male torso. Tension rises when her sister discovers her secret desire.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-11-13
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The Imaginary
2023-12-15
The Imaginary
Overview: Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger go on thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger finds himself alone, he faces a mysterious threat.
Genres: Animation Adventure Drama Family Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-12-15
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Yellow Elephant
2013-02-02
Yellow Elephant
Overview: Married couple Aiko Tsumari and Ayumu Muko live a happy and peaceful life. Aiko is bit naive, while Ayumu works as a not so popular novelist. One day, a letter arrives for Ayumu. Because of this letter, the couple become estranged...
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-02-02
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Petal Dance
2013-04-19
Petal Dance
Overview: Long-time friends Jinko and Motoko hear that their college friend Miki has jumped into the ocean. They are joined by Haraki, who Jinko happens to meet, and head by car on a journey to see Miki.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-04-19
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Godzilla Minus One
2023-11-03
Godzilla Minus One
Overview: In postwar Japan, Godzilla brings new devastation to an already scorched landscape. With no military intervention or government help in sight, the survivors must join together in the face of despair and fight back against an unrelenting horror.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-11-03
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8000 Miles 2: Girls Rapper
2010-06-26
8000 Miles 2: Girls Rapper
Overview: With Saitama no rappa 2 (AKA 8000 Miles 2 – Girls Rapper), Yu Irie tells the story of amateur girl rappers who dream of a small big-time. The film opens with Saitama 1 B-boys, Ikku and Tom coming to town. They run into young Ayoma (Maho Yamada), inspiring her to gather her girlfriends and work up their rap routine.
Genres: Drama Crime Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-06-26
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Homeland
2014-03-01
Homeland
Overview: Jiro Sawada is a sophomore in high school when a false accusation drives him out his hometown: a small village in Fukushima Prefecture. The entire village is abandoned after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, but Jiro returns there to live. Before long, members of his family come and join him.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-03-01
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0.5 mm
2014-11-08
0.5 mm
Overview: Sawa, a home helper for a middle class family with an elderly infirm grandfather, is forced to stretch her morals to keep her job. As a result, she finds herself broke and out on the street. She survives her first night by striking up an ambiguous friendship with a kindly old man, gaining access to a portion of the immense wealth held by Japan's aging population. She continues with similar encounters, and while these begin as scams or revenge on rampant sexism, they ultimately become vulnerable intergenerational exchanges.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-11-08
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Climbing to Spring
2014-06-14
Climbing to Spring
Overview: Toru grew up in alpine countryside around Mount Tate. As a child, he resented the yearly trek up the mountain with his father to prepare their mountain hut for the summer season of climbers. When Toru grows up, he leaves his hometown and enters the working world as a stock trader. One day, Toru receives word that his father has passed away. He returns to Mount Tate once again, and becomes conscious of a new calling. But, does Toru have what it takes to follow in his father footsteps?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-06-14
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Sweet Little Lies
2010-03-13
Sweet Little Lies
Overview: A husband and wife, who have not had sex in three years, both fall into extra-marital affairs.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-03-13
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Case of Kyoko, Case of Shuichi
2013-08-24
Case of Kyoko, Case of Shuichi
Overview: Kyoko (Sakura Ando) works as an insurance agent. Due to a series of unfortunate events, she brings shame to her family and has to leave her hometown. Shuichi (Tasuku Emoto) killed his drunken father to save his mother. After he is released from prison, he begins to work at a small factory in Tokyo.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-08-24
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A Long Walk
2006-04-01
A Long Walk
Overview: A lonely retired girl's High School Principal who's lost his wife to alcoholism moves to an old apartment in a country town. There he forms a relationship with a neglected little neighborhood girl.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2006-04-01
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100 Yen Love
2014-11-15
100 Yen Love
Overview: Slacker Ichiko gets into a fight with her younger sister and begins to live on her own, working the late shift at a 100 yen shop. On her way home, she passes a gym and meets boxer Kano who trains there in silence...
Genres: Drama Comedy Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-11-15
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Korosuna
2022-01-28
Korosuna
Overview: Kotani Zenzaemon, a ronin who has a side job making brushes in a tenement house in the back alley, is watching Omine, who lives with him, from Kichizo, a resident of the same tenement house and a boatman. is asked to Kichizo and Mine have eloped and got married, but she feels empty in her boring daily life, and she wants to take a break by crossing the bridge over the river. On the other hand, Kichizo forbids him from crossing the bridge, fearing that his whereabouts will be known to others. Zenzaemon superimposes the appearance of these two people on the appearance of his former self and his wife, whom he killed himself.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2022-01-28
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Penance
2013-05-29
Penance
Overview: The murder of a young girl leaves the inhabitants of a small Japanese village in shock. The body of Emili is found by four classmates with whom she was playing. The murder is never solved. Emili's mother, Asako, is torn by grief and puts a curse on the four girls when they claim not to remember the killer's face. Each of the girls, in their own way, will do penance for their silence.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-05-29
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Asleep
2015-04-25
Asleep
Overview: Terako is a young woman without a job. She has an affair with Iwanaga who is married. His wife is in a coma. One day, Terako's friend kills herself. After that, Terako sleeps all day long and wakes up only when Iwanaga calls her.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2015-04-25
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The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio
2009-10-10
The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio
Overview: Set in the early 1990's, after The Persian Gulf War began, a 30 year old man passes himself off as Captain Kuhio a pilot for an American Special Unit. He also boasts that he is the offspring of Kamehameha I and a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth of England. In actuality, the man is a marriage swindler looking for his next big score.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-10-10
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Her Granddaughter
2015-02-14
Her Granddaughter
Overview: Tsugumi Dozono works at a large electronics company in Tokyo. She likes to spend long vacations at her grandmother’s house in the countryside. When her grandmother dies, Tsugumi Dozono decides to live in the house full-time, and to work from there as well. However, one day she encounters a middle-aged man in the house, who tells Tsugumi that her grandmother gave him a key to the annex house when he was her student. The two share the property, although Tsugumi still does not know the exact relationship that her grandmother had with this man.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2015-02-14
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Out of the Wind
2007-12-22
Out of the Wind
Overview: High school student Mariko sings in the choir at the all-girls school she attends, and her biggest dream right now is to go to a music college. One day on her way home from school, she accidentally drops her bookbag into the sea. A man jumps into the water and recovers the bag for her, but all of her score sheets have been ruined. From that day on, Mariko’s new acquaintance becomes her bodyguard, walking her home everyday. But for some reason, he refuses to tell her his name.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2007-12-22
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Monster
2023-06-02
Monster
Overview: When a young boy begins behaving strangely, shocking truths emerge as the story unfolds through the eyes of his single mother, a teacher who is believed to be responsible, and the child himself.
Genres: Mystery Thriller Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-06-02
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We'll Keep Walking, That's All
2009-11-15
We'll Keep Walking, That's All
Overview: A young woman named Miyuki returns to her hometown, camera in hand, after a difficult breakup. As she walks and takes photographs, she meets a variety of people and begins to realize she doesn’t have to go through this painful time in her life all alone.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-11-15
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Crime or Punishment?!?
2009-02-28
Crime or Punishment?!?
Overview: Riko Narumi plays an unpopular idol who in an attempt to boost her faltering career becomes police chief for a day. During the day a robbery occurs at a convenience store and instead of letting a real police chief deal with the robbery she decides to take the matter into her own hands.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-02-28
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Seed
2016-02-17
Seed
Overview: Naomi Kawase describes Sakura Ando, the lead character in her film, as "a mysterious creature" who is "like a fairy. SEED is the story of the journey this girl takes from the enchanted nature of Nara to the chaos of Tokyo, and the encounters she has along the way. A boy offers her the gift of an apple, which she in turn gives to a homeless man, who proffers a soft piece of chiffon fabric in return. Moving like a tree that sways in the wind, the girl embodies a spirit that secretly runs through places and living things. The eleventh film commissioned by Miu Miu Women's Tales was directed by the multiple Cannes award-winning Japanese director Naomi Kawase.
Genres: Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-02-17
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Sound of Waves
2016-10-30
Sound of Waves
Overview: Umi’s hearing is so sensitive that even notes played slightly out-of-tune give her a headache. Violinist Yuko arrives from Tokyo to play a concert on Umi’s small island near Okinawa, and gradually befriends the girl. Both struggle with friendships and family relationships, but are brought together by music.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-10-30
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Dias Police: Dirty Yellow Boys
2016-09-03
Dias Police: Dirty Yellow Boys
Overview: About 150,000 illegal entrants live in Tokyo. They are not recognised as refugees and live in poor conditions. To protect themselves, the illegals create a secret organisation. The organisation has a bank which Japanese Financial Services Agency is not involved with, a hospital that is not authorized by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and an illegals police force called "Dias Police." The only police officer in the organisation is Saki Kubozuka (Shota Matsuda). His age and nationality is unknown. Saki Kubozuka does not speak much, but he has a warm heart and strong sense of justice. He takes care of the weak and tries to maintain public order.
Genres: Crime Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-09-03
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Reminiscence
2017-05-06
Reminiscence
Overview: A detective in Toyama is forced to confront his painful past when he takes on a murder case involving his two estranged childhood friends.
Genres: Mystery Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-05-06
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Tornado Girl
2017-09-16
Tornado Girl
Overview: Koroki is a 35-year old man who admires Japanese singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda and aspires to live like him. He works as an editor at the lifestyle magazine "Mare," where he meets Akari Amami, a mischievous fashion press writer, and falls in love with her at first sight.
Genres: Romance Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-09-16
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Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura
2017-12-09
Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura
Overview: Set in an alternate universe, the ancient capital of Kamakura is a vibrant town where fantastical creatures live alongside humans. Akiko is a cheerful publishing assistant who moves into town after marrying Masakazu, a popular mystery writer. Akiko is surprised by the unusual town but enjoys the new curiosities surrounding her. However, just as she was beginning to settle in, a trifling incident sweeps her spirit to the underworld too soon. Convinced that destiny has something else in store for his wife, Masakazu journeys into the underworld to bring back Akiko’s spirit.
Genres: Mystery Drama Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-12-09
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Shoplifters
2018-06-02
Shoplifters
Overview: After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
Genres: Drama Crime Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2018-06-02
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Teto
2010-11-16
Teto
Overview: Teto is a secret agent trainee. Hatoko is a high school student who lives on venting her anger in a combined combative sport gym. On the day Hatoko saw Teto, she runs into cat's suicides. While she experiences a fighting awakening, Teto's superior orders Teto a final examination of infiltrating into a theatrical company, which is composed by orphanage members. Every night, they repeat rehearsing a folktale "Foxed Eyes Torakichi", that modeled legendary outlaw. In a muxture of stage play and costume drama, Teto and the leader build up weird similar figures.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-11-16
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The Stork Nest
2013-11-25
The Stork Nest
Overview: A small clinic in Kumamoto Prefecture begins accepting anonymous drop-offs of unwanted newborn babies at a residential building. The name of the controversial new program is "Stork Nest."
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-11-25
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Make the Last Wish
2009-01-09
Make the Last Wish
Overview: Koike Minami returns from USA to Japan to accomplish her deceased twin sister's wish to win a competition and sing with Avril Lavigne on the stage in a concert in Tokyo.
Genres: Mystery Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-01-09
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All to the Sea
2010-01-23
All to the Sea
Overview: Natsuki, a sales clerk of a bookstore, and Koji. a high school student. Seemingly nothing in common, they have one thing they can share: books.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-01-23
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The Great Yokai War: Guardians
2021-07-01
The Great Yokai War: Guardians
Overview: Kei Watanabe is a fifth grade elementary school student. He has inherited the hunter's blood to hunt yōkai. To save the world from being destroyed, Kei Watanabe challenges a war against the yōkai.
Genres: Fantasy Family Adventure Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2021-07-01
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Ryuukou Kanbou
2021-04-10
Ryuukou Kanbou
Overview: The novelist Shiga Naoya lives with his wife Haruko and their 4-year-old daughter Saeko. He is paranoid about Saeko’s health, making her wear heavy clothes even in summer in order to prevent her from catching a cold. Their child before Saeko died due to an epidemic, and he believes thorough enforcement is a natural consequence. In 1918, the Spanish flu reaches Japan. As the number of infected people grows, Shiga starts to suspect their servant Ishi might have gone to watch a travelling entertainment troupe’s performance which drew a great number of villagers. It is something Ishi is likely to do. But when Shiga questions her, she says that she did not go. However, she makes him have misgivings on a regular basis and he decides to take this opportunity to make her quit. An uproar ensues. Shiga feels that he has become a tyrant and refrains from kicking her out but he loses all reason and faith in humanity amid the pandemic…
Genres: TV Movie Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2021-04-10
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Radio
2013-03-26
Radio
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-03-26
Popularity:
Once upon a time... "Shoplifters"
2021-05-19
Once upon a time... "Shoplifters"
Overview:
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2021-05-19
Popularity:
A Man
2022-11-18
A Man
Overview: Akira works as a lawyer. One day, he meets with his former client Rie, who asks Akira to perform a background check on her late husband Daisuke.
Genres: Drama Thriller Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2022-11-18
Popularity: