The movie “Tomorrow in the Finder”/”Ashita wo Tsuzuru Shashinkan” (明日を綴る写真館) based on the manga of the same name by Risa Aruta, has been decided to be released on June 7th, 2024.
This film, starring the nationally beloved actor Sei Hiraizumi, marks his first leading role at the age of 80 in his 60-year acting career. It’s a story revolving around two people, woven together with Ae! group’s Masaya Sano.
Sei Hiraizumi, portrays Samejima – a photographer, who runs a rundown photo studio, which also connects with his own hobby of photography. On the other hand, Masaya Sano, a member of the highly anticipated Ae! group is expected to shine as an actor. He has been selected for the significant role of Taiichi, a talented young photographer who aspires to become Samejima’s apprentice. This marks Masaya’s first lead role and his third movie, after his brilliant acting as a minor role in “The Midnight Maiden War” (2022) and later with a bigger role in “20-Year-Old Soul” (2022).
Though their ages and perspectives differ significantly, both share the common trait of being unable to be true to themselves. They tirelessly work to alleviate the regrets people carry, face their own selves, influence each other, grow, and eventually create unexpected miracles through their collaboration, despite being 58 years apart.
Story
“Regrets” that everyone carries in their lives. There is still something we can do. Samejima (played by Sei Hiraizumi), a reticent photographer who runs a deserted photo studio. Taiichi (played by Masaya Sano), a talented photographer captivated by his photos, gives up his brilliant career to become his apprentice. Taiichi, who has even avoided communication with his family, cannot hide his surprise at Samejima’s deep involvement with clients, engaging in thoughtful conversations that transcend the typical photographer-subject relationship. While being tossed around by Samejima’s desperate efforts to address people’s troubles and problems, Taiichi begins to realize what he lacks. At the same time, he learns that Samejima and his family also have their own “regrets” that they’ve been avoiding. Taiichi, who is changing, takes a step forward for a future without regrets. Shedding tears at the unexpected miracles that follow.
Risa Aruta, the original work’s author, who visited the filming site as an observer, expressed delight, said, “The gentle voice of Samejima-san when he talks to Taiichi, the expression on Taiichi’s face as he looks at the monitor… Both Sei-san and Sano-san have portrayed the characters just as (or even more than) I had imagined.”
The project was planned, produced, and directed by Jun Akiyama, who also directed the movie “20-Year-Old Soul” (2022), in which both Hiraizumi and Masaya appeared.
The accompanying trailer reveals the meeting between Samejima and Taiichi, as well as the moments of people visiting the photo studio with their “regrets.” Before meeting Samejima, Taiichi, who had been indifferent to others and took photos mechanically, is deeply moved by the photos taken by Samejima, saying, “They make sounds. Samejima-san’s photos.” He then expresses his desire to become Samejima’s apprentice.
As Taiichi encounters Makoto (Koichi Sato), who wishes to have a posthumous photograph taken, and Setsuyo (Miho Kudo), who is spending her days recuperating in hospice care, he begins to touch the lives of those he photographs. As he watches Samejima confront the regrets and remorse of his clients by saying, “Taking pictures of subjects is not the only job of a photographer,” Taiichi’s feelings towards his own “regrets” from the past begin to change.
What are the “regrets” that Taiichi, who sheds tears openly, and Samejima, who shows expressions of remorse, hold? When their lives intersect, a touching finale awaits.
This work, centered around the theme of “regrets” that everyone carries in life, depicts Taiichi’s first step towards a “future without regrets.” A beautifully touching masterpiece is born, leading to unexpected miracles.
“I’m Masaya Sano from Ae! group, and I will be playing the role of Taiichi Igarashi.
Director Akiyama and Nakai-san have previously kindly told me “Let’s definitely work together again!”, and being able to participate in one of their works again, the filming period was filled with joy every day for me.
It’s a warm piece that reminds us of the love woven into our daily lives.
While observering Naru-san and Samejima-san’s backs, I was able to grow alongside Taiichi.
I hope this movie becomes a piece that colors everyone’s tomorrow.”
Comment translation: Oru
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