Author, Producer, and Director: All Waseda Alumni in Their Twenties

The film is based on the novel "The Kirishima Thing," which won the 22nd Subaru Prize for New Writers. Daihachi Yoshida, acclaimed for "Wild Berries," directs this, his first foray into a coming-of-age ensemble drama centered on teenagers. Starring Ryunosuke Kamiki, the cast also features Ai Hashimoto, one of Japan's most talked-about actresses, and a host of fresh talent selected from over 600 auditionees.


The author, Ryo Asai, just graduated from Waseda University this spring. The producer, Yoko Eda, makes her producing debut at the young age of 26. Director Daihachi Yoshida is an alumnus of the legendary film circle "Higurashi." As the film was created by three Waseda graduates, a special screening has been arranged at the Okuma Auditorium. Furthermore, the director and producer will engage in a "teach-in" session, sharing their passion for film with students.


Synopsis

It's a Friday afternoon, and ordinary time flows through the school corridors. News spreads like wildfire: Kirishima, the undisputed star of the volleyball team, has quit. Even she cannot be reached, and without knowing the reason, ripples spread through every club and social circle within the school. The story unfolds by repeatedly showing the same scenes from different timelines and perspectives, progressing even without Kirishima's presence. "Who is Kirishima?" "What kind of person is Kirishima?" The audience, just like the characters, is kept in suspense until the very end, manipulated by Kirishima's absence.



"The Kirishima Thing" Film Premiere Screening & Teach-in

— Waseda University Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies "Film and Audiovisual Studies" Special Lecture —


Date | Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Time | Doors open 16:00 / Screening starts 17:00 (Running time 103 min) / Teach-in after screening 19:00–19:40

Speakers | Director Daihachi Yoshida, Producer Yoko Eda, Professor Kohei Ando

Venue | Waseda University Okuma Auditorium (Capacity: 1100)

Audience | Students, faculty, staff, and general public (No prior registration required; please come directly to the venue on the day)

Admission | Free

Organizers | "The Kirishima Thing" Film Production Committee, Waseda University Center for the Open Education

In cooperation with | Waseda University Cultural Affairs Division, Waseda University Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems

kirishima-movie.com