Rome Kanda (“Maniac,” “The Informant!”) and Kuroki Hitomi (“Tokyo Tower,” “Dark Water”) star in “Ohenro,” a Japanese-language drama written and directed by Joshua Woodcock (“One Night in Tokyo”).
Produced by Sean Patrick Burke of 222 Footage and Andrew Cantella of Kitsune Footage – with Tokyo Colors serving because the manufacturing service companion in Japan – the movie additionally stars Banno Mari (“Red Whale, White Snake,” “The Great Haruko”) and Ahn Mika (“Otonanajimi,” “Pray Speak What Has Happened”). Now in post-production, the venture is concentrating on a pageant launch and introduction to worldwide patrons in late 2026.
Set in opposition to the panorama of Japan’s historic Shikoku pilgrimage, the movie facilities on Shinji (Kanda), a grief-stricken alcoholic whose solely companionship comes via conversations with the ghost of his late spouse Haruka (Kuroki). As his daughter Kyoko (Banno) struggles to maintain their fractured house collectively, Shinji drifts additional into delusion, discovering his sole tether to actuality at a bar run by Mari (Ahn). After his self-destructive conduct drives Haruka’s ghost away, father and daughter set out seeking her, confronting grief, reminiscence, and the opportunity of religious reconciliation.
“This story carries profound emotional weight,” Burke stated. “We were honored to collaborate with such an extraordinary cast and creative team in Japan.”
“The Ohenro pilgrimage became the perfect backdrop for the story I wanted to tell,” Woodcock added. “Even after living in Japan for many years, I found myself continually amazed while visiting the locations we featured in the film during preparation. I’m excited to share this story and introduce global audiences to parts of Japan that are rarely seen on screen.”
“I am honored to bring Shinji’s story to life,” Kanda stated.
“There is a growing trend of international co-productions in Japan, but what sets this project apart is its rare balance of cultural specificity and grounded authenticity,” stated govt producer Yuske Fukada.
Further govt producers are Richard D’Amore, Daniel Neff, Braden Neff, Stevin John, Motoko Tabuse, Masao and Mayumi Oka, and Topher Horn. Kanda is repped by Jackson Leisure Administration and Pandium Fusion Expertise Company. Principal images wrapped in Japan in April.
