The movie “Undercurrent,” directed by Rikiya Imaizumi and starring Yoko Maki, is an adaptation of the popular manga by Tetsuya Toyoda.

The popular manga “Undercurrent” by Tetsuya Toyoda is finally being adapted into a movie. It was the only full-length manga created by Tetsuya Toyoda and was serialized in Kodansha’s monthly magazine “Afternoon” for one year, starting in August 2004. The collected volume was published in October 2005. The manga received high praise from critics and word of mouth, with comments such as “feels like watching a single movie” and “makes you want to read it over and over again.” It became a legendary work with a cult following. Furthermore, “Undercurrent” gained popularity overseas, especially in France. In 2020, it was ranked 3rd in “The 100 Must-Read Manga after 2000” announced by French media, alongside world-renowned manga titles. This long-awaited movie adaptation of “Undercurrent” will present a heart-wrenching human drama that teaches the value of understanding others. Starring in the film is Yoko Maki, who takes on the role of Kanai. It marks her first leading role in five years since the movie “Yakiniku Dragon.” Yoko Maki has garnered attention and acclaim with numerous hit films, including winning the Best Leading Actress Award at the Japan Academy Awards for “Sayonara Keikoku” and the Best Supporting Actress Award for “Like Father, Like Son.” The film’s synopsis: Kanai leads a prosperous life, managing a public bathhouse with her husband, Satoru. However, one day, Satoru suddenly goes missing without a trace. Overwhelmed with worry, Kanai decides to reopen the temporarily closed bathhouse. A mysterious man named Hori appears, seeking employment, and due to a misunderstanding, ends up living and working there. From that day on, Kanai’s peculiar cohabitation with Hori begins. Together with the dubious detective Yamazaki, introduced to her by a friend, Kanai embarks on a limited-time search for Satoru, trying to restore the peaceful days she once had. However, a certain incident sets in motion a series of events that gradually bring to the surface the deep emotions and secrets (undercurrents) hidden within Hori, Satoru, and Kanai. [Movie Details] Title: “Undercurrent” Release Date: October 6, 2023 (Friday) Cast: Yoko Maki, Arata Iura, Lily Franky, Eita Nagayama, Noriko Eguchi, Kumi Nakamura, Sou Yamanaka, Rio Uchida Director: Rikiya Imaizumi Screenplay: Kaori Sawai, Rikiya Imaizumi Original Work: Tetsuya Toyoda’s “Undercurrent” (Serialized in Kodansha’s “Afternoon KC”) Produced by: Joker Films, Asahi Shimbun Planning & Production: Joker Films Distribution: KADOKAWA