Hirokazu Kore-eda's New Film 'Sheep in a Box' to Be Released in the First Half of Next Year

Media Castle to Release Four Japanese Films in the First Half of Next Year
Live-action "5 Centimeters per Second," "Unrequited World," and More

'5 Centimeters per Second' Poster

On November 20, film company Media Castle announced that it will release four films in the first half of next year: '5 Centimeters per Second,' 'The Last Song You Left,' 'Sheep in a Box,' and 'Unrequited World.'

This year, Media Castle released titles such as 'The Solitary Gourmet: The Movie,' 'Exit 8,' and 'National Treasure.' For the first half of next year, the company has curated a lineup of Japanese films. '5 Centimeters per Second,' which was invited to the Open Cinema section at the Busan International Film Festival, is a live-action adaptation of the animated film of the same name by director Makoto Shinkai. The story follows the protagonist Takaki from his elementary school days through to adulthood as a working professional. Hokuto Matsumura, who voiced Sota in 'Suzume,' stars in the lead role.

'The Last Song You Left' is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Misaki Ichijo. The production team, including director Takahiro Miki, who worked on 'Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight,' has reunited for this project. Idol actor Shunsuke Michieda and others appear in the cast.

'Sheep in a Box' is the latest work from director Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for 'Our Little Sister,' 'Shoplifters,' and 'Monster.' He was responsible for the original story, direction, screenplay, and editing. Haruka Ayase and Daigo star in the film.

Still cut of Sheep in a Box

'Unrequited World' is a new work by screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto, who won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival for 'Monster.' The film tells the story of three people who have lived together for 12 years in a shabby house on the outskirts of Tokyo, each harboring unrequited love. Director Nobuhiro Doi, who previously collaborated with Sakamoto on 'We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,' directs the film. Suzu Hirose, Hana Sugisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, and Ryusei Yokohama are among the cast members.