It has been revealed that actors Soma Santoki and Miho Kanno will be co-starring in the film "90 Meters" (directed by Shun Nakagawa). The film tells the story of a single mother with a terminal illness who is struggling to find a brighter future for her son, a high school student at a crossroads in his life.
This semi-autobiographical original project by director Nakagawa, who received high praise for his pitching program at the Busan International Film Festival, follows Yu (Yamatoki), who has been devoted to basketball since elementary school. When he was in his second year of high school, his mother, Misaki (Kanno), fell ill with a serious illness, forcing Yu, who grew up in a single-parent household, to quit basketball and prioritize caring for Misaki. Although they have help from a caregiver, it is not available 24 hours a day, so Yu spends his days caring for Misaki while also doing the housework.
Now in his third year of high school, Yu wants to go to university in Tokyo, but he cannot leave Misaki alone, and the constant sound of the call bell at his fingertips weighs heavily on Yu's mind. As if caring for Misaki would continue for the rest of his life, he was on the verge of giving up on all his dreams and hopes when one day his homeroom teacher suggested that he take the entrance exams on his own recommendation. However, as he saw Misaki losing more and more physical freedom with each passing day, he was unable to confess his desire to move to Tokyo. Wishing for a bright future for her child, Misaki gently tells Yu, "Mom, it'll be okay," but...
Regarding his co-starring with Kanno, Yamatoki confessed that he was deeply impressed, saying, "Kanno, who played the mother, was very cheerful on set, friendly with everyone, and always maintained a friendly distance. Every scene gave me goosebumps, and I was greatly influenced by her posture and expressiveness. Being able to experience that up close was a great asset."
Kanno said, "This was my first time working with Yamatoki, but when I saw his work I felt that his acting was captivating. When I met him I felt that he is someone who can act in a wide range of roles."
The film "90 Meters" will be released on March 27, 2026.
◇Comment from Soma Santoki(role of Yu Fujimura)
The character I played, Fujimura Yu, is an ordinary high school student who is devoted to basketball. It was the same as when I was in high school. One day, a carefree, enjoyable life is suddenly, or gradually, taken away from him. This is where the story begins. The reality is that he has no choice but to suppress what he wants to do and live while keeping his distance from the world. This is something that can happen to anyone, and I think it's a reality that many people actually face. To be honest, I don't know if I fully understand Yu's feelings. However, as I lived as Yu, I felt his inner conflict, his mother's feelings, and the kindness of many people. It became an important source of nourishment that will support me in my future life.
Ms. Kanno, who played the mother, was very cheerful on set, friendly with everyone, and always maintained a friendly distance when interacting with her. Every scene gave me goosebumps, and her posture and expressiveness had a huge impact on me. It was a great asset to be able to experience that up close.
Director Nakagawa was very careful with each and every direction, yet he made us think first and challenge ourselves. When we were unsure, he took the time to address our concerns sincerely. Above all, the director and I really share the same sensibilities. There were many moments when we could communicate without words, and when he told me at the end of filming, "Today was great," I was truly happy.
90 meters is a distance. Is it long or short? Is it far or close? The answer will be different for each person. I hope that you will find the answer by watching this film. Please look forward to the release.
◇ Miho Kanno(role of Misaki Fujimura)
I was deeply moved by the harsh reality that each character faces despite living a brave, healthy life. I understood the frustration of having to think about life as an impressionable teenager who is already struggling with his own issues, and the feelings of a mother who cares for her child.
This was my first time working with Yamatoki-san, but when I saw his work I felt that his acting was captivating. When I met him, I felt that he was someone who could perform a wide range of roles.
Director Nakagawa's sincere, straightforward, and strong passion for film was refreshing, and he was a very reliable director. He patiently waited even when I couldn't grasp the nuances. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks as I watched the film, and it made me realize that life is difficult, but people are kind.
◇Comment from Director Shun Nakagawa
Soma Santoki, who played the main character Fujimura Yu, looks somewhat like me, and there were many times when I felt as if I was looking at myself when I was younger. In fact, Yu and his mother Misaki were modeled after me and my mother, so in that respect Yamatoki was the perfect person to play Yu. Of course, that's not all; his sincere attitude towards the role and his honest, cheerful personality were very helpful as a colleague working on the project.
If I had to describe Miho Kanno, who played Misaki, in one word, it would be "overwhelming." Kanno's acting was so amazing that it's almost intimidating for someone as young as me to talk about it, but not only that, I think she showed us in many ways what a first-class actor should be, such as her way of being on set and how she communicates within the team. I feel that meeting Kanno on this film will have a major impact on my future career as a director.
This is my third commercial work, but it is my first original project that is not based on an original work. Therefore, I think this work will become my calling card from now on, and I think that I am not ashamed to be perceived that way. I would be happy if many people could see it.
