It has been announced that Avex Management Agency will be launching a short film project, "ACTORS STAND vol.2," as the second installment of a project featuring young actors under its management, with the managers in charge producing the films.
"ACTORS STAND" is a project established as a place for Avex actors to gather, creating opportunities for young actors to gain acting experience and bridging the gap between actors and creators. "ACTORS STAND vol.1" in April 2024 featured the stage production "Mukudomo," directed and written by the renowned "genius" Daisuke Ohno.
For "vol.2," a short film will be produced and screened at events. The first film will star Hama Shogo, who is currently appearing in the NHK morning drama "Bakeke." It will be directed by Kimura Satoshi, known for films such as "Strange Lovers on Another Planet" (2023) and "Yoyogi Johnny's Melancholy Afterschool" (2025). Hama commented, "I love Director Kimura's work, which features addictive characters with a unique, relaxed dialogue, and I've always wanted to work with him, so I'm personally very happy." The film is scheduled to be screened after summer 2026.
The second film will star Arai Keishi, who gained attention for his role as host in last year's Fuji TV drama "School of Love." It will be directed by Uesaka Ryunosuke, whose directorial debut, "Rental Family" (2025), won the Grand Prix at the 23rd Nakanoshima Film Festival and was nominated at the Japanese Film Festival Hamburg in Germany, among other acclaim at film festivals both in Japan and abroad. Arai said, "I'm honored to be working with Director Uesaka on this project, and I'm also encouraged and excited to be part of this new endeavor, where my manager is planning and producing. I'll do my best to deliver a film that will stay in the hearts of those who watch it." The film is scheduled to be screened in winter 2026 or later.
Avex has a number of upcoming projects starring actors who represent the future of the company. Planned participation includes Takaishi Akari, who plays the heroine in "Bakeke," Uesaka Juri, who will co-star in the upcoming morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru," and Ohara Yuno, who appeared in the Netflix film "Kyoujou Reunion." Their respective managers are currently working with creators to develop the projects. In addition to screening events for each film, Avex is also considering releasing multiple short films together in theaters, aiming to continue developing the project.
