It has been revealed that "Otoko Tomodachi," a long-selling novel by Naoki Prize-winning author Akane Chihaya, will be made into a film starring Mayu Matsuoka and co-starring Ryo Narita, and will be released on November 6th.
29-year-old illustrator Kanna feels a quiet stagnation in her life, escaping into inertia and fruitless romances. Then, one day, an unexpected phone call leads to a reunion with Haseo, a "male friend" who has always understood her deeply, after seven years. A sweet, bitter, and intense time begins for the two of them. She doesn't think she loves him, yet she doesn't want to lose him—what is this feeling? Three nights spent with Haseo in Kyoto, Toyama, and Hiroshima, who treats her with the same warmth as he did back then, dramatically change Kanna's life.
Just like Kanna and Haseo, who are reunited after seven years, Matsuoka and Narita are also co-starring for the first time in seven years in this film. Yukiko Mishima, director of films such as "Born to Be a Child," is at the helm, and Kaori Sawai, who wrote the drama "The Classroom That Wataru in the Sky," is in charge of the screenplay.
Matsuoka plays Kanna, a 29-year-old illustrator living in Kyoto. While her work and personal life seem to be going well, she has actually lost sight of what she wants to draw and is trapped in a cycle of inertia and fruitless relationships. She is aware of her selfishness and awkwardness in relationships. She met Haseo, played by Narita, in a film club during their university days.
Haseo is Kanna's senior from university and works as an MR (Medical Representative) in Toyama. He has a personality that accepts those who come and lets go of those who leave, especially when it comes to romance. He may seem gruff, but for some reason he has come to understand Kanna deeply since they first met and interacts with her with a unique sense of distance.
Matsuoka commented, "While playing the role of Kanna, I felt that the director had deep trust in both me and Kanna. I received that from his gaze and the way he composed the shots every day, and I felt his warmth. I prayed that those who watch this film will continue to cherish what is important to them."
Narita reflected on the filming, saying, "With the words that Director Mishima gave me several years ago, I have been able to stand on many sets until today. I am very happy to have been able to work with him again this time, and I approached the filming with the desire to repay his gratitude, even just a little, through the role of Haseo."
