The Japan Society is delighted to offer a small group of members a unique opportunity to join director Akihiro Toda for a conversation over cream tea ahead of the screening of his film Ichiko (2023) at the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme in London. This exclusive event offers a chance to explore significant themes in contemporary Japan and gain insights into the making of the film.

Adapted from his highly acclaimed stage play, Ichiko is a thought-provoking and deeply emotional exploration of pressing social issues, including poverty, domestic abuse, and the systemic flaws in Japan’s family registration system. The film was screened at the 28th Busan International Film Festival and the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. Hana Sugisaki, the lead actress, won the Best Actress Award at both the 47th Japan Academy Prize and the 78th Mainichi Film Awards. Yuri Nakamura received the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 37th Takasaki Film Festival. The film has also won several awards at both domestic and international festivals.

Akihiro Toda, born in 1983 in Nara Prefecture, is a film director, screenwriter, and stage director. He is the CEO of Cheese Film Co., Ltd. and the founder of Cheese Theatre. Toda made his theatrical debut in 2014 with Neko ni Mikan (Tangerines on a Cat). He is best known for writing and directing the award-winning play Kawabe Ichiko no Tame ni, which won the 2015 Sun Mall Studio Best Script Award.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.

Booking Details
Booking essential
Members of The Japan Society and their family and friends: £20
Non-members: £25
*The price includes the ticket for the film screening at ICA (5.45pm - film duration 126 min) although each attendee is responsible for their transportation to the screening venue.

Booking Deadline: Noon Thursday 13 February 2025

Please note that spaces are limited and so early booking is recommended.