PRODUCTION NOTES

A co-production among Japan, France, South Korea, and Hong Kong, "The Young Strangers" features the commercial debut of award-winning director Takuya Uchiyama
Director Takuya Uchiyama, who swept domestic newcomer awards such as the 30th Japan Movie Critics New Director Award and the 25th Shindo Kaneto Award with "Sasaki in My Mind" (2020), has returned with a new film that's attracting worldwide attention.
From its beginning stage of development, this work attracted attention from international distributors and has become a co-production among four countries and regions: Japan, France, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

With a powerful cast and international producers, Director Takuya Uchiyama is set to challenge the international markets
The lead role is played by Hayato Isomura, who has earned trust from filmmakers and international acclaim for "Plan 75” (2022). He portrays the protagonist, Ayato, who struggles with his father's debts and the care of his mother, who has a serious illness. Amid the heavy burdens of family issues and his own life, Ayato tries to grasp a modest happiness. Playing Ayato's girlfriend, Hinata, who devotedly supports his family, is Yukino Kishii from "Small, Slow But Steady" (2022). Shota Sometani, from “HIMIZU” (2013) and “First Love” (2020), plays Ayato's best friend, and Reika Kirishima from "Drive My Car" (2021) plays Ayato's mother.