#Japan #Inari #Shinjuku #Nexter #TOKYO creatist

Introduction

Happy New Year to everyone!
This latest work, titled "Someday... Someday... - Inari of the 100th Year of Showa -" is a continuation of the spin-off to our previous production which premiered on January 1, 2026. This project reflects on the meaning of prayers for bountiful harvests and the messages of resilience passed down through generations who lived through war. As we celebrate the onset of a new year and revisit our cultural roots, we hope to encourage reflection in our audiences.

The year 2026 marks not only the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II but also the centennial of Showa. Despite the ongoing global tensions, the true essence of peace seems a distant dream. However, as we gather with loved ones and enjoy our daily lives, we recognize that this normalcy is built upon the dreams and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Concept of the Work: Why Now for Inari?

Rediscovering Food & Faith

Inari sushi, a beloved dish, connects us to ancient Inari beliefs rooted in the prayer for bountiful harvests. By intertwining these aspects, the drama presents history as something we identify with personally.

A Tribute to Showa 100

The New Year's Day of 2026 is a significant moment as we reflect on the unbroken relay of peace since post-war Japan and depict this through stories of miraculous survivals, particularly through the lens of a grandfather's experiences.

Story Summary

The story follows two sisters, Ikko and Yoko, visiting Kyoto. While the elder, Ikko, is enchanted by picturesque views perfect for social media, Yoko, a University of Tokyo student, quietly narrates the profound history embedded in their surroundings. The conversation turns to their grandfather's miraculous return from the war. Upon their return home, Yoko informs Ikko that the Inari sushi they casually enjoy was made with wishes for prosperous harvests. This revelation prompts Ikko to understand that her daily life is a culmination of someone else's hopes and prayers.

Work Details

• - Title: Someday... Someday... - Inari of the 100th Year of Showa -

Release Date: January 2, 2026, at 22:00
Streaming Platforms: 1. TikTok 2. YouTube 3. Instagram

• - Cast:

Ikko: Mikawa Iko
Yoko: Kusaka Yoko
Former Lover: Momoka
Teruhiko: Kinjyo Yuichi

• - Production Team: Directed and produced by Kato Seiya, with audio and visual contributions from the actors and crew members.

Cast Remarks

• - Mikawa Iko (Ikko): I felt that this role positioned me at the center of the narrative, allowing me to confront emotions and thoughts that I had previously brushed aside, realizing the connections to today and the choices we make.
• - Kusaka Yoko (Yoko): This role invited me to understand the often-unknown perspectives of those who lived through war, reflecting on their motivations while questioning my own choices in similar circumstances.
• - Momoka (Former Lover): Experiencing the unspeakable emotions of the women of the war time through my character deepened my understanding of hope and longing amidst uncertainty.
• - Kinjyo Yuichi (Teruhiko): I approached this role with deep respect for those who made sacrifices for their country, attempting to internalize their experiences while conveying them truthfully to modern audiences.

Production Insights

The production team, known as TOKYO creatist, emphasizes diverse storytelling perspectives, aiming to deliver narratives that resonate across generations. Utilizing minimal resources, we embraced a collaborative method where each cast member not only performed but contributed creatively to the storytelling process. Our objective is to create impactful stories that reflect both historical values and modern sentiments. We see this production as more than just a reflection of the past—it is an invitation to appreciate and cherish the sacrifices made for our present.

Future Endeavors

Following the completion of this project, TOKYO creatist is set to release another series of works later in January 2026, further exploring contemporary narratives based on real experiences and themes.

Closing Remarks

Reflecting on the year of Showa 100, we are reminded of the importance of history, and that it shapes our identity today. As we move forward, we invite everyone to join us on this journey of rediscovery through heartfelt storytelling.