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Exploring Rice Farming through Cinema: Junichi Yasuda's Vision

As the price of rice impacts Japanese households, more light must be cast on the crucial farming practices behind the nation's staple food. Scheduled for revival starting August 22, three films by acclaimed director Junichi Yasuda, including "Samurai Time Slipper," "Rice," and "Gun and Sunny-Side Up," offer profound insights into this struggle.

Amongst these, "Rice" stands out as a human drama that intimately portrays the everyday challenges surrounding rice cultivation. Yasuda, who himself has devoted four years to capturing these realities, vividly portrays the hidden hardships faced by rice farmers in Japan. The film features breathtaking depictions of rice paddies and the laborious dedication of those working the land.

In a recent press conference at the FCCJ (Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan), Yasuda expressed his deep concerns about the current state of rice farming in Japan, saying, "Japanese rice farmers have been at the mercy of national policies for far too long. The situation cannot improve through farmers' efforts alone; without intervention, Japanese farmers will struggle to survive. As depicted in my film, the average annual income of a rice farmer is merely ¥10,000. Even as a farmer of 1.5 hectares, I face losses every year. This reflects the dire reality of those who sustain Japan's staple food. Yet, fueled by the conviction that we must continue our ancestors' legacy, we fight daily to ensure the future of Japanese rice."

"Rice" is not just a film; it acts as a valuable documentary revealing urgent challenges within Japan's agriculture sector. Yasuda's candid reflections exemplify the importance of sharing these narratives with audiences, fostering awareness and empathy toward the plight of local farmers.

Film Overview

• - Title: Rice
• - Director/Screenwriter/Cinematographer: Junichi Yasuda
• - Starring: Yuno Sakura
• - Genre: Human drama
• - Release Year: 2017
• - DVD Release: August 22, 2025

To celebrate the impending Blu-ray release, the first 300 individuals who pre-order will receive a handcrafted 300g pack of Yasuda's freshly cultivated rice through Amazon starting August 22. Additionally, movie-goers who catch all three films at the theaters will receive a complimentary original badge while supplies last. Check with the theater for details!

Revival Schedule

• - MORC Asagaya - August 22 - August 28 (Director Yasuda and Yuno Sakura will attend on the 23rd)
• - Yokohama Cinema Jack & Betty - August 23 - August 29 (Director and lead actress event on the 23rd)
• - Kineka Omori - August 29 - September 4 (Event scheduled for the 29th)

Yasuda's films serve not only as a rich narrative experience but also as a catalyst for discussions surrounding agricultural policy and sustainable practices. Join us in experiencing these narratives at theaters nationwide, where art meets essential truth.

For inquiries:
Benten Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-4360-5491