#Japan #Niigata #SSFF & ASIA #Shokubo #KOKAJIYA

Bud International's Short Film Recognition

Bud International has made waves in the film industry with its short film, Shokubo Hitohito, being nominated as a finalist for the prestigious tourism film award BRANDED SHORTS 2026, part of the Short Short Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA). This festival is recognized by the Academy Awards and is one of the largest international short film festivals in Asia.

About Shokubo Hitohito

The film, which encompasses various creative aspects including planning, directing, scripting, filming, editing, and design, serves as a homage to the beauty of life expressed through food. The title, Shokubo Hitohito, blends two concepts—preserving the fading culture of food for future generations and emphasizing individual connections rather than collective anonymity. The English title reflects the duality of 'Seizing' the moment of life in hunting and 'Weaving' connections among people.

Filmed in the historical KOKAJIYA restaurant located in Iwamuro Onsen, Niigata City, the documentary captures the essence of local culture, featuring chef Makinosuke Kumakura, who is also a hunter, as he forges connections between food and local communities. The film articulates not just the aesthetics of cooking but also highlights Niigata’s pristine air and authentic sounds, promising a warm embrace of its culture and hospitality.

This short film is available for viewing on KOKAJIYA’s official YouTube channel, allowing a broader audience to engage with Niigata's rich food traditions.

The Project Team's Perspective

During a previous shoot, the team felt a captivating charm at KOKAJIYA restaurant. Chef Kumakura's dedication to reviving this ancient farmhouse since 13 years ago intrigued the filmmakers, sparking their curiosity about how he conveys the true essence of food. The journey to explore this started with a deep conversation with the chef and local residents, enabling the team to authentically capture the unique ambiance and natural sounds of Niigata.

The essence of their approach was not just to convey the narrative but to present it in a way that resonates with the viewer’s individual perception. Creating a comfortable 'space' for viewers allows each person to engage with the film and its themes on their terms.

Cast and Crew

• - Starring: Makinosuke Kumakura, Taeko Kumakura, Tetsuya Maruyama, Fumiko Maruyama, Shun Kosakai, Tenta Hashimoto.
• - Directed and Edited by: Daisuke Matsu, Bud International.
• - Cinematography by: Toshiyuki Togashi, Yukihiro Takahashi.
• - Design by: Shinichi Yokosuka.
• - Produced by: Bud International.

Recognition of BRANDED SHORTS 2026

The BRANDED SHORTS segment was launched in 2016 under the SSFF & ASIA umbrella. With plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, the program has evolved to invite a diverse range of visual expressions. This year, they will introduce a special feature entitled Taste the Story, focusing on food narratives to gather submissions from both individuals and corporations.

For more details, visit BRANDED SHORTS official website.

About Bud International

Established in 1992, Bud International has spent over 30 years creating promotional content specializing in the travel and tourism sector. Today, they not only focus on creative services but also delve into NFC-based digital business cards, character creation, and various multimedia contents.

With a strong emphasis on storytelling through visuals, and a commitment to enhancing branding for companies, Bud International continues to innovate and redefine the creative landscape. For further information, explore Bud International's services.