From the moment Akiko discovers manga as a child, she dreams of becoming a manga artist. Confident that talent and ambition will carry her forward, she enrolls in an art class expecting an easy path to success. Instead, Akiko finds herself under the watchful eye of Hidaka, an eccentric, bamboo-sword-wielding art instructor devoted to classical painting and unimpressed by manga. Intimidated but challenged, Akiko must learn to trust her own voice and fight for the future she wants. Adapted from Akiko Higashimura’s autobiographical manga, the film is a funny and sharply observed coming-of-age story about mentorship, friendship, and creative awakening. Layered performances and a witty script help balance a reverence for fine art traditions with the exuberance of manga culture.
Kazuaki Seki
Mei Nagano, Yo Oizumi, Ai Mikami
Japan
2025
In Japanese with English subtitles
Coarse language
Open to youth
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Credits
Screenwriter
Date-san, Akiko Higashimura
Editor
Naoki Watanabe
Original Music
Yuki Munakata
Vancouver Japanese Film Festival
Experience the best in contemporary Japanese cinema with films spanning historical jidaigeki and samurai films, contemporary dramas, comedies, literary adaptations, documentaries, children’s films, and art-house fare.