My latest collaboration with director Hiroyuki Nishiyama, Blue and White, marks our fourth film together and is continuing to make its mark worldwide. The film has been invited to, nominated at, and awarded by numerous international film festivals. Among these, I’m especially thrilled to share that it won the Foreign Language Short Award at the BAFTA-recognized Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (CBFF) in the UK—an incredible honor.

Here’s a look at some of the festivals where Blue and White has been featured, listed from the most recent to the earliest:

Set in a small Japanese port town, Blue and White follows a stoic salt-maker who, after losing his wife of over 40 years, carries on the craft alone, living quietly with his young granddaughter. Beneath his reserved exterior, his inner thoughts slowly unfold in this intimate portrayal of tradition, love, and resilience.

The lead cast features veteran actor Jun Kunimura, known internationally for his roles in The Boy and the Heron (Hayao Miyazaki), Black Rain (Ridley Scott), Manhunt (John Woo), Midway (Roland Emmerich), and Sunny (Apple TV+). Alongside him is rising star Momoko Fukuchi, whose recent performance in the London stage production of Princess Mononoke has garnered widespread acclaim. Supporting roles are brought to life by the talented Keiko Takeshita and Toshio Kakei.

Blue and White will continue its screenings across various international theaters in the months ahead. If you miss a theatrical screening, stay tuned for an anticipated streaming release.