On Thursday, November 23rd, at 2:45 p.m., the screening of "hikikomori" took place at Yokogawa Cinema.

This documentary film revolves around individuals who have experienced periods of hikikomori (severe social isolation), looking back on the “standstill” periods in their lives. Following the screening, a talk show was held featuring Director Naomi Island, Cinematographer TATSUTOMI Kohei, and the couple who participated as the main subjects in the film, Tatsuo and Tae. They discussed the film production journey and shared thoughts on the topic of hikikomori.

The talk show began with a question asking for their impression on the flower offering ceremony which was conducted before the opening ceremony. Dir. Naomi Island shared a surprising anecdote she learned this morning, that the first date of Tatsuo and Tae took place at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

The Director also shared her experience during her previous career as an announcer. She had participated in the Hiroshima Film Festival, had an interview with Director Nobuhiko Obayashi, a notable filmmaker representing Hiroshima. She recalled his heartfelt words, “You must not turn your back to the memorial monument.”

Now she works as a film director, meeting survivors whom she interviewed before and having them see what she made. “I feel peace and what I am currently doing has some connection,” the Director said.

Tae remarked regarding her thoughts when walking on the red carpet at the opening ceremony and explained how she was nervous walking among so many people. She said, “I walked thinking 'That I used to be in social withdrawal doesn't mean I’m an honorable person,'” which brought laughter from the audience.

Director Island responded to the question about the motivations behind making the film, that she wanted to listen to the real, unheard voices without any preconceptions. The staggering number of approximately 1.46 million hikikomori individuals might seem to be immense at first glance, but she believes each person has their own unique circumstances.

Who created the term 'hikikomori'? How was the number estimated? When various questions arose, she wished to share the intentions of the two, who granted her permission for interviews. That was the point where the filmmaking started.

Tatsuo expressed what he thought after receiving the offer, "I initially felt a sense of anxiety, wondering if it was out of mere curiosity. However, I gradually found that the filmmakers were putting themselves in our shoes. That made me feel reassured and that’s why I continued participating in the filming for a year."

He also revealed, "Scenes shot at my previous workplace triggered flashbacks, making it tough, but I also believed we could make it with these members," hinting at the visible bond of trust among the Director, Cinematographer, Tae and himself.

The talk show closed after taking photos, welcoming Tae's mentor and the director's colleagues onto the stage. The talk show was filled with a warm atmosphere of the guests and concluded amidst heartfelt applause.

This film is scheduled for a free screening on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Hiroshima City Comprehensive Welfare Center. For inquiries about the screening or requests for screenings, please reach out to the official Instagram account (@hikikomori_rireki).