On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:45 PM, the screening of “To Mom, with Love” took place at Venue 1 of the NTT CRED Hall. This film marks Ryosuke HASHIGUCHI’s first feature film in nine years since, “Three Stories of Love.” Based on a play of the same name by Peyan Maki’s theater unit, Dir. HASHIGUCHI adapted and directed the film version.

The story follows three sisters: eldest Yayo (Noriko EGUCHI), middle sister Manami (Chika UCHIDA), and youngest Kiyomi (Kotone FURUKAWA). Each struggles with insecurities and frustrations, harboring the thought, “I don’t want a life like my mother’s.” In an act of filial piety, they take their mother on a hot spring trip. However, a sudden incident triggers an outburst of complaints among the sisters. Their emotions unravel through witty, rapid-fire dialogue.

After the screening, Hashiguchi joined the talk show hosted by freelance personality Michita KIMURA.

Dir. HASHIGUCHI expressed deep admiration for the cast, calling it a "dream lineup." He praised Noriko EGUCHI, Chika UCHIDA—who also appeared in the original play—and Kotone FURUKAWA, describing her as “meticulous and flexible in her acting.” He recounted how EGUCHI reassured him when he showed concern about the tight shooting schedule, saying, “It’s fine. We’re a family,” which helped the three actors bond quickly.

The role of Kiyomi’s boyfriend, Takahiro, marked the acting debut of Aoyama Fall KACHI from the comedy trio Nelsons. Dir. HASHIGUCHI applauded Aoyama’s performance, highlighting a long monologue written exclusively for the film to convey Takahiro’s sincerity and warmth. “During rehearsal, he was incredible. I looked over at EGUCHI, and she was in tears,” the director shared.

The film has also been screened at a film festival in Tokyo which is accessible to audiences with visual and auditory impairments. “I watched from the back of the hall, and everyone was laughing out loud. Afterward, I received feedback that they fully enjoyed the film through the dialogue, subtitles, and performances alone. I’m so glad I could make a film like this,” Dir. HASHIGUCHI said. He added with emotion, “Even decades from now, I believe this film can still bring laughter wherever it’s shown.”