On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:30 PM, “Yuko Side B, and Hereafter” was screened at Venue 2 of the NTT CRED Hall.

The film stars Michiru SETO as Yuko and Yurei YANAGI as her father. Yuko grows up in a small rural town in a single-parent household. Her father cherishes and raises her with care, but his livelihood as a yakuza—a profession far from "ordinary"—faces challenges as times change and demand for the organization dwindles. This story explores the concept of "normalcy" in Yuko's cheerful daily life.

After the screening, Director Tatsunori SATO and ten cast members, including the yakuza role actor Masato OKI, took the stage for a lively talk show. Each cast member shared memories from the shoot, creating a warm and humorous atmosphere. "During filming, we all stayed in the same inn, so it felt like a retreat. It’s a memorable experience," the cast agreed enthusiastically.

Dir. SATO reflected, "The central theme of the film is, 'What is normal?' But even after making the movie, I don’t have an answer. During the shoot, I encountered many people who were far from 'ordinary.' You don’t have to strive to stand out or be exceptional. Perhaps I wanted to convey the beauty of the gray areas of life, a kind of aesthetic that doesn’t demand clear distinctions between black and white."
When asked why Michiru SETO was chosen for the lead role, the director explained, "I initially planned to hold auditions, but someone from her agency showed me a video of Michiru. I decided to meet her and was impressed by her natural demeanor and excellent acting skills."

Masato Oki concluded with a hopeful message: "The film will begin its theatrical release in Tokyo in February next year and then expand nationwide. I’d love to return to Hiroshima with the cast. If you enjoyed the film, please spread the word!" The event closed with applause, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.