Rome Kanda, best known for his roles in ‘Maniac’ and ‘The Informant!,’ and Hitomi Kuroki, famous for ‘Tokyo Tower’ and ‘Dark Water,’ are set to star in ‘Ohenro,’ a new Japanese-language drama written and directed by UK filmmaker Joshua Woodcock. Woodcock, who previously directed the Tokyo-set romantic drama ‘One Night in Tokyo,’ brings his experience in Japanese storytelling to this project. The film is produced by Sean Patrick Burke of 222 Pictures and Andrew Cantella of Kitsune Pictures, with Tokyo Colours serving as the production service partner in Japan.

The drama follows the journey of a young pilgrim traveling Japan’s 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, known as the Ohenro. Kanda plays the pilgrim, a role that contrasts with his earlier work in Western productions. Kuroki, meanwhile, takes on a supporting role as a local resident who crosses paths with the protagonist. The film explores themes of tradition, modern life, and personal transformation along the historic pilgrimage route.

Behind the Scenes: A British Director in Japan

Joshua Woodcock, who grew up in London and studied film at the University of Westminster, has spent years working in Japan’s entertainment industry. After directing ‘One Night in Tokyo’ in 2019, he gained attention for his authentic portrayal of Tokyo life and relationships. ‘Ohenro’ marks his second major project in Japan, this time focusing on the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Woodcock has spoken about his fascination with the Shikoku Pilgrimage, calling it a journey that forces travelers to confront themselves in ways few modern experiences can.

The production team includes Sean Patrick Burke, whose 222 Pictures has worked on international co-productions like ‘The Informant!’ and ‘Maniac.’ Andrew Cantella of Kitsune Pictures brings experience in Japanese indie films, including ‘Kensho: The Eclipse.’ Tokyo Colours, the production service partner, handles logistics, permits, and local casting, ensuring the shoot stays on schedule and within budget.

Cast and Crew: A Blend of Japanese and International Talent

In addition to Rome Kanda and Hitomi Kuroki, the cast includes Banno Mari, known for her roles in ‘The 13 Lords of the Shogun’ and ‘The Great Passage,’ and Ahn Mika, a rising star in Japanese cinema with credits in ‘First Love’ and ‘One Cut of the Dead.’ The crew features Japanese cinematographer Hideo Yamamoto, who has worked on films like ‘Confessions’ and ‘Shin Godzilla,’ bringing a visual style that blends realism with symbolic imagery.

Shooting is scheduled to begin this month across multiple locations in Shikoku, including Koyasan and Matsuyama. The pilgrimage route, stretching over 1,200 kilometers, provides both a physical and metaphorical backdrop for the story. Woodcock has described the challenges of filming on location, from securing permits for temple access to coordinating with local communities who are protective of the pilgrimage’s sacred nature.

The film is one of the few Japanese-language dramas in recent years to be led by a Western director, a rarity that reflects Japan’s growing openness to international filmmakers. Woodcock has emphasized his respect for Japanese storytelling traditions while aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the material. The project has already generated buzz in Japan’s indie film circuit, with early screenings of the script drawing comparisons to classics like ‘The Way’ and ‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring.’

What’s Next for ‘Ohenro’

Post-production will begin after the shoot, with editing and scoring expected to take several months. The film is slated for a 2025 release, potentially premiering at international festivals like the Tokyo International Film Festival or the Busan International Film Festival. If successful, ‘Ohenro’ could open doors for more cross-cultural collaborations in Japanese cinema, proving that stories rooted in tradition can resonate globally.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Variety
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 08:00 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #variety · #movies · #hollywood · #rome-kanda · #kuroki-hitomi · #banno-mari

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

“O cinema japonês ganha um novo olhar com a estreia de Ohenro, drama dirigido pelo britânico Joshua Woodcock e estrelado pela dupla Rome Kanda e Hitomi Kuroki, prometendo uma narrativa que mescla tradição e inovação.” Com produção da 222 Pictures e Kitsune Picture, o filme chega em um momento em que o audiovisual asiático conquista cada vez mais o público brasileiro, especialmente após o sucesso de produções como Parasita e Squid Game. A escolha de um diretor estrangeiro para comandar uma história tipicamente japonesa — que envolve a peregrinação de 88 templos em Shikoku — pode gerar discussões sobre autenticidade e representação cultural, algo que já vem sendo debatido globalmente no cinema contemporâneo.

No Brasil, onde o interesse por produções internacionais cresce graças a plataformas de streaming e festivais de cinema, Ohenro surge como uma oportunidade de explorar não só a cultura japonesa, mas também as nuances da direção de Woodcock, que, apesar de britânico, busca capturar a essência do roteiro com sensibilidade. A presença de Kanda e Kuroki, nomes consolidados no Japão, pode ser um atrativo para os fãs do entretenimento asiático no país, acostumados a consumir dramas e thrillers com tramas profundas e visuais impactantes.

A estreia do filme, ainda sem data definida no Brasil, promete movimentar o cenário cinematográfico nacional, que já vem se abrindo para produções estrangeiras independentes, especialmente aquelas que fogem dos blockbusters hollywoodianos.