Japanese Drama 'Fujiko' Lands International Sales Deal Ahead of Festival Circuit

SC Films International has acquired worldwide sales rights for "Fujiko," the second feature from Japanese director Kimura Taichi and produced by Megumi, the producer behind Netflix's "Badly in Love." The film will world premiere at Italy's Udine Far East Film Festival before opening theatrically in Japan on June 5, 2026.

"Fujiko" centers on a single mother's pursuit of personal freedom in Shizuoka during the 1970s and 1980s, drawing from Kimura's own family history. The ensemble cast includes Katayama Yuki, Lily Franky, You, Ogata Issey, Kishimoto Kayoko, and Ujiki Tsuyoshi, with the screenplay written by Gajin Shota and Kuniyoshi Saki.

SC Films' Fumie Suzuki Lancaster negotiated the deal and will serve as executive producer alongside SC Films co-founder Simon Crowe. The film was edited by Miyake Aika, known for her work on the FX series "Shogun."

Kimura, who relocated to the U.K. at age 12 to study filmmaking, has directed music videos for Coldplay and Chase & Status and commercials for Adidas and Uniqlo. His debut feature "Afterglows" won the best director prize at the 2023 Barcelona Asian Film Festival. The "Fujiko" soundtrack features contributions from King Gnu member Tsuneta Daiki and Popal Daoud Akira of Kikagaku Moyo.

Suzuki Lancaster said the film "holds a special place in my heart as it is set in my hometown" and noted that "women's strength and resilience transcend borders." SC Films will present "Fujiko" as part of its Cannes Film Market slate, with a German premiere scheduled as the opening film of Nippon Connection before the Japan theatrical release.

Context

Megumi's production company has built momentum on streaming platforms. "Badly in Love" set viewership records on Netflix, establishing Megumi as a significant player in international content production. The partnership with SC Films reflects growing investment in Japanese cinema for global audiences, particularly as festivals and markets increasingly prioritize Asian storytelling.

Director Kimura's trajectory from music video and commercial work to feature filmmaking mirrors a broader trend among international directors who transition between disciplines. His debut feature's recognition at Barcelona in 2023 positioned him within a cohort of emerging Japanese filmmakers gaining international attention.

CONTEXT: SC Films' Cannes slate also includes the family animation "Girl in the Clouds" and Mike Wiluan's Indonesian action horror title "Melati," indicating the distributor's focus on Asian content for international markets.

What's Next

"Fujiko" will face a compressed festival-to-theatrical timeline, premiering in Italy in April before its German festival debut and Japan release on June 5. This schedule positions the film to generate international buzz ahead of its commercial distribution, a strategy that could influence how SC Films markets the title to overseas territories.

The film's emphasis on female resilience and family history may appeal to both festival programmers and streaming platforms seeking character-driven international dramas. Cannes Film Market exposure in May will be critical for establishing distribution deals in key territories before the Japan theatrical launch.