Nanami Ebisawa, Actor, Producer, and Director, Takes a New Step: Announces Dual Short Film Project Starring Asahi Nanami in 'HEY,BOY!' and Kimura Bun in 'Miso no Tsubo' Right After Completing Feature Film 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami' in January

Overview

This project is a dual short film production initiative.

One is the story of a boy who impulsively leaps into the world.

The other is the story of a man who has long stood still, reconnecting with the world once again.

Through these contrasting lives, the project explores the question: "How should a person live?"

〈Teaser Video〉

youtube.com/watch?si=U-fSURgTfjnr2dvz&v=YZqxI67RBW4&feature=youtu.be

Details

Film 'HEY,BOY!'

Kaito is a boy living in violence and silence. His suppressed emotions explode, leading him into conflict with the world.

Key features of this work: "Action over words," "The violence of youth," "Conflict with society."

Film 'Miso no Tsubo'

Yosuke is a man who lives by compromising with life. Holding onto his past and losses, he quietly spends his days.

The story depicts his encounter with a man who has "stopped moving."

Key features of this work: "Dialogue-driven drama," "Human vulnerability," "Small-scale rebirth."

Production Background

After starring in and producing the film 'Not a Joke,'

Then directing, writing, and producing the feature film 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami' (currently in post-production),

In this project, Nanami Ebisawa collaborates with fellow creators she has met through her previous works.

By having actors actively participate from the planning stage, the project aims to further energize the independent film scene. The completed works are planned for joint screenings in special programs and submissions to international film festivals.

Cast and Crew Information

[Asahi Nanami]

Lead actor in 'HEY,BOY!'

[Kimura Bun]

Lead actor in 'Miso no Tsubo'

[Nanami Ebisawa]

Director, Producer, Screenwriter

[Yamamoto Tesu]

Screenwriter

Comments

Asahi Nanami, playing Kaito Miyamoto

Lead actor in 'HEY,BOY!' – Asahi Nanami

I'm Asahi Nanami, portraying Kaito Miyamoto.

Personally, I've always wanted to play a young adult role. I repeatedly asked my manager, re-prepared materials, and sent them in with no expectations—predictably, I failed the document screening.

That's why being cast in a youth role this time, and especially being able to join a project directed by Nanami Ebisawa, fills me with joy and excitement.

The first time I watched 'Not a Joke' on the big screen, a deep heat stirred within me. From that day, pretending to stay calm while swaying on the train home, until I met Director Ebisawa through 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami,' I spent an intense and inspiring January 2026, challenging and growing alongside a warm, passionate team.

Now, being entrusted with a lead role in this short film, I feel deeply honored and motivated.

I'm excited to see how this journey unfolds, and I sincerely hope many people will watch it. Thank you for your support.

● Asahi Nanami

Born January 22, 1999, from Niigata Prefecture.

Major works include MBS drama 'When My Yakuza Boss Fell in Love,' MX drama 'How to Read Romantic Ruby,' Netflix reality series 'Offline Love,' film 'Nemurubaka,' and many others.

Kimura Bun, playing Yosuke Ueda

Lead actor in 'Miso no Tsubo' – Kimura Bun

Hello everyone, I'm Kimura Bun.

I first met Nanami Ebisawa ten years ago at a workshop.

We met as actors, became senior and junior, went through various experiences, and gradually became like friends or siblings.

Before we knew it, we had spent almost our entire acting careers challenging and growing together.

Nanami Ebisawa, who knows me better than anyone, and I are now about to collaborate again—this time as director and lead actor.

I'm truly looking forward to this creative session.

We'll probably argue a lot to make a great film.

The director won't back down, and neither will I.

Creating a film with someone who knows everything about me—what will it become? I'm excited, and I hope you'll look forward to it too.

I believe only with Director Ebisawa can I reveal expressions and performances never seen before.

Thank you for your support.

● Kimura Bun

Born in 1994, from Mie Prefecture.

Appeared in Japan-U.S. co-production 'TOKYO VICE (HBO Max),' film 'Fictional,' Netflix Korea's 'GOOD NEWS,' NHK drama 'Chimudai Dondon,' and many others.

In 2026, he made his Hollywood debut in the film 'Rental Family,' playing Kotaro, a young employee at Rental Family Inc. alongside protagonist Brendan Fraser.

He has appeared in numerous international co-productions.

Director, Producer, Screenwriter – Nanami Ebisawa

Director and Screenwriter of 'HEY,BOY!' – Nanami Ebisawa

This is Nanami Ebisawa.

This time, I will be directing two films.

The trigger was completing my feature film 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami' in January this year.

Having poured my all into it, I briefly fell into a state of lost motivation, unable to focus on anything for a while.

During that time, I listened to hip-hop nonstop.

Rappers continuously release songs, collaborate, produce albums, and host live shows, all while building their culture. Their dedication was truly admirable—and at the same time, frustrating. That's when my vision became clear.

By challenging two new works simultaneously upon completing 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami' and delivering them to the world at once, I believe I can create unprecedented entertainment. With that conviction, I launched this project.

The lead in 'HEY,BOY!' is Asahi Nanami.

The lead in 'Miso no Tsubo' is Kimura Bun.

Both are actors I deeply trust and who radiate the most energy right now. I truly believe this project will bring out sides of them no one has ever seen.

Right now, I'm creating something original, burning hot and on the verge of eruption.

I will give it my all. Thank you for your support.

● Nanami Ebisawa

Born in 1992, from Chiba Prefecture.

In 2024, her film 'Not a Joke,' which she produced and starred in (directed by Kusaka Tamaki), was nominated for TAMA NEW WAVE's 'A Certain Perspective' category and won the 15th Japan Visual Grand Prix Screenplay Award, released at Theatre Shinjuku.

Major film appearances include 'The Road Home in Blue' (18, directed by Fujii Michihito), 'The Fable' (19, directed by Eguchi Kan), and 'Silent Love' (24, directed by Uchida Eiji).

Screenwriter – Yamamoto Tesu

Screenwriter of 'Miso no Tsubo' – Yamamoto Tesu

I'm Yamamoto Tesu, in charge of the screenplay for 'Miso no Tsubo'.

In Director Ebisawa's previous work 'Quasi-Human 4.5 Tatami,' I made a small appearance as an actor.

After filming ended, we had a lively wrap-up party. At some point, only a few people, including Director Ebisawa, remained in the four-and-a-half tatami room.

The room, once filled with people and buzzing with energy, was now cooling down from the night air seeping through the sliding doors and kitchen, slowly returning to the winter reality.

Until the first train arrived, sipping on someone's leftover drink, I desperately wanted to prolong that night and said something like, "Let's do something together again." But now, looking back, I think in my heart I was saying "