[June 13] World Refugee Day Special Film Screening 'My Home' & After-Talk with Director Akiyo Fujimoto

Certified NPO Refugee Assistance Headquarters (JAR, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will hold a film screening of "My Home" (Boku no Kaeru Basho), a co-production between Japan and Myanmar, and an after-talk event with director Akiyo Fujimoto, who has received high acclaim for his currently released film "Lost Land." This event coincides with "World Refugee Day" on June 20th. ## About the film "My Home" This film is a poignant yet heartwarming story based on the true experiences of a Myanmar family living in Japan. Four family members diligently live their lives in an unfamiliar Japan. However, one day, their daily lives are suddenly torn apart. What will become of them? The film depicts the love of family amidst harsh realities. The cast consists of individuals of Myanmar descent who actually live in Japan. Because it is performed by real siblings, the film achieves an overwhelming sense of realism that can almost be mistaken for a documentary. Furthermore, director Akiyo Fujimoto's latest work, "Lost Land," released on April 24, 2026, which addresses the theme of Rohingya refugees, is currently attracting attention both domestically and internationally. Common to Fujimoto's works is her sincere stance of staying close to people living in the gaps between nations and systems, and building productions together with individuals rooted in the issues. Her gaze, which portrays refugees not as "tragic and pitiful beings" to be kept at a distance, but as dignified human beings, makes the audience physically feel the struggles of those involved and deeply shakes their hearts. ## Background of the event: The connection between Japan and Myanmar, and the reality of not being recognized as "refugees" Myanmar is an indispensable presence when considering the history and current situation of refugee acceptance in Japan. As of the end of 2025, approximately 180,000 people of Myanmar origin live in Japan (8th largest by nationality), and many of them are not unrelated to the unstable situation in Myanmar. Myanmar has long been under military rule, with ongoing clashes with people seeking democratization. A civilian government was established in 2011, but a military coup in 2021 brought the military back to power. Persecution and violence, such as armed suppression of civilians, leading to refugees, have continued, causing many people to lose their lives and be forced to flee abroad. The impact continues to this day. However, the harsh reality is that only a small fraction of asylum applications from Myanmar nationals in Japan are recognized. While they are familiar presences in Japanese society, there is not enough interest in the difficulties behind their situations. The film "My Home" depicts "families" who struggle, love, and live just like us, rather than merely "refugees" in statistics. Through this work and event, JAR hopes to provide an opportunity to consider the current situation of refugees living in Japan and the social issues they face. ## After-talk with director Akiyo Fujimoto Stories behind the film production and the refugee situation in Japan will be discussed. We also plan to inquire about "Lost Land." Through the entrance of film, this will be a time for those who were previously unaware, or who feel doubts or discomfort about news and information surrounding "refugees" and "foreigners," to learn about refugees. ## Event Outline Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 13:30 - 16:00 (Reception starts 13:00) * Film screening (98 minutes), After-talk (35 minutes) Venue: Morc Asagaya (2-12-19 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo) Participation fee: 2,000 yen Capacity: Approximately 60 people (first-come, first-served / reservation required) Organizer: Certified NPO Refugee Assistance Headquarters (JAR) Cooperation: Fujimoto-gumi, Morc Asagaya ▶Details and Application https://www.refugee.or.jp/report/event/2026/04/202606wrd_movie_and_talk/ We kindly request advance announcement and coverage for this matter. ## Established in 1999. Activities are based on the vision of "a society where the dignity and safety of refugees are protected, and they can live together with us." JAR provides support to refugees who have fled to Japan, including asylum procedures, initial living assistance (clothing, food, housing, medical care), employment in companies, and building relationships with local communities. JAR also focuses on policy advocacy and public relations activities. The number of consultation visitors per year is approximately 1,000 people (from about 80 countries), and the number of consultations exceeds 10,000 (FY2024 results). Partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). https://www.refugee.or.jp — Contact for this matter: Certified NPO Refugee Assistance Headquarters, Public Relations Department, Tanaka info@refugee.or.jp tel: 03-5379-6001