[Unreleased in Japan / 19 Awards in 9 Countries Worldwide] Film 'The Voice Calling Me / TOKYO STRANGE TALE' to be Released on April 11, 2026, at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa; Official Trailer and Cast Interview Videos Released
An independent film highly acclaimed at international film festivals is finally set for domestic release in Japan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (18h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 07:09 (377h 30m after Collected)
OTOGURO WORKS (Representative: Shisei Otoguro) announces that the film 'The Voice Calling Me / TOKYO STRANGE TALE' (Director/Screenwriter: Koichi Ueno) will be released from April 11, 2026, at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa's "Indies Film Show."
Despite being a completely independent (self-produced) film, it has been acclaimed at international film festivals even before its release in Japan, having been screened at approximately 50 film festivals and winning 19 awards in 9 countries worldwide.
It received the Audience Award at the 20th ÉCU – THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL held in Paris, France.
It was also selected as the closing film at the Portland Horror Film Festival in the USA, and won Best Supporting Actor and Best Production Design awards at the Bridges International Film Festival in Greece.
This film will be screened at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa's "Indies Film Show."
Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa's "Indies Film Show" is known as a screening slot that has produced hits for independent films, such as 'One Cut of the Dead!' (Director: Shinichiro Ueda) and 'Samurai Time Slipper' (Director: Junichi Yasuda).
Furthermore, prior to its release, the film is generating significant attention even before its public debut, following these developments:
・Large digital signage deployment and pop-up event at Shibuya Modi (March 23-29, 2026)
・Store and digital signage deployment through corporate collaboration with Yamahiro Co., Ltd.
・Shisei Otoguro's live guest appearance on Radio Nippon's "SWEET!!" (March 31, 2026)
In addition to the decision to screen at the "Indies Film Show," these initiatives have led to considerable attention for the film even before its release.
About Post-Screening Stage Greetings
In conjunction with the film's release, post-screening stage greetings by the cast will be held.
These are planned for multiple dates, including the opening day, providing an opportunity to directly convey the film's appeal.
【Scheduled Dates】
April 11 (Sat) [Opening Day]
April 13 (Mon)
April 15 (Wed)
April 18 (Sat)
April 20 (Mon)
April 22 (Wed)
*All scheduled to be held after the screening
*Attending cast members will vary by session
*The content of stage greetings may change
*Additional sessions may be added in the future
Official Trailer
Cast Interview Videos
【Takashi Okabe】Film 'The Voice Calling Me' Special Interview - Part 1 【Harumi Shuhama】
【Takashi Okabe】Film 'The Voice Calling Me' Special Interview - Part 2 【Harumi Shuhama】
*The latter part of this interview will be released soon
*Special interview videos featuring Noboru Kaneko × Risa Shigematsu will also be released sequentially
Domestic and International Comments
Scott Hillier (ÉCU Founder / Jury President)
"A strange journey where you have no idea where it's going!!
It's simply wonderful, interesting, and a fantastic experience."
⸻
Fabien Marquès (Executive Producer of Amazon Prime Video's 'Spides')
"Oh! Tokyo strange tale! I love soooo much your film!
The originality of the work is superb, and the acting was truly wonderful."
⸻
Alain Arrivé (Film Critic / Film Educator)
"The innovation in the film's structure and narrative is wonderful.
It's not just horror or suspense; it's an 'evolution of cinematic language'."
⸻
Ryuichi Honda (Film Director)
"I thought, 'Oh, nice!' with the elaborate editing and artwork,
but any slight worry that it wouldn't last until the end proved unfounded.
A gripping story! Action! Horror! And sorrow...
It was thoroughly entertaining and interesting until the very end!!"
⸻
Mika Yasuda (Freelance Announcer / Talent / Actress)
"I watched it thinking it was a 'horror film,' but it was a coming-of-age film.
That's why it's passionate and scary.
...So, I guess it is a horror film after all."
⸻
Koji Yamamoto (Actor / Film Director)
"To Otoguro. First, for taking action.
Whether it was impulse, passion, impatience, or something else,
you saw it through.
That's how you got this far.
Dazzling! Congratulations on the film's release!!"
⸻
Nobuhiro Yamashita (Film Director)
"Ghost? So it's horror...? As I kept watching with a slightly confused mind,
I was led to an unexpected place, and in the end, I felt a sense of sadness.
And the serious passion emanating from the staff and cast made me straighten my back.
Personally, I hope for a sequel!"
Work Information
Title: 'The Voice Calling Me / TOKYO STRANGE TALE'
Director/Screenwriter/Cinematographer/Editor: Koichi Ueno
Music Director: Maria Kawane
Planning/Starring/Producing: Shisei Otoguro
Cast: Shisei Otoguro, Risa Shigematsu, Miyuki Sato, Yasuhito Daichi, Takashi Okabe, Harumi Shuhama, Noboru Kaneko, and others
Running Time: 111 minutes
Production Country: Japan
Genre: Horror / Suspense / Fantasy
Eirin Rating: G
Official Information
Website
https://www.instagram.com/filmtokyostrangetale
YouTube
https://youtube.com/@boku_tst_official
X
https://x.com/bokuyobu2026?s=21&t=Tmq-YjKC8m_hI5To4Uq7tg
First Press Release
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000173499.html
Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa Indies Film Show Website
FAQ
What kind of film is "TOKYO STRANGE TALE"?
It's an independent feature film blending horror, suspense, and fantasy, which has won 19 awards in 9 countries worldwide.
When will it be released in Japan?
It will be released on April 11, 2026, at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa's "Indies Film Show."
Will there be stage greetings?
Yes, stage greetings by the cast are scheduled for multiple dates, including the opening day.