[10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake] Mashiki Town, which kept running after two seismic intensity 7 earthquakes, completes short film featuring 200 residents and actor Kengo Kora. Screening event to be held on April 16.

■ Movie Release and Screening Event on Thursday, April 16, 2026

Mashiki Town, Kumamoto Prefecture (Mayor: Hironori Nishimura), has produced the Kumamoto Earthquake 10th Anniversary Short Film "10 Years -NEW STARTING LINE-" in anticipation of Thursday, April 16, 2026, the 10-year milestone since the main shock of the Kumamoto Earthquake, which recorded two seismic intensity 7 tremors. Over 200 residents of Mashiki Town, who live and work there, appear in this film. Although all of them are first-time actors, they poured their feelings from the past 10 years into their performances. Furthermore, actor Kengo Kora, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture, makes a special appearance. Prior to the YouTube release of the main feature, a screening event will be held at Mashiki Town Cultural Hall on Thursday, April 16, from 7 PM, with up to 500 participants. After the screening, all attendees will participate in a countdown to the YouTube release. We invite media representatives to cover this moment as residents shed tears together and stand at a new starting line for the 11th year.

"10 Years -NEW STARTING LINE-" Trailer

■ Why We Made This Film Now ~The Current State of Creative Reconstruction and an "Amulet" for Disaster-Stricken Areas~

On that day, Mashiki Town's clock stopped due to the violent earthquake. With immense support from across Japan and around the world, we transformed that strength and walked the path of "creative reconstruction," even while covered in mud. However, a decade can sometimes fade the memories of disasters and awareness of preparedness. This film aims to express gratitude to all who supported us by showing the current state of Mashiki Town, to refresh memories for generations who experienced the earthquake, and to spark interest in those who did not. Furthermore, it was produced with a strong prayer that "for people who may face despair due to future disasters, the sight of Mashiki Town smiling and moving forward after 10 years will become a 'guide of hope (an amulet)'."

■ The Theme is "Running." 200 Residents, First-Time Actors, Passionately Portray Their "Real 10 Years"

The major theme of this film is "running." This theme not only signifies that Mashiki Town is a "town that loves running" and supports runners, but also overlays the image of "residents who have earnestly looked forward and kept running, even when their paths were blocked and they felt like stopping." The over 200 residents who participated in filming from January to March did not act out given roles. Each person recalled their own 10 years and stood before the camera with genuine emotions. The overwhelming realism, not a fabricated drama, is the charm of this film.