[Diabetes Research to Film] Japan's Fermentation Technology Goes Global—Co-creation Film Project with Nepal Begins
A film project addressing the social issue of diabetes, based on "fermented coffee" born from Japanese fermentation technology, has begun. It is an international co-production with Nepal, allowing general participants to be involved in its creation. The film aims for completion in 2027 and worldwide screening in 2028.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 19:10
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Social business community "Waxel" (located in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, organized by Yoshihiro Shimamura, general producer: Tomoatsu Sumitani) is cooperating with film producer Tomoko Nishio to launch a film production project related to the research and development of "fermented coffee," which originated from Japanese fermentation technology. This film will be an international co-production with Nepal and will also be developed as a "co-creation film project" where general participants can be involved in the production.
■ "Co-creation Film Project" Starting from Nepal
This project is a film production based on the true story of "fermented coffee," developed by Professor Kenichi Iijima, an internationally recognized researcher in environmental science/microbiology, after more than 30 years of research. Kyohei Kanemoto, a Waxel collaborator, also plays a part in planning and promotion. The film will depict a human drama set in Japan and Nepal, centered on this technology born from joint research with Tribhuvan University in Nepal and local companies.
This film addresses two challenges: the globally increasing diabetes and society's indifference, perceiving it as "not my problem." The goal is to make these social issues personal by conveying the potential of scientific technology through film.
The film is scheduled to be shot in Japan and Nepal from 2026 to 2027, aiming for completion in December 2027, and exhibition at international film festivals and worldwide screening in 2028.
■ Production Background
This project originated from producer Nishio's personal experience. A few years ago, she lost a dear friend to diabetes at the young age of 41, and witnessed people facing the same challenge regain their daily lives through an encounter with "fermented coffee." These two experiences, "a life that couldn't be saved" and "a life that was saved," are the origin of this project.
The desire to "deliver the potential of Japanese fermentation technology to society not just as research results, but as a story that moves people's hearts" led to the launch of this film project.
■ From Watching Films to Participating in Films
The biggest feature of this project is that it is a "co-creation" film that proceeds by sharing the production process with supporters.
- Appearance and extra participation
- Production support
- Participation in cultural exchange with Nepal
Diverse ways of involvement are possible, and it is designed so that each supporter becomes a part of the work. It is a challenge to redefine film from "something to consume" to "something to create together." It will weave together themes of science, life, and international cooperation as "personal matters" for all involved.
■ About Crowdfunding
This project is seeking support through crowdfunding. It is operated by a particularly young team, and producer Tomoko Nishio's wish that "through this film, the younger generation will gain confidence and become a force to support the future Japanese society" is behind the start of the crowdfunding.
The screenings of the film are planned to be held nationwide in Japan, mainly by the young team members involved in this crowdfunding.
Supporters can participate in various ways in film production through returns.
▼ Details/Support here
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/898439/view
■ Internationally Acclaimed Creators Gather
To realize this film, leading creators active in the Japanese film industry, as well as top creators with international achievements, have gathered.
【Lead Actress】 Mau Nishio
An accomplished actress who won "Best Actress" at international film festivals.
In 2023, she won Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film at the Madrid International Film Festival for the film "SOMEDAYS." Her performance in the film, which depicted the struggles and bonds of young people from orphanages, moved audiences around the world, including Los Angeles and Madrid.
【Director】 Takeshi Sone
Won the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for "One Cut of the Dead" (17), where he served as director of photography.
"9 Windows" (2015), "Taiwan, Monologue" (17), "New Year's Eve in Paris" (17), "Ghost Mask - Scars" (18) were invited to the Montreal World Film Festival. "Toko's World" (20) was invited to the Shanghai International Film Festival. He also worked on "Ghost Diaries" (20), the Japan-Hong Kong co-production "Futari Komachi" (20) filmed entirely in Hong Kong, "Refrain's Pulse" (21), "Eternal One Minute." (21), and others.
【Screenwriter】 Motoki Nakamura
Born April 3, 1980, from Kyoto Prefecture. Graduated from Ritsumeikan University. In 2019, formed Metron's with Shizuru, Rice, and Sarugorilla, his peers from Tokyo NSC, and served as writer and director for their performances. In 2016, he worked on the script composition for NETFLIX "Hibana."
■ "Co-creation Film Project" Starting from Nepal
This project is a film production based on the true story of "fermented coffee," developed by Professor Kenichi Iijima, an internationally recognized researcher in environmental science/microbiology, after more than 30 years of research. Kyohei Kanemoto, a Waxel collaborator, also plays a part in planning and promotion. The film will depict a human drama set in Japan and Nepal, centered on this technology born from joint research with Tribhuvan University in Nepal and local companies.
This film addresses two challenges: the globally increasing diabetes and society's indifference, perceiving it as "not my problem." The goal is to make these social issues personal by conveying the potential of scientific technology through film.
The film is scheduled to be shot in Japan and Nepal from 2026 to 2027, aiming for completion in December 2027, and exhibition at international film festivals and worldwide screening in 2028.
■ Production Background
This project originated from producer Nishio's personal experience. A few years ago, she lost a dear friend to diabetes at the young age of 41, and witnessed people facing the same challenge regain their daily lives through an encounter with "fermented coffee." These two experiences, "a life that couldn't be saved" and "a life that was saved," are the origin of this project.
The desire to "deliver the potential of Japanese fermentation technology to society not just as research results, but as a story that moves people's hearts" led to the launch of this film project.
■ From Watching Films to Participating in Films
The biggest feature of this project is that it is a "co-creation" film that proceeds by sharing the production process with supporters.
- Appearance and extra participation
- Production support
- Participation in cultural exchange with Nepal
Diverse ways of involvement are possible, and it is designed so that each supporter becomes a part of the work. It is a challenge to redefine film from "something to consume" to "something to create together." It will weave together themes of science, life, and international cooperation as "personal matters" for all involved.
■ About Crowdfunding
This project is seeking support through crowdfunding. It is operated by a particularly young team, and producer Tomoko Nishio's wish that "through this film, the younger generation will gain confidence and become a force to support the future Japanese society" is behind the start of the crowdfunding.
The screenings of the film are planned to be held nationwide in Japan, mainly by the young team members involved in this crowdfunding.
Supporters can participate in various ways in film production through returns.
▼ Details/Support here
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/898439/view
■ Internationally Acclaimed Creators Gather
To realize this film, leading creators active in the Japanese film industry, as well as top creators with international achievements, have gathered.
【Lead Actress】 Mau Nishio
An accomplished actress who won "Best Actress" at international film festivals.
In 2023, she won Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film at the Madrid International Film Festival for the film "SOMEDAYS." Her performance in the film, which depicted the struggles and bonds of young people from orphanages, moved audiences around the world, including Los Angeles and Madrid.
【Director】 Takeshi Sone
Won the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for "One Cut of the Dead" (17), where he served as director of photography.
"9 Windows" (2015), "Taiwan, Monologue" (17), "New Year's Eve in Paris" (17), "Ghost Mask - Scars" (18) were invited to the Montreal World Film Festival. "Toko's World" (20) was invited to the Shanghai International Film Festival. He also worked on "Ghost Diaries" (20), the Japan-Hong Kong co-production "Futari Komachi" (20) filmed entirely in Hong Kong, "Refrain's Pulse" (21), "Eternal One Minute." (21), and others.
【Screenwriter】 Motoki Nakamura
Born April 3, 1980, from Kyoto Prefecture. Graduated from Ritsumeikan University. In 2019, formed Metron's with Shizuru, Rice, and Sarugorilla, his peers from Tokyo NSC, and served as writer and director for their performances. In 2016, he worked on the script composition for NETFLIX "Hibana."