The feature film “A Town with a Storehouse,” filmed entirely on location in Kurashiki.
It will have an advance release in Kurashiki on Friday, July 25, 2025, at MOVIX Kurashiki and other theaters, with preparations underway for a nationwide release from Friday, August 22, 2025, at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters.
We spoke with director Hiramatsu Emiko and cast member Mizumoto Kanako, who took part in the stage greeting at the premium preview held on Friday, June 6, 2025, about the film’s highlights and more.
This article does not discuss the details of the film.
There are no so-called “spoilers,” so please feel free to read on even if you are concerned about spoilers.
The information presented was current when this article was published in June 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the film “A Town with a Storehouse,” which brings people together?
“A Town with a Storehouse” is a feature film shot entirely on location in Kurashiki, directed by Hiramatsu Emiko, who is from Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.
Filming took place in the summer of 2024, and the film was completed in 2025.
A completion preview screening was held on Monday, March 3, 2025, followed by the premium preview on Friday, June 6, 2025.
We spoke with director Hiramatsu Emiko and cast member Mizumoto Kanako, who also took part in the stage greeting.
Interview with Director Hiramatsu and Mizumoto Kanako
The film has had its premiere, including at the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival. How has it been received by those who saw it ahead of its release?
Director Hiramatsu
Everyone watched it with such warmth, and I think we received a lot of kind reviews.
There was a lot of attention, especially since Takahashi Daisuke was making his film debut. His fans came to see it and were very excited.
We also received the Audience Award at the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival. There are all kinds of awards, but the Audience Award is given based on the evaluations of the people who came to see the film, so it made me happiest.
Ms. Mizumoto, you’re also from Kurashiki. Have you had any particular reactions?
Mizumoto Kanako
I lived in Kurashiki only until I finished high school, and I wasn’t acting at all back then.
There wasn’t even a drama club, and I’d never told anyone I wanted to act. I also started studying theater at university, so I don’t think my local friends saw me as the kind of person who would do something like this.
Some friends recognized me after seeing my previous work and got in touch. I’d be happy if they came to see this one too.
Is there anything you’d like people to pay particular attention to in the film?
Mizumoto Kanako
I think people from the area are familiar with Kurashiki’s streets, but they look completely different when seen in a film, captured through a camera. Even I found myself thinking, “Was there a place like this?”
So people who recognize the actual locations can enjoy that, and even if they don’t, I hope they’ll discover a fresh side of Kurashiki in the film as they wonder, “Where is that?”
Do you have a message for the people of Kurashiki City?
Mizumoto Kanako
The area around JR Kurashiki Station has changed since I lived there, and I feel that the atmosphere of a town gradually changes over time.
So I’m very happy that I can preserve, in the form of a film, the town as it is now—or rather, the town that feels nostalgic to me.
I think there are things that change but are important, and that we hope will continue to remain.
I hope people will watch the film and feel that this is a special, not-at-all ordinary view—one that may change someday.
Director Hiramatsu
I think Kurashiki is truly a rich and diverse city.
It has the sea, mountains, and countryside, as well as many cultural elements and the industrial area of Mizushima.
I don’t think there are many towns with so much packed into one place. I’d be happy if, through this film, people could rediscover that Kurashiki is a fascinating place.
From the Writer
When I saw the film at its premiere in March, I of course enjoyed the story, but it was also refreshing to see familiar places and scenery wherever the camera turned.
It’s not about making things “Instagrammable,” but about preserving “Kurashiki as it is today” on film.
Even with the restriction that we can’t discuss the heart of the story before its release, I was struck by how both Director Hiramatsu and Ms. Mizumoto spoke about the charm of Kurashiki as a place.
There’s just one month to go until the release.
We hope you’ll look forward to the advance release in Kurashiki on Friday, July 25, 2025.
A Town with a Storehouse Information
| Name | A Town with a Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, July 25, 2025: Advance release in Kurashiki at MOVIX Kurashiki and other theaters Friday, August 22, 2025: Nationwide release at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters |
| Location | MOVIX Kurashiki and other theaters |
| Admission (tax included) | Nationwide special admission ticket: ¥1,500 *Scheduled to go on sale in April *Includes a set of original bonus postcards (limited quantity; not available at some theaters) |
| Website | Official website |
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