The premium screening of the movie "The Town with a Warehouse" - I want you to know the charm of the place called Kurashiki. I asked director Emiko Hiramatsu and Kanako Mizumoto.

The feature film "Kura no Aru Machi," filmed entirely in Kurashiki.
It will have a pre-release in Kurashiki at MOVIX Kurashiki and other locations on July 25, 2025 (Friday), and is scheduled for nationwide release starting August 22, 2025 (Friday).

We spoke with Director Emiko Hiramatsu and cast member Kanako Mizumoto during the stage greeting at the premium screening held on June 6, 2025 (Friday), about the highlights of the film.

What is the connecting film "Kura no Aru Machi"

"Kura no Aru Machi" is a feature film directed by Emiko Hiramatsu, who hails from Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and is filmed entirely in Kurashiki.

Filming took place in the summer of 2024, and the film was completed in 2025.
On March 3, 2025 (Monday), a completion preview screening was held, and the premium screening took place on June 6, 2025 (Friday).

We spoke with Director Emiko Hiramatsu and cast member Kanako Mizumoto, who also participated in the stage greeting.

Interview with Director Hiramatsu and Kanako Mizumoto

There were some premieres, including at the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival. What kind of reactions have you received from those who saw it in advance?

Director Hiramatsu

Everyone watched it with very warm eyes, and I think there were many kind evaluations.

In particular, this time, Daisuke Takahashi made his film debut, which attracted a lot of attention, and his fans came to see it and were very excited.

Also, we received the Audience Award at the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival. There are various awards, but the Audience Award is given by the customers who came, so it was the one I was happiest about.

Kanako, you are also from Kurashiki. Have you received any feedback?

Kanako Mizumoto

I lived in Kurashiki until high school, and at that time, I wasn't doing any acting at all.

There was no drama club, and I never told anyone that I wanted to act, so I started acting in college, and I think my local friends don't recognize me as someone who would do that.

Some friends reached out after seeing my past works, but I hope they come to see this one too.

Is there anything in the film that you would like people to pay attention to?

Kanako Mizumoto

I think people from the local area are familiar with the townscape of Kurashiki, but when viewed through the lens of a film, the scenery looks completely different, and I often found myself thinking, "Was there such a place?"

So, those who know the actual locations can enjoy it, and even if they don't, I hope they can discover a fresh Kurashiki while wondering, "Where is this?" in the film.

Please give a message to the citizens of Kurashiki.

Kanako Mizumoto

The area around JR Kurashiki Station has changed from when I lived there, and I feel that the atmosphere of the town gradually changes.

So, I am very happy to be able to preserve the town that I feel nostalgic about in the form of a film.

Although things change, there are important things that I think should continue to remain.

However, I hope that through watching the film, people can feel that this is a special scenery, not something that is taken for granted, and that it may change someday.

Director Hiramatsu

I truly believe that Kurashiki is a rich city.
It has the sea, mountains, countryside, and many cultural elements, as well as the industrial area of Mizushima.

I think there are not many places that are packed with so much in one location. I would be happy if this film helps people to re-recognize that Kurashiki is an attractive place.

Conclusion

When I saw the film during its initial release in March, the story was certainly good, but it was refreshing to see familiar places and landscapes in every frame.

It's not about being "Instagrammable," but about recording "the present of Kurashiki" as a film.
Even though there are restrictions on touching the core of the story before the release, it was impressive that both Director Hiramatsu and Mizumoto spoke about the charm of the place called Kurashiki.

There is one month left until the release.
Please look forward to the pre-release in Kurashiki on July 25, 2025 (Friday).

Data on "Kura no Aru Machi"

Name	Kura no Aru Machi
Date of Event	July 25, 2025 (Friday) Pre-release in Kurashiki at MOVIX Kurashiki and other locations August 22, 2025 (Friday) Nationwide release at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other locations
Location	MOVIX Kurashiki and others
Participation Fee (including tax)	Nationwide common special viewing ticket: 1,500 yen *Scheduled for release in April *Includes a limited edition original postcard set (limited quantity, some theaters excluded)
Homepage	Official Site

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