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Strikingly poignant, ‘Plan 75’ is the kind of short which lingers in one’s memory far after its initial viewing. Centred around the sensitive topic of euthanasia alongside the reality of Japan’s ageing population, director Chie Hayakawa pulls no punches in delivering a politically astute piece of cinema which delves into just how much (or little) human lives are truly measured.

Plan 75 is screening at Japan Society

The movie opens with a deceptively colourful advertisement for a new social welfare programme, named ‘Plan 75’. Fundamentally, it is a scheme designed to give the low-income, disabled elders a chance to voluntarily end their life in exchange for a monetary package, helping in turn to ease economic cost to keep all of Japan’s ageing population alive. At the heart of this new drive is Itami (Satoru Kawaguchi), who finds himself selling the idea to short-stay care homes in Japan with the hope of increasing uptake.

With the Hong Kong omnibus narrative “Ten Years” becoming a surprise hit in 2015, it might not come as a surprise that the concept – envisioning the near future of one’s country – inspired various versions in Asia. For the Japanese version, five young directors Chie Hayakawa, Yusuke Kinoshita, Megumi Tsuno, Akiyo Fujimura and Kei Ishikawa were gathered and supervised by Hirokazu Koreeda to present their vision of Japan’s future.

“Ten Years Japan” is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival

Chie Hayakama’s “Plan 75” concerns a young bureaucrat (Satoru Kawaguchi) charged with explaining Plan 75, a governmental euthanasia program, to poor and disabled seniors aged 75 and above – especially those reliant on governmental welfare and thus burdening society from an economical perspective. One day, his pregnant wife (Kinuo Yamada) tells him that her mother signed to papers to join the program.

The second narrative, Yusuke Kinoshita’s “Mischievous Alliance”, frames the story...

With the Hong Kong omnibus narrative “Ten Years” becoming a surprise hit in 2015, it might not come as a surprise that the concept – envisioning the near future of one’s country – inspired various versions in Asia. For the Japanese version, five young directors Chie Hayakawa, Yusuke Kinoshita, Megumi Tsuno, Akiyo Fujimura and Kei Ishikawa were gathered and supervised by Hirokazu Koreeda to present their vision of Japan’s future.

“Ten Years Japan” is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival (Sdaff)

Chie Hayakama’s “Plan 75” concerns a young bureaucrat (Satoru Kawaguchi) charged with explaining Plan 75, a governmental euthanasia program, to poor and disabled seniors aged 75 and above – especially those reliant on governmental welfare and thus burdening society from an economical perspective. One day, his pregnant wife (Kinuo Yamada) tells him that her mother signed to papers to join the program.

The second narrative, Yusuke Kinoshita’s “Mischievous Alliance”, frames the...

Known to completely immerse himself in the role that he is doing, Shahid Kapoor generally leaves no stone unturned in making sure he does things to perfection especially when it comes to movies. For the upcoming film Rangoon, Shahid essays the role of an Ina soldier set against the backdrop of the Second World War.

Vishal Bharadwaj has roped in talented actor Satoru Kawaguchi and sources tell us that both Shahid and Satoru have hit off right from the very first day. With the shoot over Shahid is still in touch with his co-star and often discuss about food and languages. While shooting Satoru introduced Shahid to Japanese food, and the actor has taken a liking for the cuisine. Likewise, Shahid also introduced Satoru to Indian food which he liked. The two of them often bonded over food and always ate together on the sets. Apart from food, the duo...