Shedding new light on Tokyo’s soul, Yuiga Danzuka’s compassionate first feature finds a family attempting to reconcile in a distinctly Japanese manner under the shadow of the city’s relentless redevelopment.
A spellbinding debut… The young director’s beautifully assured first feature sees adult siblings process the lingering scars of loss in an ever-changing Tokyo.
Brand New Landscape 2025
Mi warashi sedai
Yuiga Danzuka’s debut feature is a profound analysis of contemporary familial estrangement. Set against the backdrop of the ever-changing cityscape of Tokyo, the Japanese capital becomes a metaphor for the challenges that come with navigating family amid relentless urban transformation.
Having lost their mother at a young age, siblings Ren (Kodai Kurosaki) and Emi (Mai Kiryu) struggle when their estranged father Hajime (Kenichi Endo) reappears in their lives. A renowned landscape architect, Hajime left years ago to focus on his career, choosing passion over family. While his work befits a world eager to be a part of the future, past grievances dwell on the characters as they find it difficult to forgive and move forward.
Fans of Japanese cinema will delight in Danzuka’s homages to the great Yasujirō Ozu, with the young director approaching Tokyo with reserved caution, inspired by his own complex feelings about his hometown. The distinctive cinematography focuses not only on the actors but also on their surroundings, as the city itself is brought to life. Brand New Landscape’s striking visuals are not to be missed on the big screen. — Madison Marshall