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GEEK PICTURES Participates in the Production of “The Potentials” | Opening Weekend Stage Greeting Held for the Latest Film Starring Go Morita
GEEK PICTURES participated in the production of The Potentials, the latest film starring Go Morita, both as a production partner and the production company. Following its nationwide theatrical release on Friday, October 30, a special opening weekend stage greeting was held at Theatre Shinjuku on Saturday, October 31.
The event featured lead actor Go Morita, alongside Aoi Morikawa, Marika Matsumoto, Ikoi Hayase, and co-directors Shoichi Morimoto and Takuma Sato. The cast and directors shared their thoughts on the film, their favorite scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot. Yuri Kawakami, who was unable to attend due to a stage performance, also joined the event through a video message.
The film is a human drama that follows Kiichi Tsuchiya, a longtime assistant to a renowned manga artist, and the people around him as they navigate the challenges and everyday realities of working in the manga industry. Based on Morimoto's own experiences from his years working as an assistant director, the film tells a completely original story.
When asked about the film's appeal, Morikawa commented, "I like how it never becomes overly dramatic." She explained that while each character carries strong feelings and ambitions, they often struggle to express them. For her, it is precisely this awkwardness and imperfection that makes the characters so endearing.
One particularly memorable comment came from Matsumoto, who described the characters as "all a little awkward and uncool—in the most lovable way." In an age when people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media, she praised the film for taking the opposite approach, portraying the vulnerabilities and less flattering sides of human nature with honesty and care. She spoke warmly of the film, saying, "No matter how many times I watch it, I find it fascinating." Morita agreed, noting that the characters' unfiltered behavior reflects the genuine emotions we encounter in everyday life.
When the conversation turned to favorite scenes, Morita selected the film's final sequence. According to Morimoto, he had continued to question whether to shoot the scene until shortly before filming. Ultimately, he decided to go ahead with it and reflected, "I'm glad we did it."
Morikawa chose a scene in which her character, Yuki, has a conversation alone with Hikaru, played by Hayase. Describing their on-screen interaction, she said, "The rhythm felt fresh and unpredictable, but incredibly interesting." Hayase also reflected on the importance of the scene for Hikaru, explaining that Yuki was someone he could finally open up to about his future and personal concerns—things he had been unable to discuss with his father.
During a special Q&A session in which the cast and directors asked Morita questions, the audience was treated to a glimpse of his unexpected personal habits. When asked about household chores, Morita revealed that he enjoys washing dishes and even prefers to wash his T-shirts by hand. His exchanges with Morikawa about their time on set also brought laughter to the audience.
Toward the end of the event, the cast and directors shared messages with the audience.
Morimoto spoke about the meaning behind the film's English title, The Potentials, explaining that it reflects his belief that everyone still has possibilities ahead of them. Sato highlighted another central message of the film: that even after stepping away from a dream or a place we once loved, we can always choose to return. He expressed his hope that the film itself would become "a place people can always come back to."
Matsumoto described the film's unique charm, saying, "It's not a glamorous film, but somehow, you leave feeling a little brighter." Morikawa added that the story embraces the choices people make at life's crossroads, regardless of which path they take. She encouraged audiences to revisit the film whenever they feel lost or encounter difficulties in life, noting that each viewing can reveal something new.
Finally, Morita described the film as "a deeply lovable work that will surely leave viewers feeling something." He closed the event by encouraging audiences to experience the story freely, from their own individual perspectives.
The Potentials portrays people who continue to navigate life in their own ways, even as they struggle with dreams, careers, and uncertainty. The stage greeting offered a heartfelt look at the film's appeal—from the endearing imperfections and unguarded humanity of its characters to its gentle affirmation of the many different paths we choose in life.
The Potentials has been showing in theaters nationwide, including Theatre Shinjuku, since October 30, 2026. We hope you will experience it on the big screen!
The event featured lead actor Go Morita, alongside Aoi Morikawa, Marika Matsumoto, Ikoi Hayase, and co-directors Shoichi Morimoto and Takuma Sato. The cast and directors shared their thoughts on the film, their favorite scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot. Yuri Kawakami, who was unable to attend due to a stage performance, also joined the event through a video message.
The film is a human drama that follows Kiichi Tsuchiya, a longtime assistant to a renowned manga artist, and the people around him as they navigate the challenges and everyday realities of working in the manga industry. Based on Morimoto's own experiences from his years working as an assistant director, the film tells a completely original story.
When asked about the film's appeal, Morikawa commented, "I like how it never becomes overly dramatic." She explained that while each character carries strong feelings and ambitions, they often struggle to express them. For her, it is precisely this awkwardness and imperfection that makes the characters so endearing.
One particularly memorable comment came from Matsumoto, who described the characters as "all a little awkward and uncool—in the most lovable way." In an age when people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media, she praised the film for taking the opposite approach, portraying the vulnerabilities and less flattering sides of human nature with honesty and care. She spoke warmly of the film, saying, "No matter how many times I watch it, I find it fascinating." Morita agreed, noting that the characters' unfiltered behavior reflects the genuine emotions we encounter in everyday life.
When the conversation turned to favorite scenes, Morita selected the film's final sequence. According to Morimoto, he had continued to question whether to shoot the scene until shortly before filming. Ultimately, he decided to go ahead with it and reflected, "I'm glad we did it."
Morikawa chose a scene in which her character, Yuki, has a conversation alone with Hikaru, played by Hayase. Describing their on-screen interaction, she said, "The rhythm felt fresh and unpredictable, but incredibly interesting." Hayase also reflected on the importance of the scene for Hikaru, explaining that Yuki was someone he could finally open up to about his future and personal concerns—things he had been unable to discuss with his father.
During a special Q&A session in which the cast and directors asked Morita questions, the audience was treated to a glimpse of his unexpected personal habits. When asked about household chores, Morita revealed that he enjoys washing dishes and even prefers to wash his T-shirts by hand. His exchanges with Morikawa about their time on set also brought laughter to the audience.
Toward the end of the event, the cast and directors shared messages with the audience.
Morimoto spoke about the meaning behind the film's English title, The Potentials, explaining that it reflects his belief that everyone still has possibilities ahead of them. Sato highlighted another central message of the film: that even after stepping away from a dream or a place we once loved, we can always choose to return. He expressed his hope that the film itself would become "a place people can always come back to."
Matsumoto described the film's unique charm, saying, "It's not a glamorous film, but somehow, you leave feeling a little brighter." Morikawa added that the story embraces the choices people make at life's crossroads, regardless of which path they take. She encouraged audiences to revisit the film whenever they feel lost or encounter difficulties in life, noting that each viewing can reveal something new.
Finally, Morita described the film as "a deeply lovable work that will surely leave viewers feeling something." He closed the event by encouraging audiences to experience the story freely, from their own individual perspectives.
The Potentials portrays people who continue to navigate life in their own ways, even as they struggle with dreams, careers, and uncertainty. The stage greeting offered a heartfelt look at the film's appeal—from the endearing imperfections and unguarded humanity of its characters to its gentle affirmation of the many different paths we choose in life.
The Potentials has been showing in theaters nationwide, including Theatre Shinjuku, since October 30, 2026. We hope you will experience it on the big screen!
Information
GEEK PICTURES Participates in the Production of “The Potentials” | Opening Weekend Stage Greeting Held for the Latest Film Starring Go Morita
GEEK PICTURES participated in the production of The Potentials, the latest film starring Go Morita, both as a production partner and the production company. Following its nationwide theatrical release on Friday, October 30, a special opening weekend stage greeting was held at Theatre Shinjuku on Saturday, October 31.
The event featured lead actor Go Morita, alongside Aoi Morikawa, Marika Matsumoto, Ikoi Hayase, and co-directors Shoichi Morimoto and Takuma Sato. The cast and directors shared their thoughts on the film, their favorite scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot. Yuri Kawakami, who was unable to attend due to a stage performance, also joined the event through a video message.
The film is a human drama that follows Kiichi Tsuchiya, a longtime assistant to a renowned manga artist, and the people around him as they navigate the challenges and everyday realities of working in the manga industry. Based on Morimoto's own experiences from his years working as an assistant director, the film tells a completely original story.
When asked about the film's appeal, Morikawa commented, "I like how it never becomes overly dramatic." She explained that while each character carries strong feelings and ambitions, they often struggle to express them. For her, it is precisely this awkwardness and imperfection that makes the characters so endearing.
One particularly memorable comment came from Matsumoto, who described the characters as "all a little awkward and uncool—in the most lovable way." In an age when people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media, she praised the film for taking the opposite approach, portraying the vulnerabilities and less flattering sides of human nature with honesty and care. She spoke warmly of the film, saying, "No matter how many times I watch it, I find it fascinating." Morita agreed, noting that the characters' unfiltered behavior reflects the genuine emotions we encounter in everyday life.
When the conversation turned to favorite scenes, Morita selected the film's final sequence. According to Morimoto, he had continued to question whether to shoot the scene until shortly before filming. Ultimately, he decided to go ahead with it and reflected, "I'm glad we did it."
Morikawa chose a scene in which her character, Yuki, has a conversation alone with Hikaru, played by Hayase. Describing their on-screen interaction, she said, "The rhythm felt fresh and unpredictable, but incredibly interesting." Hayase also reflected on the importance of the scene for Hikaru, explaining that Yuki was someone he could finally open up to about his future and personal concerns—things he had been unable to discuss with his father.
During a special Q&A session in which the cast and directors asked Morita questions, the audience was treated to a glimpse of his unexpected personal habits. When asked about household chores, Morita revealed that he enjoys washing dishes and even prefers to wash his T-shirts by hand. His exchanges with Morikawa about their time on set also brought laughter to the audience.
Toward the end of the event, the cast and directors shared messages with the audience.
Morimoto spoke about the meaning behind the film's English title, The Potentials, explaining that it reflects his belief that everyone still has possibilities ahead of them. Sato highlighted another central message of the film: that even after stepping away from a dream or a place we once loved, we can always choose to return. He expressed his hope that the film itself would become "a place people can always come back to."
Matsumoto described the film's unique charm, saying, "It's not a glamorous film, but somehow, you leave feeling a little brighter." Morikawa added that the story embraces the choices people make at life's crossroads, regardless of which path they take. She encouraged audiences to revisit the film whenever they feel lost or encounter difficulties in life, noting that each viewing can reveal something new.
Finally, Morita described the film as "a deeply lovable work that will surely leave viewers feeling something." He closed the event by encouraging audiences to experience the story freely, from their own individual perspectives.
The Potentials portrays people who continue to navigate life in their own ways, even as they struggle with dreams, careers, and uncertainty. The stage greeting offered a heartfelt look at the film's appeal—from the endearing imperfections and unguarded humanity of its characters to its gentle affirmation of the many different paths we choose in life.
The Potentials has been showing in theaters nationwide, including Theatre Shinjuku, since October 30, 2026. We hope you will experience it on the big screen!
The event featured lead actor Go Morita, alongside Aoi Morikawa, Marika Matsumoto, Ikoi Hayase, and co-directors Shoichi Morimoto and Takuma Sato. The cast and directors shared their thoughts on the film, their favorite scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot. Yuri Kawakami, who was unable to attend due to a stage performance, also joined the event through a video message.
The film is a human drama that follows Kiichi Tsuchiya, a longtime assistant to a renowned manga artist, and the people around him as they navigate the challenges and everyday realities of working in the manga industry. Based on Morimoto's own experiences from his years working as an assistant director, the film tells a completely original story.
When asked about the film's appeal, Morikawa commented, "I like how it never becomes overly dramatic." She explained that while each character carries strong feelings and ambitions, they often struggle to express them. For her, it is precisely this awkwardness and imperfection that makes the characters so endearing.
One particularly memorable comment came from Matsumoto, who described the characters as "all a little awkward and uncool—in the most lovable way." In an age when people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media, she praised the film for taking the opposite approach, portraying the vulnerabilities and less flattering sides of human nature with honesty and care. She spoke warmly of the film, saying, "No matter how many times I watch it, I find it fascinating." Morita agreed, noting that the characters' unfiltered behavior reflects the genuine emotions we encounter in everyday life.
When the conversation turned to favorite scenes, Morita selected the film's final sequence. According to Morimoto, he had continued to question whether to shoot the scene until shortly before filming. Ultimately, he decided to go ahead with it and reflected, "I'm glad we did it."
Morikawa chose a scene in which her character, Yuki, has a conversation alone with Hikaru, played by Hayase. Describing their on-screen interaction, she said, "The rhythm felt fresh and unpredictable, but incredibly interesting." Hayase also reflected on the importance of the scene for Hikaru, explaining that Yuki was someone he could finally open up to about his future and personal concerns—things he had been unable to discuss with his father.
During a special Q&A session in which the cast and directors asked Morita questions, the audience was treated to a glimpse of his unexpected personal habits. When asked about household chores, Morita revealed that he enjoys washing dishes and even prefers to wash his T-shirts by hand. His exchanges with Morikawa about their time on set also brought laughter to the audience.
Toward the end of the event, the cast and directors shared messages with the audience.
Morimoto spoke about the meaning behind the film's English title, The Potentials, explaining that it reflects his belief that everyone still has possibilities ahead of them. Sato highlighted another central message of the film: that even after stepping away from a dream or a place we once loved, we can always choose to return. He expressed his hope that the film itself would become "a place people can always come back to."
Matsumoto described the film's unique charm, saying, "It's not a glamorous film, but somehow, you leave feeling a little brighter." Morikawa added that the story embraces the choices people make at life's crossroads, regardless of which path they take. She encouraged audiences to revisit the film whenever they feel lost or encounter difficulties in life, noting that each viewing can reveal something new.
Finally, Morita described the film as "a deeply lovable work that will surely leave viewers feeling something." He closed the event by encouraging audiences to experience the story freely, from their own individual perspectives.
The Potentials portrays people who continue to navigate life in their own ways, even as they struggle with dreams, careers, and uncertainty. The stage greeting offered a heartfelt look at the film's appeal—from the endearing imperfections and unguarded humanity of its characters to its gentle affirmation of the many different paths we choose in life.
The Potentials has been showing in theaters nationwide, including Theatre Shinjuku, since October 30, 2026. We hope you will experience it on the big screen!
