Press Release
Geek Pictures Distribution & Promotion / Film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” Nationwide Release Starting Friday, February 6, 2026 at Uplink Kichijoji and Other Theaters!
Geek Pictures will handle distribution and promotion for the film “The Height of the Coconut Trees,” which will open nationwide starting Friday, February 6, 2026, at Uplink Kichijoji and other theaters.
Concurrently, we are unveiling the poster visuals and launching a crowdfunding campaign to increase support for director Du Jie's “artistic expression” and expand the film's nationwide release.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
I set out on a journey.
A “new Japanese story” depicted through the rich visual beauty and unique perspective of renowned Chinese filmmaker Du Jie.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The setting is Japan's southernmost point on Shikoku: Cape Ashizuri. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it is also known as a notorious suicide spot.
There, a man who lost his beloved and a woman whose relationship ended just before her honeymoon meet. A story of two people's “loneliness” and “rebirth” intersecting at the edge of Shikoku.
Directed by Du Jie, whose career includes serving as cinematographer on numerous major Chinese films, including the “Detective Chinatown” series which has grossed over ¥200 billion.
For his feature directorial debut, Du Jie personally handled directing, screenplay, cinematography, art direction, and editing, showcasing “Japan” through rich visual beauty.
The film premiered in September 2024 at the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival. It then had its Japan premiere at the Tokyo Filmex in November of the same year.
Furthermore, it was selected for the New Directors/New Films Festival co-hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in April 2025, cementing its status as an internationally acclaimed work.
The newly unveiled poster visual features a striking shot of lead actress Minami Oba with an ethereal expression, set against a vibrant design dominated by turquoise blue—a color emblematic of the film's theme.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
We want to increase the number of people who resonate with and support Director Du Jie's “artistic expression.”
Aiming for nationwide expansion, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Precisely because this film is a passionate work where Director Du Jie personally handled everything from directing to editing, challenging her “expression as an artist,” we want to increase the number of people who come to know the director herself, resonate with her vision, and wish to support her. Furthermore, since theatrical release in China is not possible, we are launching a crowdfunding project with a goal of ¥1.2 million to expand screenings nationwide in Japan and reach a wider audience. Rewards include invitations to stage greetings and talk events, signed pamphlets by Director Du Jie and cast, and original merchandise. For details, please visit the crowdfunding project site.
[ Overview ]
Period: Wednesday, November 20, 2025, 10:00 AM ~ Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM
Funding Goal: ¥1,200,000
*Regardless of goal achievement, all funds raised by Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM will be funded.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Starring Minami Oba, Sōichirō Tanaka (Cloud, 2024),
Director Du Jie's Comments Arrived
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Starring Minami Oba】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open in theaters at Uplink Kichijoji starting February 6, 2026.
Though shot entirely in Japan, it's not a typical Japanese film. It's a mysterious work filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of foreign cinema.
It slowly became a film after undergoing multiple editing patterns.
It might not even be finished yet. Please see it in theaters.
【Soichiro Tanaka】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open at Uplink Kichijoji on February 6, 2026.
This film was shot amidst the magnificent nature of Ashizuri Cape, the southernmost point of Kochi Prefecture.
After its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, it continued its screening journey at Filmex, across Europe, and in America.
I am incredibly happy that it is now reaching Japanese theaters.
Please see it in theaters. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.
【Director Du Jie】
The Height of the Coconut Trees is a story about Japan seen through the eyes of a “foreigner.”
Much of the narrative is based on actual events I witnessed and heard about during my first few years after arriving in Japan.
A senior once told me, “Cherish this feeling. Once you become accustomed to the environment, you won't be able to make the same kind of film again.”
True to those words, the process and method of making this film felt like an extension of my own life.
This film does not follow a typical dramatic structure.
It may leave you with an impression different from what you might imagine based on past viewing experiences.
Rather, the experience of watching this film is like completing a puzzle yourself, filling in the missing pieces.
I would be delighted if each viewer could imagine, search for, and fill in those missing pieces, assembling your own world (= the film).
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Story】
Two intersecting stories of “loneliness” and “rebirth” at the edge of Shikoku.
Sugamoto, who works at a pet shop, and her boyfriend Aoki, who works at a Japanese restaurant, promise to marry after Aoki finds a ring inside a fish belly while cooking one day.
But just before their honeymoon, their relationship abruptly ends. In despair, she heads to the destination they were supposed to visit together—the edge of Shikoku, Ashizuri Cape. There, at one of the Seven Mysteries of Ashizuri, the “Hell's Hole,” she drops the ring.
During her journey, she meets Mochida, the owner of the inn where she and her lover were supposed to stay. He had lost his former lover, the photographer Rin, to suicide and remained in the town, still carrying her memory. The same pain of “loss” dwelled in the hearts of these two people, brought together by a single wedding ring. Gradually, as they exchanged words, the time that had stood still for each of them began to move forward slowly.
There are no answers anywhere. Yet, the world—slowly, steadily moves forward.
【Credits】
Cast:
Minami Oba, Soichiro Tanaka, Ririka Kojima, Seita Shibuya
Kenji Chiga, Keita Taguchi, Mado Karasumori, Kaichen Cui, Maki Sawa, Yuna Kojima
Junichi Sakasegawa, Hiroki Shono, Takuo Yoshida, Hiroki Hamaguchi
Director/Screenplay/Cinematography/Art Direction/Editing: Du Jie
Producer: Du Jie, Fukui Kazuo
Executive Producer: Wang Guangle, Chen Lili
Co-Producer: He Zujie
Casting: Yamashita Yoko
Music: Chen Mulin
Sound Design: Li Zhe
Editing: Guo Xiaodong
Recording: Ishidera Kenichi, Shimizu Yuichiro
Stylist: Zhang Yi Hair & Makeup: Akemi Muraki, Junko Hirabayashi, Saori Tobita
Assistant Director & Translation: Miyo Orihara Assistant Director: Takuo Yoshida
Production Manager: Junichi Sakasegawa
Distribution & Promotion: Geek Pictures
2024 / Japan / Color / Digital / Japanese / 2.00:1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / 99 min
©D·UNION FILM INC. 2024
Concurrently, we are unveiling the poster visuals and launching a crowdfunding campaign to increase support for director Du Jie's “artistic expression” and expand the film's nationwide release.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
I set out on a journey.
A “new Japanese story” depicted through the rich visual beauty and unique perspective of renowned Chinese filmmaker Du Jie.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The setting is Japan's southernmost point on Shikoku: Cape Ashizuri. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it is also known as a notorious suicide spot.
There, a man who lost his beloved and a woman whose relationship ended just before her honeymoon meet. A story of two people's “loneliness” and “rebirth” intersecting at the edge of Shikoku.
Directed by Du Jie, whose career includes serving as cinematographer on numerous major Chinese films, including the “Detective Chinatown” series which has grossed over ¥200 billion.
For his feature directorial debut, Du Jie personally handled directing, screenplay, cinematography, art direction, and editing, showcasing “Japan” through rich visual beauty.
The film premiered in September 2024 at the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival. It then had its Japan premiere at the Tokyo Filmex in November of the same year.
Furthermore, it was selected for the New Directors/New Films Festival co-hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in April 2025, cementing its status as an internationally acclaimed work.
The newly unveiled poster visual features a striking shot of lead actress Minami Oba with an ethereal expression, set against a vibrant design dominated by turquoise blue—a color emblematic of the film's theme.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
We want to increase the number of people who resonate with and support Director Du Jie's “artistic expression.”
Aiming for nationwide expansion, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Precisely because this film is a passionate work where Director Du Jie personally handled everything from directing to editing, challenging her “expression as an artist,” we want to increase the number of people who come to know the director herself, resonate with her vision, and wish to support her. Furthermore, since theatrical release in China is not possible, we are launching a crowdfunding project with a goal of ¥1.2 million to expand screenings nationwide in Japan and reach a wider audience. Rewards include invitations to stage greetings and talk events, signed pamphlets by Director Du Jie and cast, and original merchandise. For details, please visit the crowdfunding project site.
[ Overview ]
Period: Wednesday, November 20, 2025, 10:00 AM ~ Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM
Funding Goal: ¥1,200,000
*Regardless of goal achievement, all funds raised by Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM will be funded.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Starring Minami Oba, Sōichirō Tanaka (Cloud, 2024),
Director Du Jie's Comments Arrived
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Starring Minami Oba】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open in theaters at Uplink Kichijoji starting February 6, 2026.
Though shot entirely in Japan, it's not a typical Japanese film. It's a mysterious work filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of foreign cinema.
It slowly became a film after undergoing multiple editing patterns.
It might not even be finished yet. Please see it in theaters.
【Soichiro Tanaka】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open at Uplink Kichijoji on February 6, 2026.
This film was shot amidst the magnificent nature of Ashizuri Cape, the southernmost point of Kochi Prefecture.
After its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, it continued its screening journey at Filmex, across Europe, and in America.
I am incredibly happy that it is now reaching Japanese theaters.
Please see it in theaters. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.
【Director Du Jie】
The Height of the Coconut Trees is a story about Japan seen through the eyes of a “foreigner.”
Much of the narrative is based on actual events I witnessed and heard about during my first few years after arriving in Japan.
A senior once told me, “Cherish this feeling. Once you become accustomed to the environment, you won't be able to make the same kind of film again.”
True to those words, the process and method of making this film felt like an extension of my own life.
This film does not follow a typical dramatic structure.
It may leave you with an impression different from what you might imagine based on past viewing experiences.
Rather, the experience of watching this film is like completing a puzzle yourself, filling in the missing pieces.
I would be delighted if each viewer could imagine, search for, and fill in those missing pieces, assembling your own world (= the film).
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Story】
Two intersecting stories of “loneliness” and “rebirth” at the edge of Shikoku.
Sugamoto, who works at a pet shop, and her boyfriend Aoki, who works at a Japanese restaurant, promise to marry after Aoki finds a ring inside a fish belly while cooking one day.
But just before their honeymoon, their relationship abruptly ends. In despair, she heads to the destination they were supposed to visit together—the edge of Shikoku, Ashizuri Cape. There, at one of the Seven Mysteries of Ashizuri, the “Hell's Hole,” she drops the ring.
During her journey, she meets Mochida, the owner of the inn where she and her lover were supposed to stay. He had lost his former lover, the photographer Rin, to suicide and remained in the town, still carrying her memory. The same pain of “loss” dwelled in the hearts of these two people, brought together by a single wedding ring. Gradually, as they exchanged words, the time that had stood still for each of them began to move forward slowly.
There are no answers anywhere. Yet, the world—slowly, steadily moves forward.
【Credits】
Cast:
Minami Oba, Soichiro Tanaka, Ririka Kojima, Seita Shibuya
Kenji Chiga, Keita Taguchi, Mado Karasumori, Kaichen Cui, Maki Sawa, Yuna Kojima
Junichi Sakasegawa, Hiroki Shono, Takuo Yoshida, Hiroki Hamaguchi
Director/Screenplay/Cinematography/Art Direction/Editing: Du Jie
Producer: Du Jie, Fukui Kazuo
Executive Producer: Wang Guangle, Chen Lili
Co-Producer: He Zujie
Casting: Yamashita Yoko
Music: Chen Mulin
Sound Design: Li Zhe
Editing: Guo Xiaodong
Recording: Ishidera Kenichi, Shimizu Yuichiro
Stylist: Zhang Yi Hair & Makeup: Akemi Muraki, Junko Hirabayashi, Saori Tobita
Assistant Director & Translation: Miyo Orihara Assistant Director: Takuo Yoshida
Production Manager: Junichi Sakasegawa
Distribution & Promotion: Geek Pictures
2024 / Japan / Color / Digital / Japanese / 2.00:1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / 99 min
©D·UNION FILM INC. 2024
Press Release
Geek Pictures Distribution & Promotion / Film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” Nationwide Release Starting Friday, February 6, 2026 at Uplink Kichijoji and Other Theaters!
Geek Pictures will handle distribution and promotion for the film “The Height of the Coconut Trees,” which will open nationwide starting Friday, February 6, 2026, at Uplink Kichijoji and other theaters.
Concurrently, we are unveiling the poster visuals and launching a crowdfunding campaign to increase support for director Du Jie's “artistic expression” and expand the film's nationwide release.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
I set out on a journey.
A “new Japanese story” depicted through the rich visual beauty and unique perspective of renowned Chinese filmmaker Du Jie.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The setting is Japan's southernmost point on Shikoku: Cape Ashizuri. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it is also known as a notorious suicide spot.
There, a man who lost his beloved and a woman whose relationship ended just before her honeymoon meet. A story of two people's “loneliness” and “rebirth” intersecting at the edge of Shikoku.
Directed by Du Jie, whose career includes serving as cinematographer on numerous major Chinese films, including the “Detective Chinatown” series which has grossed over ¥200 billion.
For his feature directorial debut, Du Jie personally handled directing, screenplay, cinematography, art direction, and editing, showcasing “Japan” through rich visual beauty.
The film premiered in September 2024 at the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival. It then had its Japan premiere at the Tokyo Filmex in November of the same year.
Furthermore, it was selected for the New Directors/New Films Festival co-hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in April 2025, cementing its status as an internationally acclaimed work.
The newly unveiled poster visual features a striking shot of lead actress Minami Oba with an ethereal expression, set against a vibrant design dominated by turquoise blue—a color emblematic of the film's theme.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
We want to increase the number of people who resonate with and support Director Du Jie's “artistic expression.”
Aiming for nationwide expansion, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Precisely because this film is a passionate work where Director Du Jie personally handled everything from directing to editing, challenging her “expression as an artist,” we want to increase the number of people who come to know the director herself, resonate with her vision, and wish to support her. Furthermore, since theatrical release in China is not possible, we are launching a crowdfunding project with a goal of ¥1.2 million to expand screenings nationwide in Japan and reach a wider audience. Rewards include invitations to stage greetings and talk events, signed pamphlets by Director Du Jie and cast, and original merchandise. For details, please visit the crowdfunding project site.
[ Overview ]
Period: Wednesday, November 20, 2025, 10:00 AM ~ Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM
Funding Goal: ¥1,200,000
*Regardless of goal achievement, all funds raised by Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM will be funded.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Starring Minami Oba, Sōichirō Tanaka (Cloud, 2024),
Director Du Jie's Comments Arrived
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Starring Minami Oba】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open in theaters at Uplink Kichijoji starting February 6, 2026.
Though shot entirely in Japan, it's not a typical Japanese film. It's a mysterious work filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of foreign cinema.
It slowly became a film after undergoing multiple editing patterns.
It might not even be finished yet. Please see it in theaters.
【Soichiro Tanaka】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open at Uplink Kichijoji on February 6, 2026.
This film was shot amidst the magnificent nature of Ashizuri Cape, the southernmost point of Kochi Prefecture.
After its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, it continued its screening journey at Filmex, across Europe, and in America.
I am incredibly happy that it is now reaching Japanese theaters.
Please see it in theaters. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.
【Director Du Jie】
The Height of the Coconut Trees is a story about Japan seen through the eyes of a “foreigner.”
Much of the narrative is based on actual events I witnessed and heard about during my first few years after arriving in Japan.
A senior once told me, “Cherish this feeling. Once you become accustomed to the environment, you won't be able to make the same kind of film again.”
True to those words, the process and method of making this film felt like an extension of my own life.
This film does not follow a typical dramatic structure.
It may leave you with an impression different from what you might imagine based on past viewing experiences.
Rather, the experience of watching this film is like completing a puzzle yourself, filling in the missing pieces.
I would be delighted if each viewer could imagine, search for, and fill in those missing pieces, assembling your own world (= the film).
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Story】
Two intersecting stories of “loneliness” and “rebirth” at the edge of Shikoku.
Sugamoto, who works at a pet shop, and her boyfriend Aoki, who works at a Japanese restaurant, promise to marry after Aoki finds a ring inside a fish belly while cooking one day.
But just before their honeymoon, their relationship abruptly ends. In despair, she heads to the destination they were supposed to visit together—the edge of Shikoku, Ashizuri Cape. There, at one of the Seven Mysteries of Ashizuri, the “Hell's Hole,” she drops the ring.
During her journey, she meets Mochida, the owner of the inn where she and her lover were supposed to stay. He had lost his former lover, the photographer Rin, to suicide and remained in the town, still carrying her memory. The same pain of “loss” dwelled in the hearts of these two people, brought together by a single wedding ring. Gradually, as they exchanged words, the time that had stood still for each of them began to move forward slowly.
There are no answers anywhere. Yet, the world—slowly, steadily moves forward.
【Credits】
Cast:
Minami Oba, Soichiro Tanaka, Ririka Kojima, Seita Shibuya
Kenji Chiga, Keita Taguchi, Mado Karasumori, Kaichen Cui, Maki Sawa, Yuna Kojima
Junichi Sakasegawa, Hiroki Shono, Takuo Yoshida, Hiroki Hamaguchi
Director/Screenplay/Cinematography/Art Direction/Editing: Du Jie
Producer: Du Jie, Fukui Kazuo
Executive Producer: Wang Guangle, Chen Lili
Co-Producer: He Zujie
Casting: Yamashita Yoko
Music: Chen Mulin
Sound Design: Li Zhe
Editing: Guo Xiaodong
Recording: Ishidera Kenichi, Shimizu Yuichiro
Stylist: Zhang Yi Hair & Makeup: Akemi Muraki, Junko Hirabayashi, Saori Tobita
Assistant Director & Translation: Miyo Orihara Assistant Director: Takuo Yoshida
Production Manager: Junichi Sakasegawa
Distribution & Promotion: Geek Pictures
2024 / Japan / Color / Digital / Japanese / 2.00:1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / 99 min
©D·UNION FILM INC. 2024
Concurrently, we are unveiling the poster visuals and launching a crowdfunding campaign to increase support for director Du Jie's “artistic expression” and expand the film's nationwide release.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
I set out on a journey.
A “new Japanese story” depicted through the rich visual beauty and unique perspective of renowned Chinese filmmaker Du Jie.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The setting is Japan's southernmost point on Shikoku: Cape Ashizuri. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it is also known as a notorious suicide spot.
There, a man who lost his beloved and a woman whose relationship ended just before her honeymoon meet. A story of two people's “loneliness” and “rebirth” intersecting at the edge of Shikoku.
Directed by Du Jie, whose career includes serving as cinematographer on numerous major Chinese films, including the “Detective Chinatown” series which has grossed over ¥200 billion.
For his feature directorial debut, Du Jie personally handled directing, screenplay, cinematography, art direction, and editing, showcasing “Japan” through rich visual beauty.
The film premiered in September 2024 at the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival. It then had its Japan premiere at the Tokyo Filmex in November of the same year.
Furthermore, it was selected for the New Directors/New Films Festival co-hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in April 2025, cementing its status as an internationally acclaimed work.
The newly unveiled poster visual features a striking shot of lead actress Minami Oba with an ethereal expression, set against a vibrant design dominated by turquoise blue—a color emblematic of the film's theme.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
We want to increase the number of people who resonate with and support Director Du Jie's “artistic expression.”
Aiming for nationwide expansion, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Precisely because this film is a passionate work where Director Du Jie personally handled everything from directing to editing, challenging her “expression as an artist,” we want to increase the number of people who come to know the director herself, resonate with her vision, and wish to support her. Furthermore, since theatrical release in China is not possible, we are launching a crowdfunding project with a goal of ¥1.2 million to expand screenings nationwide in Japan and reach a wider audience. Rewards include invitations to stage greetings and talk events, signed pamphlets by Director Du Jie and cast, and original merchandise. For details, please visit the crowdfunding project site.
[ Overview ]
Period: Wednesday, November 20, 2025, 10:00 AM ~ Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM
Funding Goal: ¥1,200,000
*Regardless of goal achievement, all funds raised by Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM will be funded.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Starring Minami Oba, Sōichirō Tanaka (Cloud, 2024),
Director Du Jie's Comments Arrived
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Starring Minami Oba】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open in theaters at Uplink Kichijoji starting February 6, 2026.
Though shot entirely in Japan, it's not a typical Japanese film. It's a mysterious work filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of foreign cinema.
It slowly became a film after undergoing multiple editing patterns.
It might not even be finished yet. Please see it in theaters.
【Soichiro Tanaka】
The film “The Height of the Coconut Trees” will open at Uplink Kichijoji on February 6, 2026.
This film was shot amidst the magnificent nature of Ashizuri Cape, the southernmost point of Kochi Prefecture.
After its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, it continued its screening journey at Filmex, across Europe, and in America.
I am incredibly happy that it is now reaching Japanese theaters.
Please see it in theaters. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.
【Director Du Jie】
The Height of the Coconut Trees is a story about Japan seen through the eyes of a “foreigner.”
Much of the narrative is based on actual events I witnessed and heard about during my first few years after arriving in Japan.
A senior once told me, “Cherish this feeling. Once you become accustomed to the environment, you won't be able to make the same kind of film again.”
True to those words, the process and method of making this film felt like an extension of my own life.
This film does not follow a typical dramatic structure.
It may leave you with an impression different from what you might imagine based on past viewing experiences.
Rather, the experience of watching this film is like completing a puzzle yourself, filling in the missing pieces.
I would be delighted if each viewer could imagine, search for, and fill in those missing pieces, assembling your own world (= the film).
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
【Story】
Two intersecting stories of “loneliness” and “rebirth” at the edge of Shikoku.
Sugamoto, who works at a pet shop, and her boyfriend Aoki, who works at a Japanese restaurant, promise to marry after Aoki finds a ring inside a fish belly while cooking one day.
But just before their honeymoon, their relationship abruptly ends. In despair, she heads to the destination they were supposed to visit together—the edge of Shikoku, Ashizuri Cape. There, at one of the Seven Mysteries of Ashizuri, the “Hell's Hole,” she drops the ring.
During her journey, she meets Mochida, the owner of the inn where she and her lover were supposed to stay. He had lost his former lover, the photographer Rin, to suicide and remained in the town, still carrying her memory. The same pain of “loss” dwelled in the hearts of these two people, brought together by a single wedding ring. Gradually, as they exchanged words, the time that had stood still for each of them began to move forward slowly.
There are no answers anywhere. Yet, the world—slowly, steadily moves forward.
【Credits】
Cast:
Minami Oba, Soichiro Tanaka, Ririka Kojima, Seita Shibuya
Kenji Chiga, Keita Taguchi, Mado Karasumori, Kaichen Cui, Maki Sawa, Yuna Kojima
Junichi Sakasegawa, Hiroki Shono, Takuo Yoshida, Hiroki Hamaguchi
Director/Screenplay/Cinematography/Art Direction/Editing: Du Jie
Producer: Du Jie, Fukui Kazuo
Executive Producer: Wang Guangle, Chen Lili
Co-Producer: He Zujie
Casting: Yamashita Yoko
Music: Chen Mulin
Sound Design: Li Zhe
Editing: Guo Xiaodong
Recording: Ishidera Kenichi, Shimizu Yuichiro
Stylist: Zhang Yi Hair & Makeup: Akemi Muraki, Junko Hirabayashi, Saori Tobita
Assistant Director & Translation: Miyo Orihara Assistant Director: Takuo Yoshida
Production Manager: Junichi Sakasegawa
Distribution & Promotion: Geek Pictures
2024 / Japan / Color / Digital / Japanese / 2.00:1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / 99 min
©D·UNION FILM INC. 2024
