Japan Cultural Expo Program – Japanese Landscapes and Lifestyles Through Flowers, Greenery, Agriculture, and Food

CHIKUWACCHA!

Name: CHIKUWACCHA! | Short Films – Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026 Screening in Autumn - SSFF & ASIA 2026 Autumn
Director: Chieko Misaka

Online

Kai, a responsible sixth-grade boy who has quietly set aside his dream of becoming a dancer while caring for his younger brother Hiro, spends the summer with his aunt in Shimonoseki.
Through encounters with Kino, a girl who sings prayers for peace, and her grandfather Shigeru, a chikuwa maker, the brothers begin to recognize their own strengths and possibilities.
As they create an online program to share the appeal of chikuwa with the world, they discover that the encouragement and smiles of people they care about can give them the courage to believe in themselves and move toward their dreams.

Director: Chieko Misaka
Time: 0:24:58
Country: Japan
Genre: Drama
Year: 2025
Cast: Takumi Ii, Yuuki Matsumoto, Lisa Saiko, Mai Azuma, Yu Sammy

Director

Chieko Misaka

Born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, MISAKA Chieko is a Japan-based actress.
She studied Theatre and Film at Waseda University, and went on to pursue Media
Studies at the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo. In addition to her acting
career, she is also active as an acting coach for young performers.
This film marks her directorial debut.

Recommended comments

My job involves working with children on theater projects. I produced this film because I wanted to convey the children’s vibrant and multifaceted charm.  I poured my heart into this project, hoping to convey the message that everyone holds a special inner strength to pursue their dreams, and that when we’re troubled or uncertain, the smiles of our loved ones serve as a guiding light. Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where the film was shot, is also my hometown. I hope you enjoy the story of the children’s summer-long journey, set against the beautiful scenery of Shimonoseki!