What is the Generative Tokyo Project?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has been developing film-based initiatives to promote the appeal of Tokyo both domestically and internationally through Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFFA). While previous projects have focused on themes such as sports and sustainability, a new initiative, the "Generative Tokyo Project," has been launched this year.
This project highlights the creative energy of Tokyo by portraying the city and its people through the lens of "generation"—featuring advanced technologies, traditional crafts, and art. By capturing the spirit of creation in Tokyo, the project aims to present one of the city's many unique attractions to audiences around the world.
The films produced through this initiative will be utilized across various platforms, including Tokyo's tourism promotion activities and online channels such as YouTube, to further enhance global outreach and attract visitors to the city.
In addition, through this project, the TMG and SSFFA will leverage the network of filmmakers nurtured by the festival to expand international awareness of Tokyo's appeal. At the same time, the initiative aims to elevate the value of the festival by increasing the visibility of its award-winning creators and fostering the next generation of filmmakers.
Film
The film Produced in the fiscal year of 2026
So Far Away, So Close
- 21:56
- 2026
- Japan
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Writer / Director
Tekkou Nogami
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Executive Producer
Tetsuya Bessho
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Producers
Seigo Tono Sho Nakajima (HOEDOWN)
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Cast
Kohei Shoji Yura Anno
Yohta Kawase Yukio Ueno (denis) Keiko Enoue (nicche)
Uri-Suzuki Kosei Kudo
Yuki Saito
Naoto is given one day to reunite with Mio, his deceased lover, through an AI reconstructed from her brain data. Installed on his smartphone, Mio speaks with the same voice, memories, and mannerisms she once had—yet her existence is limited to just 24 hours. As they spend the day together in Tokyo, visiting familiar places, meeting Mio's mother, and preparing for Naoto's art exhibition, their conversations oscillate between the ordinary and the profound. While Naoto struggles between holding on to the past and continuing to live in the present, the countdown to their inevitable farewell draws closer.
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Film
Cast
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Kohei Shoji
Born in Tokyo, he made his acting debut in 2020 with Mashin Sentai Kiramager. Since then, he has appeared in notable productions such as TV Asahi's Kamen Rider Gavv and TV Tokyo's 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40.
In addition to acting, he has worked as a model, participating in the Paris Collection, and has also served as a guest commentator for basketball broadcasts, demonstrating his versatility across various fields.
He is currently appearing on NHK's NHK Haiku and TV Asahi's A Husband Betrayed with Three Months to Live. He is also set to appear in the upcoming drama Our Hakone Ekiden, based on a novel by Jun Ikeido, scheduled to air this fall on Nippon TV. -
Yura Anno
Born on June 13, 1995, in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating from the Department of Architecture at Waseda University and completing a master's degree at Musashino Art University, she began her professional acting career.
Her recent works include the Netflix series "Ju-On: Origins" (2021), the NHK morning drama "Chimudondon," the stage production "A Streetcar Named Desire" (2024), the lead role in the feature film "Ame ni mo Makezu" (2024), the short film "Because You Were There, Summer Found Its Color" (2025), and the film "ROPE" (2025).
She also starred as the heroine in "Three Gnossiennes," a commemorative film marking the 60th anniversary of the death of Edogawa Rampo. -
Yohta Kawase
Since around 1990, Yohta Kawase has been involved in the independent film scene as an assistant director and art staff member, making his acting debut in Shozin Fukui's "Rubber's Lover."
In 1997, Kawase was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award by Kinema Junpo. Since then, he has worked across a wide range of productions, including independent films, direct-to-video releases (V-cinema), feature films, and television dramas.
In 2016, Kawase's performances in "Rolling" and "Yaru Otoko" were highly acclaimed, earning him the Best Actor Award at the 25th Japan Film Professionals Awards. -
Yukio Ueno (denis)
Born in 1982 in Osaka, Japan. Of Brazilian and Japanese heritage. He is the boke (funny man) of the comedy duo "denis."
Known for his sharp sense of timing and engaging talk style, he is active across a wide range of media, including television, radio, and live performances.
His YouTube channel, "Denis no Kowai YouTube," is a highly popular platform with over 400,000 subscribers. -
Keiko Enoue (nicche)
Born in 1984 in Shimane Prefecture, she is the "boke" (funny performer) of the comedy duo "Nicche". In addition to variety shows, she has been active across a wide range of fields including television dramas, films, and stage productions. With her natural sense of humor and warm, human presence, she brings a unique emotional depth to every project she joins.
In 2025, she won the 9th THE W (Japan's top all-female comedian competition). She is currently a regular on several programs, including TBS's King's Brunch, Tokai TV's Switch!, Fuji TV's Nonstop!, and TBS's Kaimono Labo. -
Kosei Kudo
Born on March 12, 1996, in Aomori Prefecture.
Since 2018, he has been active across a wide range of films, television dramas, and stage productions. In recent years, he gained attention for his fresh portrayal of the protagonist's youth in the film Cottontail (2024). He is also set to deliver a powerful performance as the protagonist's colleague in the upcoming film TIGER (2026).
His other notable works include his first leading film 12 Months, Kai (2023), which received critical acclaim at film festivals around the world, as well as Does a Loving Wife's Bento Count as Infidelity? (2025) and We, the Transparent (2024). He is represented by office MUGI. -
Uri Suzuki
Born on December 12, 1996, and originally from Saitama Prefecture.
In recent years, she has appeared in the Hulu original drama Even If We Become Adults (2025) and the short film AGE (2025). She played leading roles in the feature film Shajiku (2023) and the short film Rat Tat Tat (2023). She has also appeared in international works, including Camino Dorado (Lola Cobach music video) (2023) and the short film Last Cigarette (2024). In addition to screen work, she participates in art events and is expected to continue expanding her activities across multiple fields. -
Yuki Saito
In 1984, she won the Grand Prix at the 3rd Miss Magazine contest organized by Shonen Magazine (Kodansha). In the same year, she gained widespread attention through a commercial for Myojo Foods' "Seishun to Iu Na no Ramen – Munesawagi Chashu."
In February 1985, she made her debut as a singer with the single "Sotsugyo." In April, she starred in her first television drama, "Sukeban Deka" (Fuji TV). In December, she made her film debut in "Yuki no Dansho – Jonetsu –", earning multiple newcomer awards at various film ceremonies.
In 1986, she played the heroine in the NHK morning drama series "Hane Komi," and in 1987, she made her stage debut in "Les Misérables." Since then, she has enjoyed a wide-ranging career as both an actress and a singer.
Director
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Writer / Director
Tekkou Nogami
Born in 1982 in Nagasaki, Japan, he is the CEO of LUCA Inc.
His work Dream won the Tourism Film Award at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) in 2018, followed by Ukujima, which also received the Tourism Film Award in 2022.
His short film ABYSS garnered multiple honors at SSFF & ASIA 2025, including the Best Thrill Award, Best Actor Award, and Audience Award.
Location
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Akasaka 1-chome
Akasaka 1-chome, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, is a refined urban district where business, culture, and international influences come together. The area is home to numerous embassies and modern office buildings, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere, while also offering pockets of greenery and historic shrines that add a sense of calm within the city. Nearby landmarks such as Ark Hills and Akasaka Intercity feature a variety of restaurants, art spaces, and cultural events, making it a lively destination for both locals and visitors. With excellent access to central Tokyo, Akasaka 1-chome is an ideal spot to experience the dynamic and contemporary side of the city.
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Mita 3-chome
Mita 3-chome, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, is a charming district where history and modern city life coexist. The area is known for its academic atmosphere, with historic institutions such as Keio University nearby, alongside a mix of office buildings and local dining spots that create a balanced urban environment. From the Mita 3-chome intersection, visitors can enjoy a clear view of Tokyo Tower, offering an iconic Tokyo cityscape. With convenient access to central Tokyo, Mita 3-chome is an appealing location for both sightseeing and casual exploration.
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Tenkubashi
Tenkubashi, located in Tokyo's Ota Ward, is an open and dynamic area adjacent to Haneda Airport. Situated near the mouth of the Tama River, it offers expansive waterfront views and a wide sense of sky rarely found in the city. In recent years, the development of HANEDA INNOVATION CITY has transformed the area into a hub for technology, culture, and creative exchange, featuring unique attractions such as a footbath overlooking the airport and various event spaces. Visitors can watch planes take off and land up close, experiencing a distinctly Tokyo blend of urban energy and openness. With easy access to both central Tokyo and the airport, Tenkubashi is an attractive spot for exploration and transit alike.
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Nippori
Nippori, located in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward, is a district where traditional downtown charm meets urban convenience. Historically a key transportation hub, it remains highly accessible today, with multiple train lines connecting it to the rest of the city. The area is well known for its textile district, as well as its temples and nostalgic shopping streets, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's cultural heritage and everyday life. At the same time, modern cityscapes blend with artistic elements throughout the neighborhood. As seen in this image, the bronze statue "Echo" stands along a street lined with high-rise buildings, accompanied by a simple bench in the foreground. Scattered fallen leaves add a quiet, reflective atmosphere, capturing a subtle and poetic side of Tokyo's urban landscape.
Trailer
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Trailer