Nanimono (2016 Film)
Nanimono is a 2016 Japanese youth drama film directed by Daisuke Miura. The film is an adaptation of the 2012 novel of the same name by author Ryo Asai, which received the prestigious 148th Naoki Prize. The production was distributed by Toho and released in Japanese theaters on October 15, 2016.
Plot
The narrative centers on five university students who form a group to navigate the competitive and stressful process of job hunting in Japan. While they outwardly support one another and share their progress and anxieties on social media, their interpersonal relationships are complicated by hidden agendas, personal insecurities, and unspoken feelings.
Takuto Ninomiya, portrayed by Takeru Satoh, serves as the central observer of the group. His roommate, Kotaro Kamiya (Masaki Suda), possesses a charismatic personality, contrasting with the more reserved Takuto. The group also includes Mizuki Tanabe (Kasumi Arimura), who is Kotaro's ex-girlfriend—a fact that creates tension due to Takuto's unrequited feelings for her. Rounding out the group are Rika Kobayakawa (Fumi Nikaido), who is intensely focused on securing employment, and Takayoshi Miyamoto (Masaki Okada), who initially adopts a critical stance toward the job-seeking culture before eventually participating in the process himself.
Production
The film was adapted from Ryo Asai's novel, which was published by Shinchosha on November 30, 2012. Principal photography for the film adaptation commenced on February 26, 2016. The production team included producers Akihiro Yamauchi and Genki Kawamura, with cinematography handled by Daisuke Soma.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast of prominent Japanese actors:
- Takeru Satoh as Takuto Ninomiya
- Kasumi Arimura as Mizuki Tanabe
- Masaki Suda as Kotaro Kamiya
- Fumi Nikaido as Rika Kobayakawa
- Masaki Okada as Takayoshi Miyamoto
- Takayuki Yamada as Sawa (Takuto's senior)
