The film Produced in the fiscal year of 2024
The place before daybreak
19min.16sec / 2025 / Japan
- Director
- Sara Masuda
- Screenwriter
- Sayoko Hirai
- Producers
- Seigo Tono, Atsuya Katabami, Hirofumi Sakurai
- Executive Producer
- Tetsuya Bessho
- Cast
- Kanata Hosoda, Kai Inowaki, B.T.,
Yui Suzuki, Ouga Tsukao,
Manami Konishi, Arata Iura
Naoya, living in the heart of Tokyo, spent his days caught up in the routines of a work-centered life. It had been a long time since he indulged in his favorite pastime — traveling, something he had loved since his university days.
One day, out of the blue, he receives a phone call from Shogo, a senior from his university, inviting him on a trip to Okutama. Though puzzled by the sudden invitation, Naoya heads out to Okutama, where Shogo introduces him to an American traveler named Jackson.
The three of them explore the lush natural surroundings — a place so rich in nature it hardly feels like it’s still part of Tokyo. Along the way, they meet warm-hearted locals and fully enjoy the natural beauty of Okutama.
This unexpected escape from his ordinary life brings Naoya small yet meaningful realizations and changes. The scenery before his eyes begins to gently shine in a new light.
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Film
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Making
Cast
Kanata Hosoda
He began his career at the age of four and has since appeared in numerous dramas and films. In 2019, he was selected from over 1,000 applicants to play the lead role in director Yuya Ishii’s film "Almost a Miracle". He went on to appear in films such as "We Made a Beautiful Bouquet" and "One Summer Story", as well as dramas including "Dragon Zakur"a (TBS) and "Love is Deep: Yankee-kun and the White Cane Girl" (NTV). In 2023, he gained attention for his performance as Tokugawa Nobuyasu, the eldest son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, in the NHK Taiga drama "What Will You Do, Ieyasu?"
In 2024, he appeared in the drama series "95" (TX) and "That Girl's Child" (KTV), and starred in "The Country of Tanabata", streaming on Disney+. He is currently appearing in the Netflix film Bullet Train Explosion and the NHK morning drama series Anpan.
Kai Inowaki
Born in 1995, from Kanagawa Prefecture. In 2008, he won multiple awards, including the Best New Actor Award at the 82nd Kinema Junpo Best Ten for "Tokyo Sonata" directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. In 2018, his short film "Kotoba no Iranai Ai", which he directed, wrote, and starred in, was selected for the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival.
His recent film appearances include "In the Wake" (2021, directed by Takahisa Zeze), “Onoda - 10000 Nights in the Jungle" (2021, directed by Arthur Harari), "Musicophilia" (2021), directed by Masaaki Taniguchi), "Straying" (2022, directed by Rikiya Imaizumi), "Tonbi" (2022, directed by Takahisa Zeze), "Everything Will Be Owlright!" (2022, directed by Masahide Ichii), "almost people" (2023, directed by Takuto Kato), "Buzzy Noise" (2024, directed by Taiki Kazama), and the lead role in "Waiting for the Pianist" (2024, directed by Kei Shichiri). He played a dual leading role in TV Tokyo’s January 2025 drama slot "Bansan Blues" (Wednesday Drama 25), and is also currently appearing in the ongoing NHK Taiga drama "UNBOUND".
B.T.
Born in 1985. Made his acting debut in "Woman of the Crime Lab" (Season 17, Episode 6).
His major appearances include the TBS Sunday Theater / Netflix series "VIVANT" (directed by Katsuo Fukuzawa), the film and TV drama "Black School Rules" (directed by Shintaro Sugawara), the TV drama "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! "(directed by Tsutomu Hanabusa), the film "We Made It Through Somehow: INTERNATIONAL" (directed by Nobuo Mizuta), the NHK Taiga drama "What Will You Do, Ieyasu!? "(episode 13), and NHK World’s "Journeys in Japan".
In recent years, he has also appeared in the film "Grand Maison Paris" (directed by Ayuko Tsukahara) and the stage play "Chihayaburu: The Divine Land / Honnoji Incident - Another Story" (written and directed by Fumiko Kusakabe).
Yui Suzuki
Born in 2013 and originally from Saitama Prefecture.
She made his film debut as the lead actor in "Touch" (2024, directed by Kyosuke Takada), attracting attention as a promising and talented young actor.
Her major works include the short film " (2024, directed by Momoka Endo)", and "The Boy and the Dog" (2025, directed by Takahisa Zeze).
She is also starring in "Renoir" (directed by Chie Hayakawa), scheduled for release on June 20, 2025—a role he landed through an audition.
Ouga Tsukao
Born on April 8, 2015, in Miyagi Prefecture.
He began his career in the entertainment industry at the age of one.
He made his film debut in "A Man's Lifetime Love Letter" (2022, directed by Takahisa Zeze).
In "Shadow of Fire" (2023, directed by Shinya Tsukamoto), which depicts a black market in the immediate postwar period, he played the role of a war orphan. For this performance, he became the youngest-ever recipient of the Best New Actor Award at the 97th Kinema Junpo Best Ten Awards in 2023.
In the upcoming film "Danshin" (directed by Masaki Inoue), scheduled for release in the fall of 2025, he delivers a notable performance as Mamoru Wada, the son of the protagonist.
He is also active in a wide range of fields, including television dramas and commercials.
Manami Konishi
Born on October 27, 1978.
She made her debut on stage under the direction of Kohei Tsuka, and later won several awards, including the Best Newcomer Award at the 26th Japan Academy Prize for her performance in the film "The Hidden Blade".
She received numerous Best Actress awards for her leading role in the film "Nonchan Noriben".
As an actress, she has played a wide range of roles.
In recent years, she has also been active as a honey therapist and a forest bathing facilitator, promoting genuine beauty and wellness to many women.
Arata Iura
Born in 1974. Made his film debut in 1998 as the lead in Hirokazu Kore-eda's film "After Life". Since then, he has been active across a wide range of fields including film, television dramas, and narration. In addition to his acting career, he supports independent cinemas through “MINI THEATER PARK,” serves as the director of the apparel brand ELNEST CREATIVE ACTIVITY, and is the founder of the sustainable cosmetics brand "Kruhi". His work extends across multiple creative and cultural fields.
Director
Sara Masuda
She started working as a photographer at the age of 16. She is also active as a filmmaker now, expanding creative activities by directing and shooting music videos, among other projects. Her short film “cafune” won the Audience Award in the Japan Competiton at SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2024. As of 2025, their Instagram following has surpassed 160,000 followers.
Location
Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo
Kazuma Gorge Bridge
Kazuma Gorge Bridge (Kazuma Kyōbashi) is a beautiful arch-shaped bridge located in Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo. It spans the upper reaches of the Tama River and is known as a scenic spot surrounded by abundant nature. In particular, the area is famous for its stunning autumn foliage, and the view of the gorge from the bridge captivates visitors. Well-maintained hiking trails surround the area, making it a popular stopover for those heading toward Okutama. This peaceful, nature-blended space offers breathtaking seasonal landscapes throughout the year.
Akiruno City, Tokyo
Akigawa Valley
Akigawa Valley is a nature-rich gorge located in Akiruno City, Tokyo, stretching along the Akigawa River, a tributary of the Tama River. It’s a popular outdoor destination known for its clear streams and beautiful valley scenery. In summer, visitors can enjoy river activities, barbecues, and camping, while in autumn, the area is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage. There are also nearby hot spring facilities, offering relaxation throughout the year. Just about an hour from central Tokyo by train or car, it’s a beloved and easily accessible natural retreat.
Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo
Kama-meshi Nakai (a restaurant specializing in rice cooked in a clay pot)
「釜めし “Kamameshi Nakai” is a long-established specialty restaurant located in Okutama Town, Nishitama District, Tokyo, known for its traditional kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot). Situated in a tranquil, nature-rich mountain setting near Okutama Station, the restaurant serves freshly cooked kamameshi made to order, using generous amounts of locally sourced ingredients. Its gentle flavors and appetizing aroma are a hallmark of the dishes. Popular menu items include mountain vegetable kamameshi and chicken kamameshi. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, it’s a favored dining spot for those visiting the Okutama area.
Koto Ward, Tokyo
Aioi Bridge
Aioi Bridge is located in Koto City, Tokyo, spanning the point where the Sumida River meets the Onagigawa River. Originally completed in 1931, the current bridge was rebuilt in 1977. It is characterized by its elegant arch-shaped design and is beautifully illuminated at night, enhancing the waterfront scenery. The surrounding area is close to popular neighborhoods such as Toyosu, Monzen-nakacho, and Kiyosumi-shirakawa, making it a well-loved destination for strolling and running. The view of the bridge from the riverside is also one of its key attractions.
Trailer
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Trailer