Masami Nagasawa to Star in Period Drama 'Oi, Ouka,' Premiering October 17, 2025

The highly anticipated period drama film 'Oi, Ouka,' starring acclaimed actress Masami Nagasawa in her first leading role in the genre, is set to premiere nationwide on October 17, 2025. The film will be screened at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other venues across Japan.

'Oi, Ouka' features Nagasawa as Ouka Kuze, the daughter of renowned Edo and Meiji era painter Shibata Zeshin. Zeshin, celebrated as Japan's greatest lacquer artist, was known for his innovative techniques and traditional artistry, even receiving commissions from the Imperial government. The film also stars Masao Niwa as Zeshin and Ikki Sawamura as Eishun Tsuru, an artist who paints portraits at Zeshin's doorstep. The ensemble cast includes Ryohei Suzuki, Eiji Okuda, and Shioli Kutsuna.

The project is directed and written by Tatsuya Mori, whose previous works include 'The Day My Father Died.' This collaboration marks a reunion for Mori and Nagasawa, who previously worked together on the film 'Mother.' The narrative follows Ouka's departure from home after a disagreement with her husband. Filming for 'Oi, Ouka' took place in Tokyo during October and November of 2023.

Nagasawa's performance as Ouka, a character striving for artistic recognition and seeking to reconnect with her father's legacy, has been praised for its authentic and naturalistic execution. The film is expected to offer a poignant exploration of the father-daughter relationship against the backdrop of Japan's rich artistic heritage. Shibata Zeshin, the historical figure central to the film's narrative, was active from the late Edo period into the Meiji era, recognized for his mastery of lacquerware and his development of unique techniques that mimicked various textures and materials. His innovative yet traditional approach earned him a complex reputation as both a modernizer and a traditionalist. Zeshin's significant artistic contributions were acknowledged by the Imperial Art Committee, and his works are housed in prestigious collections globally.