Echoes of Motherhood
| Echoes of Motherhood | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Japanese | 恒星の向こう側 |
| Literally | Beyond the Stars |
| Directed by | Nakagawa Ryutaro |
| Screenplay by | Nakagawa Ryutaro |
| Produced by | Momo Inaba |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Ueno Senzo |
| Edited by | Nakagawa Ryutaro |
| Music by | Haruka Nakamura[1] |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
Echoes of Motherhood (恒星の向こう側) is a Japanese drama film written and directed by Nakagawa Ryutaro. It is his concluding film in a trilogy by the exploring themes of loss and renewal, following 2016 film Run, Faster Than Despair and 2018 film April's Long Dream. Starting Momoko Fukuchi, Naomi Kawase, Kanichiro and Aki Asakura, the film depicts the love and conflict between mother and daughter, and husband and wife.[2][3]
The film had its World Premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025 in International competition vying for Tokyo Grand Prix.[4]
Synopsis
Echoes of Motherhood explores the complexities of familial and romantic relationships, portraying how love can evolve through conflict, grief, and reconciliation.
The story centers on Michi, who returns to her family home after learning her mother Kanako has limited time left. Their meeting was strained, as Kanako's attempts to reconnect are met with emotional distance. Michi's husband, Toshizo, struggles with lingering feelings for his late friend Mari, despite having a child with Michi. As Michi listens to old recordings left by her mother, she uncovers a hidden chapter of Kanako's past. This discovery helps Michi understand her mother's choices and embrace the idea of love passed down through generations.
Cast
- Momoko Fukuchi as Michi
- Naomi Kawase as Kanako
- Kanichiro as Toshizo
- Aki Asakura
- Sara Minami
- Takahiro Miura
- Shiori Kubo[5]
- Sachiyo Nakao
Production
The film was shot in the Notsuke Peninsula in Betsukai and Hokkaido.[6]
Release
Echoes of Motherhood had its world premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025 in International competition.[7]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo International Film Festival | November 5, 2025 | Tokyo Grand Prix | Echoes of Motherhood | Nominated | [8] |
| Best Actress | Momoko Fukuchi and Naomi Kawase | Won | [9] |
References
- ^ @@__CASA (October 10, 2025). "The movie Beyond the Stars, I am in charge of the music" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Echoes of Motherhood". Tokyo International Film Festival. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ "恒星の向こう側" [Beyond the Stars] (in Japanese). Eiga. October 12, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Shackleton, Liz (October 1, 2025). "Tokyo Film Festival Unveils Competition Line-Up With World Premieres From Rithy Panh, Amos Gitai, Chong Keat Aun & Zhang Lu". Deadline. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ "Shiori Kubo will appear in the film "Echoes of Motherhood" and the film will be entered in the competition section of the Tokyo International Film Festival!". Nogizaka46. October 10, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ "別海町で撮影、福地桃子主演『恒星の向こう側』 東京国際映画祭のコンペ部門にも選出、審査員は齊藤工ら" [Filmed in Betsukai Town, starring Momoko Fukuchi, "The Other Side of the Stars" was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival's competition section, with judges including Takumi Saito.] (in Japanese). Yahoo Japan. October 10, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Matt Schley (October 1, 2025). "Tokyo reveals lineup with Chong Keat Aun, Rithy Panh, Amos Gitai world premieres". ScreenDaily. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Naman Ramachandran (October 1, 2025). "Fan Bingbing's 'Mother Bhumi,' Zhang Ziyi's 'She Has No Name' Among Selections as Tokyo Film Festival Unveils Full Lineup". Variety. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Abid Rahman (November 5, 2025). "Tokyo: 'Palestine 36' Takes Grand Prix, Zhang Lu's 'Mothertongue' Wins Two Prizes". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 5, 2025.