Japanese director Nagata Koto is using her latest film "BAKA's Identity" to shed light on a hidden crisis affecting young people in Japan: widespread poverty and its devastating psychological effects. The movie premiered at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), where it was selected for the newly established Competition section, marking a significant milestone for the director's career.
During a press conference at BIFF on Friday, Nagata explained her motivation for creating the film, challenging common perceptions about modern Japan. "Many foreign tourists visiting Japan seem to have the impression that Japan is a peaceful, beautiful and clean country. However, polarization is intensifying within Japanese society. Young people, in particular, are struggling with poverty," she said. The director emphasized that the problem extends beyond financial hardship, noting that "Not only are they suffering financially, but they are also having a difficult time due to psychological poverty."
Nagata expressed concern that many Japanese people remain unaware of this growing crisis within their own society. "Many Japanese people are unaware of this reality, so I wanted to make a film that addresses that issue," she stated during the press conference. The director was joined by actor Yuta Hayashi and producer Akira Morii for the event.
"BAKA's Identity" is based on Nishio Jun's novel "Orokamono no Mibun" and follows three young men as they struggle with poverty while becoming entangled in the criminal underworld. The main characters are Takuya, played by Takumi Kitamura, Kenji, portrayed by Go Ayano, and Mamoru, brought to life by Yuta Hayashi. The film explores how economic desperation can lead young people down dangerous paths.
BIFF programmer Karen Park provided insight into the film's complex themes, describing it as "a complex human psychological drama, a poignant story of three young men grappling with the weight of adulthood, and a sobering self-portrait of a modern metropolis where violence has deeply penetrated reality." This description highlights the film's multifaceted approach to examining contemporary Japanese society.
For director Nagata Koto, the BIFF screening represented a significant career milestone. "This is my first experience with a world premiere in a country other than Japan for this film. I was nervous, but I was grateful to be able to show the film to the audience without any issues," she shared during the press conference. The international premiere allowed her to present her vision of modern Japan's social issues to a global audience.
Producer Akira Morii expressed his excitement about participating in the festival's 30th anniversary celebration. He said it was a "great pleasure to meet the audience on the stage of the 30th film festival," and noted the positive reception from viewers. "We received a big round of applause from the audience after the premiere," Morii added, indicating that the film resonated with international audiences.
Actor Yuta Hayashi provided deeper insight into his character Mamoru, describing him as a resilient individual who refuses to give up despite facing abuse and hardship. "The strength I felt from Mamoru was an image I carried with me throughout the filming," Hayashi explained. He also discussed the emotional complexity of his role, noting that "A change of heart occurs for Mamoru in the latter half of the film, and I wanted to express the sense of loss he feels when he loses his only happiness during this process."
The film's selection for BIFF's Competition section underscores the festival's commitment to showcasing works that address pressing social issues. By bringing "BAKA's Identity" to an international stage, the festival is helping to raise awareness about youth poverty in Japan, a problem that often remains hidden beneath the country's prosperous exterior. The movie serves as both entertainment and social commentary, using the power of cinema to illuminate important societal challenges.
