HAJIKERU 2022

Directed by Yuui Matsubayashi

Highschool graduate Natsumi lives in a provincial town with her estranged mother, working an unfulfilled job at a supermarket among gossips of conservative townspeople. The latest gossip revolves around Keiko, an attractive young woman recently relocated from Tokyo. Natsumi is drawn to Keiko and the two strikes up a friendship, finding relief in each other from the repressive community. Through Keiko, Natsumi discovers her own voice and agency, eventually fighting back against the prejudices and injustices society heaps upon women.