‘Petal Dance’ Director Ishikawa Hiroshi Ends 13-Year Feature Hiatus With ‘The Blue We Touch’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Japanese director Ishikawa Hiroshi is returning to feature films after 13 years with “the blue we touch”, an ensemble drama now in post-production. The film explores difficult-to-name feelings between people and is set for a 2027 release in Japan, marking Ishikawa’s first feature since “Petal Dance”.

Nao plays Mitsu, a 29-year-old contract web designer who hopes for permanent work and develops a connection with her firm’s HR manager. Karata Erika plays Ayane, whose meeting with art student Tomoki leads her to revisit cherished memories; Nakano Arisa plays Tomoki’s classmate Nozomi. Ishikawa wrote, directed and edited the film, continuing a career that includes “Tokyo.sora” and “Su-ki-da.”.