Castle in the Air

Castle in the Air

■Synopsis Wholesome 5th-grader Yuto Takano and his younger sister live in his parents' diner in an old Tokyo neighborhood. Yuto's childhood friend, Takashi, is a frequent guest at their place because his single mother neglects him. One day Yuto and Takashi stumble across a girl their age called Michiru and her younger sister Hikaru. They live in a van with their father under a bridge. Yuto takes pity on the girls while Takashi sees himself in their plight and consequently can't help acting slightly superior to them. Yuto invites the hungry girls to his place for meals but little does he know that their situation is beyond his help. ■About the film Shockingly many children in Japan come from homes that are below the relative poverty threshold as Japan has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the developed world. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, one out of six children lives in poverty. Reflecting this reality some citizens are taking action; one successful solution are "kids' diners" or cafeterias for the underprivileged. Typically at these "diners" volunteer staff cook donated foods. Hot meals are provided free or very cheap to children from homes unable to provide healthy meals. Volunteering at these local "diners" is an example of a fast-growing activism. The film depicts modern Japan seen through the eyes of children whose lives revolve around "The Kids' Diner." The film explores themes of community solidarity as no one can live alone. ■Staff & Cast Director:Taro Hyugaji Screenplay:Shin Adachi, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi Cinematography:Tatsuo Suzuki Lighting:Hideshi Mikami Sound Recording:Yasuo Hashimoto Edit:Akimasa Kawashima Music:Castle In The Air(Katsumi Watanabe & Koko Tanigawa) Cast:Kanata Fujimoto, Rio Suzuki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Takako Tokiwa