Becoming the Sea

Shuji was born on Etajima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea in the western part of Hiroshima Prefecture, and has never left the island. He has always felt responsible for his father's sudden death in the family farm, and has spent his days living at home with his mother, feeling depressed. One day, he learns on TV that his childhood friend Kazuya, who is working as a film director in Tokyo, is making a film set in his hometown of Etajima. Meanwhile, Yukie, whom they had liked in high school, is having an affair with a man who has a wife and child. Amidst the three people's mixed feelings, the shooting of the movie Kazuya is directing begins.

Directed by 沖正人, Becoming the Sea leans on a strong ensemble — Takahiro Miura, Kouhei Takeda, Miyu Sakihi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2025.