The Potentials

Teruichi Tsuchiya, 42, is a perpetual assistant to a master manga artist. He feels uneasy about his junior colleague who has debuted as a manga artist, his estranged wife who is a popular voice actress, and for some reason, he is constantly at odds with his daughter, who lives with him and is preparing for her high school entrance exams. Just as a 17-year-old manga series comes to an end, a new manga project comes along. Joining him are Yuki Shioda, a 29-year-old editor who is aware of his lack of passion for his work, and Potato Yamada, a headstrong 40-year-old rookie assistant. What future awaits him after taking this step…?

Directed by Shôichi Morimoto, Kaima Sato, The Potentials leans on a strong ensemble — Go Morita, Aoi Morikawa, Yuri Kawakami — 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 2026.