First Gentleman

Hiyori (Kei Tanaka) is an ornithologist (expert on birds). His wife is Rinko (Miki Nakatani). She is the leader the minority opposition party. One morning, Hiyori is about to travel to an isolated island to watch birds on a 10 day trip. Before he leaves, Rinko asks him if she becomes the prime minister would he be inconvenienced. Hiyori then goes on his bird watching trip. During this time, he is completely isolated from the outside world. When he returns home, his wife Rinko is now the prime minister of the country. She is also the first ever female prime minister of Japan. Suddenly, Hiyori is now the first gentleman of the country. He decides to support his wife, but he finds himself caught up in unexpected circumstances.

Directed by Hayato Kawai, First Gentleman leans on a strong ensemble — Kei Tanaka, Miki Nakatani, Shihori Kanjiya — 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 romance titles of 2021.