TOKYO STRAYERS | International Premiere | Toronto Japanese Film Festival

Why we picked it

Set in Shinjukus Kabukicho, this tense suspense drama follows a single night in which the lives of four displaced teenagers collide. Marking the feature debut of 24-year-old director Ren Akiba, the film draws on his own experiences in Toyoko.Asuka, a high school girl with no sense of belonging at home or at school, comes to Kabukicho inspired by Tokyo Tohiko, an autobiographical online novel by a girl living in Toyoko. There she meets the author, Hiyori, and is introduced to Edo, a protector of the areas drifting youth, and Merio, their volatile leader. But after witnessing a shocking scene at one of Merios gatherings, Asuka and Hiyori are forced to flee, setting off a dangerous night of pursuit involving gangs, desperate choices, and the police. Fast-paced and well-acted, Tokyo Strayers takes a clear-eyed look at the difficult social issue in Japan with great empathy.StarringRio Teramoto, Akana Ikeda, Kaito Tsuna, Nao Takahashi, Yuya Matsuura, Motoki Fukami, Honami SatoCONTENT WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER VIEWERS 2025 Tokyo Strayers Film Production Committee *No exchange or refund.*Membership will be checked at the JCCC.