Strangers in Kyoto (ぶぶ漬けどうどす) (JFTFP26)

Name: Strangers in Kyoto (ぶぶ漬けどうどす) (JFTFP26)
Genre: Drama
Released: 2026-03-15
Duration: 1 h 36 min
Cast: Mai Fukagawa, Ritsu Otomo, Zuru Onodera

Screening as part of <a href="https://www.filmhouse.org.uk/japan-foundation-touring-film-programme">The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026</a>, co-organised with the Japan Foundation. Kyoto is famous not only as a beautiful ancient city, but also for its double-sided language! SHIBUSAWA Madoka (FUKAGAWA Mai), a Tokyo-based freelance writer, is on a trip to Kyoto after recently marrying the 14th-generation heir (OTOMO Ritsu) to a traditional folding-fan shop in the city. Determined to understand the exquisite essence of Kyoto, she sets out to write a comic essay about life in the city’s historic businesses and the centuries of tradition they embody. Along the way, she interviews her husband’s family and various local okami — female business proprietors — across town, accompanied by her loyal manga artist friend, ANZAI Riko (ONODERA Zuru). Unfortunately, as an outsider, Madoka is unaware of Kyoto’s culture of honne (true feelings) and tatemae (outward opinions). Soon, her straightforward honesty, extreme love of Kyoto, and over-the-top efforts to protect and celebrate the city’s heritage find her under fire from angry locals. Things escalate when she has a heated confrontation with a real estate agent over the sale of her in-laws’ traditional townhouse, igniting a wave of disapproval and causing outright havoc. Directed by TOMINAGA Masanori (Pumpkin and Mayonnaise, JFTFP19), Strangers in Kyoto uniquely reveals lesser-known sides of Kyoto and its people, who preserve “their own” traditions, in this a laugh-out-loud comedy. © 2025 “Strangers in Kyoto” Film PartnersDramaPT1H36MPG2026-03-15

Mai Fukagawa

Ritsu Otomo

Zuru Onodera

Masanori Tominaga

Rampei Yokoyama

Strangers in Kyoto (ぶぶ漬けどうどす) (JFTFP26)"Strangers in Kyoto (ぶぶ漬けどうどす) (JFTFP26)"

Showtimes

March 15, 3:45 pm