PONY CANYON

INTERNATIONAL LICENSING

Welcome to the Village

Original Title

嗤う蟲
Waraumushi

It’s too late to escape from the VILLAGE!!

INTRODUCTION

Based on real-life incidents of people being ostracized from neighbors in rural communities, this film realistically depicts various “village rules” that actually exist, exposing the reality of rural society hidden in the darkness of modern Japan.

The leading role, Anna, is played by former Nogizaka46 member Mai Fukagawa, who has shifted to acting after leaving the popular girl group. She has starred in such films as Once Hit the Bottom (2022) and The Ex-idol, Stuck in Life, Decided to Live with a Complete Stranger(2023).

Anna’s husband is played by Ryuya Wakaba, known for his impressive performances in such works as Ichiko (2023) and the drama series Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary(2024).

An array of actors with established reputations for their distinctive qualities and talent, including Tomorowo Taguchi, Kaoru Sugita, Yuya Matsuura, Reiko Kataoka, and Kouta Nakayama, play the parts of the couple’s neighbors in Asamiya Village.

Director Hideo Jojo (Believers, ’22, Black Jack, ’24, etc.) and screenwriter Eisuke Naito (Litchi Hikari Club, ’16, Liverleaf, ’18, etc.) teamed up for this gripping thriller that delves into the dark side of rural communities.

STORY

Anna (Mai Fukagawa) is an illustrator who dreamed of living in the countryside, and her wishes come true when she and her husband, Terumichi (Ryuya Wakaba), who has quit his office job to try his hand at organic farming, leave the city and move to Asamiya Village.

The couple find that the residents of Asamiya Village are excessively devoted to their community leader, Takubo (Taguchi Tomorowo), and while they feel weary of the villagers' over-the-top nosiness, they enjoy slow life in their new home.

As the days go by, Anna begins to feel suspicious of the way some of the villagers appear to fear Takubo. Meanwhile, Terumichi ends up helping Takubo with his work and discovers the hidden rules of Asamiya Village. Still, he chooses to devote himself to those rules for his family’s sake, to avoid being ostracized from their neighbors.