The latest installment of the highly successful Japanese horror film series, Accident Property: Terrifying Floor Plan, titled Accident Property Zonk: Terrifying Floor Plan, is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. This franchise, which captured audiences with its chilling tales of haunted properties, boasts the highest box office earnings for any Japanese horror film this century, with 23.4 billion yen. Directed by the acclaimed Hideo Nakata, known for starting the horror boom with Ring, this series continues to intrigue and terrify viewers.
The narrative of Accident Property Zonk: Terrifying Floor Plan draws its inspiration from the chilling experiences of Tanishi Matsubara, who has lived and documented his time spent in "accident properties," or places associated with tragic events. His popular non-fiction horror book series, Accident Property Kaidan: Terrifying Floor Plan, has sold over 250,000 copies and gained fame for its real, spine-tingling stories.
Stepping up to take the lead role of Yahiro Masuta, the "accident property living talent," is Snow Man’s Shota Watanabe, marking his first solo starring role. This leap is particularly significant for the 32-year-old actor, who shared at the production press conference, "The pressure is really high. It’s scary, not like horror, but different kind of scary. I hope to make the most of this opportunity and come out successful this summer!" Watanabe replaces his senior colleague, Kazuya Kamenashi, who starred as the lead in the previous film. His enthusiasm is palpable, but so is his apprehension: "When I was offered the role, I wondered, 'Why me?' But now, I’m determined to prove myself!"
Watanabe is joined by Tsukushi Haruna, who plays his lover, Hanane Haruhara, and Eitaro Yoshida portraying Kiyokazu Fujiyoshi, the president of Yahiro’s talent agency. Each character is set against the backdrop of various eerie properties, exploring themes of fear and the unknown.
Recently released promotional materials, including a special report video, showcase Yahiro encountering paranormal phenomena throughout his adventures. The video opens with Yahiro innocently watching anime before transitioning to his chilling experiences living in numerous unsettling locations: engages with rooms described as "a room where you're sure to get possessed," "an eerie old inn," and "a haunted share house."
The special report features tense moments, including Yahiro appearing anxious and Fujiyoshi displaying enigmatic smiles. Haruhara's frightened expressions and Yahiro's startled reactions culminate in heightened suspense, ending with the ominous image of Yahiro’s shoulder being touched by what seems like a bloodied hand—a startling visual sure to evoke chills and excite audiences.
Watanabe’s insights on the filming process reveal the candid dynamics on set. He recounted, "There was one day when the lights suddenly broke, and I thought, 'It must be the ghost!' It was genuinely frightening!" He humorously added, "I once delayed arriving on set by just a few minutes and jokingly claimed I’d been paralyzed by fear. The truth is, I just overslept!" This balance of humor amid tension hints at the fun-loving camaraderie within the Snow Man group, especially since Watanabe acknowledges frequent jests from fellow members about his nervous disposition around haunted attractions.
It’s evident from the film's presentation and Watanabe's vibrant energy at public appearances, including the press conference held on March 16, 2025, in Tokyo, the anticipation surrounding Accident Property Zonk: Terrifying Floor Plan is palpable. This film not only marks Watanabe's significant career milestone but also keeps the essence of Nakata's direction alive, cementing the continuation of one of Japan's most hauntingly successful horror franchises.
Fans of both horror and Japanese cinema eagerly await July 25, when Accident Property Zonk: Terrifying Floor Plan will finally grace the silver screen, reinforcing the legacy of Matsubara’s stories and Nakata's mastery. This sequel promises to tread where fear dwells and has the potential to send shivers down spines once more.