On March 22, 2025, a stage greeting was held to commemorate the release of the movie Bad Summer, directed by Hidetomo Jojo. The event took place in Tokyo and featured actors Kento Kitamura, Yumi Kawai, and Masataka Kubota.
Bad Summer is based on the novel of the same name by writer Tomohito Somei. The film depicts the story of Sasaki, a timid civil servant who becomes embroiled in a downward spiral of crime. Kitamura plays Sasaki, while Kawai portrays Aimi, a single mother who draws him into criminal activities, and Kubota takes on the role of Kanemoto, the mastermind behind the crime plot. During the stage greeting, attendees were treated to insights into the film's making and the actors' performances.
Director Jojo described the movie as a blend of various entertainment elements, stating, "You can laugh, you can cry, I've packed in various elements of entertainment. I've made it a movie that I hope everyone can enjoy." This sentiment resonated throughout the event as the cast shared their experiences.
In discussing his role, Kitamura highlighted the humor found within the characters, stating, "(The characters) were very comical, so I told the director it was funny!" He specifically noted the character portrayed by Takuhara Pistol, saying, "(He) is someone you just couldn’t figure out,” referring to Pistol's role as Yamada, a drug dealer linked to Kanemoto.
Kawai expressed surprise at the film's twist ending, conveying that despite knowing the story, it felt like everything she had built up was stripped away, saying, "I thought, ‘what is this?’ it felt like I had everything taken from me.” Kubota echoed her sentiments, noting a sense of beauty amidst the chaos of the narrative, describing the characters as “zuru-i,” a term that captures their flawed nature.
Jojo, reflecting on the talented cast, shared his challenges during filming, noting, “I felt like, what should I do in front of such skilled actors?” Kitamura and Kubota showcased unexpected comedic chemistry, revealing that they often ended up making "the worst faces" during their scenes together.
In a notable scene where Sasaki's emotional breakdown occurs, Kitamura indicated that he had a liberating experience, saying, "I felt I could act freely... I had a sense of just how wild I could go.” He humorously reminisced about being directed to portray his character's anxiety by fidgeting, recalling, "When I was told to ‘jiggle my legs at high speed,’ I wondered how to do that.”
The outdoor filming presented its own challenges, especially during a chaotic climax involving a storm. Kubota recalled, "It really was tough. That day, it was particularly cold, and I was shaking so much, I couldn't say a word.” Kawai added that Kubota was so cold he resembled someone in shock, humorously sharing, “At one point, I was worried for him!” After the ordeal, they all warmed up around a bonfire, laughing and sharing baked potatoes.
Amid discussions about their personal fascinations, Kawai shared her newfound love for Rubik's Cubes, stating she can solve all six sides in under three minutes, thanks to encouragement from her manager. She admitted to practicing in secret, prompting Kitamura to tease her by saying, “I’ll tell everyone at the set you’re doing Rubik’s Cubes.” Meanwhile, Kubota expressed his fascination with ChatGPT, exclaiming how amazed he is at its capabilities, exclaiming, “What an advanced tool! It answers everything!”
The event culminated with heartfelt messages from the cast. Kitamura expressed his joy at seeing audiences return to theaters, saying, “I’m really happy to see everyone happily coming to enjoy films.” He emphasized how even when the film presents uncomfortable themes, they ultimately convey beauty. Kawai hoped that viewers would leave with emotions they didn’t anticipate and engage in discussions about the film with others. Jojo concluded on a high note, urging everyone to enjoy the experience, stating, “I’d like everyone to have fun watching it, whether you laugh or cry.”
Bad Summer has been screening nationwide since March 20, 2025. Following the event, the atmosphere remained buoyant as fans eagerly anticipated experiencing the film's unique blend of humor and depth.
