The 48th Japan Academy Awards ceremony unfolded on March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo, celebrating the remarkable achievements of artists within the Japanese film industry. Among the shining stars of the evening, Yui Kawai, aged 24, received the prestigious Best Actress award for her powerful portrayal in the film Anoko no koto, directed by Yu Irie.
Kawai's win at the Japan Academy Awards marks her entry as a notable performer, after also securing the Best Actress award at the 67th Blue Ribbon Awards just the previous month. This accolade at the Japan Academy Awards is her first main award, including the Excellent Award, recognizing her excellence across all categories.
Upon receiving the Best Actress award, Kawai expressed her heartfelt excitement: "本当に、このたびはありがとうございます。ちょっと信じられないくらいで、この会場にいること自体、夢のような気持ちでいっぱい。未熟で新参者ですが、会場に来て敬愛する皆さんに囲まれて、映画という世界に足を踏み入れて本当に良かったと思っています". This translates to, "Thank you so much for this. I can hardly believe it; just being in this venue feels like a dream. I may be inexperienced and new, but being surrounded by respected peers makes me feel fortunate to have entered the world of cinema." Kawai's emotional words captured the essence of her gratitude and the significance of such recognition.
The film Anoko no koto, which inspired Kawai’s award-winning performance, weaves the story of a young girl grappling with adversity, based upon true events published as an article back in June 2020. The script composed by Irie delves deep, showing the character An, who faces struggles with her mother's imposed prostitution and the ensuing life challenges associated with drug involvement.
Playing alongside Kawai, actor Kotaro Sato, 55, received his own recognition as he won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Masaro, the unconventional detective aiming to save An from her dire circumstances. Sato was seen embracing Kawai and director Yu Irie, 45, following the award announcements—demonstrations of camaraderie and support within the film community.
“Anoko no koto” poignantly highlights how life experiences can resonate with the audience. Kawai shared, "言葉に言い表せないほど特別な作品。長い間、俳優を続けていきたいと思っていますけど、心に残り続ける大切な作品になると思う," which translates to, “It’s such a special work, one I cannot express with words. I aspire to continue acting for many years, and I believe this film will remain important to my heart," emphasizing her emotional connection to the film.
The awards ceremony also saw the presence of newcomer Saito Takumi, taking home the Newcomer of the Year award for his impressive performance. Saito shared the stage on this momentous evening and expressed gratitude for being able to work alongside talented individuals. He remarked, "この舞台に立てているのは、映画『カラオケ行こ！』で主演の綾野剛さん、そして素敵なキャスト・スタッフのみなさまが、撮影中に、そして、公開して1年経った今もたくさんの宝物をくださり…" meaning, “Standing on this stage is thanks to the lead actor Go Ayano and the wonderful cast and staff of ‘KARAOKE-Ikou!’, who have provided me with countless treasures both during filming and even one year after its release. I genuinely love being part of this world."
Saito's admiration for the filmmaking experience reflects the emotional and personal growth faced by many actors as they navigate their careers. Acknowledging both the struggles and joy derived from acting, he indicated his commitment to continue thriving within the industry: "これからも、ここからまた、気持ち新たに、精神誠意、1つ1つ、生きて……生き抜いていけたらなと思います," representing his determination and hope to forge forward with dedication.
Overall, the 48th Japan Academy Awards highlighted not just the achievements of individual artists but celebrated the very heart of the film industry: relationships built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared creative vision. The courage to narrate poignant stories plays a pivotal role, uplifting the collective strength of the Japanese film community—a theme underscored across the night. The honor received by Kawai and Saito will undoubtedly inspire future talents to brave the challenges of film artistry. Their shared experiences express the enduring value of storytelling and the impact it has, not only on the screen but also on the lives of those who weave the narratives.