The highly anticipated original anime film, Houenka, crafted by the dynamic duo Kinoshita Mugiko and Kinomoto Kazunari — the creative minds behind the acclaimed Odd Taxi — and produced by Studio CLAP, officially premiered on October 10, 2025. Adding to the excitement, it has been revealed that Hanae Natsuki, known for his stellar work, portrays the present-day Kensuke, the son of Nana. Furthermore, fans will be thrilled to learn that a special stage greeting event featuring Hanae Natsuki and Saitou Souma, reuniting the popular pair from Odd Taxi, will be held on October 22.
About Houenka: A New Masterpiece from the Odd Taxi Team
Houenka stands as an original anime film born from the collaborative genius of director and character designer Kinoshita Mugiko, and original story writer and scriptwriter Kinomoto Kazunari. This creative pairing previously garnered widespread praise for their unpredictable and captivating TV anime, Odd Taxi. Production duties are handled by CLAP, the studio celebrated for its work on critically acclaimed films like Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san (also known as Pompo the Cinephile) and Natsu e no Tunnel, Sayonara no Deguchi (also known as The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes), both of which have garnered significant attention at various film festivals both domestically and internationally.
The Engrossing Narrative of Love and Life
The story of Houenka begins in a solitary prison cell, where an elderly man named Akutsu, a lifer awaiting his lonely demise, is unexpectedly addressed by a Houenka flower capable of human speech. Through their “conversation,” Akutsu embarks on a poignant journey, reflecting on his turbulent past. The year is 1987, summer. Akutsu, a small-time yakuza, begins a quiet life in a seaside town, having been looked after by his senior, Tsutsumi. He shares a modest but happy existence with Nana, six years his junior, and her newborn son, Kensuke.
However, as Akutsu finds success in land speculation and his fortunes rise, he falls into a life of hedonism, neglecting his home and family. Then, one fateful day, everything changes. Forced to secure a large sum of money, Akutsu conspires with Tsutsumi to steal 300 million yen from their gang’s safe. What truly lies at the heart of this man’s life and his complicated tale of love?
Hanae Natsuki Joins the Cast as Present-Day Kensuke
With the film now released, a significant casting detail has been unveiled: Hanae Natsuki, widely recognized for his role as the protagonist Odokawa in Odd Taxi, lends his voice to the character of the present-day Kensuke in Houenka. Hanae Natsuki reportedly took on this role after receiving a direct offer from director Kinoshita Mugiko himself, showcasing the strong creative bond within the team.
Hanae Natsuki revealed that before recording his lines for Kensuke—who in the latter half of the story drives his mother Nana through their old town in the dark early morning—director Kinoshita emphasized the need for his performance to convey the natural intimacy of people who have always been together in their daily lives. He also happily recounted how much he enjoyed the recording process, especially working alongside Miyazaki Yoshiko, who voices the present-day Nana.
Special Stage Greeting Event Confirmed
Furthermore, an exclusive stage greeting event is scheduled to take place on October 22 at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo. The event will feature Hanae Natsuki, Saitou Souma, and director Kinoshita Mugiko. Saitou Souma, like Hanae Natsuki, was also a part of the Odd Taxi cast and portrays Wakamatsu, Akutsu’s junior by three years, in Houenka. Tickets are priced at a uniform 2,200 yen. Online sales at the theater’s website will commence at 0:00 on October 12 (effectively 24:00 on October 11), with in-person sales at the theater box office starting when the theater opens on the same day. Be sure to check it out!
The original anime film Houenka, brought to life by the creative partnership of Kinoshita Mugiko and Kinomoto Kazunari from Odd Taxi and produced by Studio CLAP, is currently playing in theaters.
Comments from the Cast
Hanae Natsuki
I am deeply honored to once again be a part of this production team.
I am incredibly happy that Houenka, a film packed with so much passion and dedication, can now be seen in theaters.
Please do make your way to the cinema and enjoy the film.
Houenka Stage Greeting Event Details
- Date and Time: October 22 (Wednesday), 19:00 screening, followed by a stage greeting
- Venue: Shinjuku Wald 9
- Guests: Hanae Natsuki, Saitou Souma, Director Kinoshita Mugiko
- Price: 2,200 yen (flat rate)
- *No discounts, Movie Tickets, or free invitation tickets applicable.
- Ticket Sales:
- Theater Online: From 00:00 on October 12 (Sunday) (= 24:00 on October 11 (Saturday))
- *Prior free membership registration is required.
- *Access to the website may be concentrated and difficult immediately after sales begin. Please be forewarned.
- *The following payment methods are available: Online payment (Credit Card / Amazon Pay / PayPay).
- *”Pay Later” option is not available until two days before the screening date.
- *Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and sales will end once the planned number of tickets is reached.
- Theater Box Office: From theater opening time on October 12 (Sunday)
- *If tickets are sold out through online sales, there will be no sales at the box office.
- Theater Online: From 00:00 on October 12 (Sunday) (= 24:00 on October 11 (Saturday))
Film Information: Houenka
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(C)Kinomoto Kazunari／Houenka Production Committee
《Nakase Koutarou》
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