The Making of a Japanese

This documentary examines the development of children attending a public elementary school in Tokyo. By following students in their first and sixth years, the film explores how the Japanese educational system prepares youth for societal integration. The narrative focuses on the responsibilities students take on through collective tasks and the way older pupils provide guidance to the younger children.

Ema Ryan Yamazaki directed the film, which was a joint production between companies from Japan, France, Finland, and the United States. The project was produced by Eric Nyari and released on April 5, 2024. The final work has a runtime of 99 minutes.