Eliska Nodlova 
(Courtesy of the filmmaker)
Independent director Saki Michimoto has captured international attention with her debut feature, See You Tomorrow. The lyrical drama marks her down as one of the most promising new voices in Japanese cinema.
Screened on May 1, the film played at the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, northern Italy. Joining the director at the event's Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine were the film's stars, Makoto Tanaka and Risa Shigematsu. "It was an emotional experience," said Michimoto. The introduction of her talent to a European audience can only boost a career in cinema that is still in its formative stages.
Michimoto first showed the world a glimpse of her talent during her student years. She won the Special Jury Prize at the 2018 Pia Film Festival for her short film 19 Years Old. Then, in 2021, she participated in the New Directions in Japanese Cinema project run by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, where she directed the short, The Youngest Daughter.
See You Tomorrow explores the relationships between young photographers and their dreams ー both unfulfilled and realized. It was also nominated for the 2024 Kaneto Shindo Awards.
On the sidelines of the 2025 FEFF, Michimoto sat down to talk about her career as it has played out so far, including her debut feature and her time in Italy.
A Glimpse Into a Young Life
At first glance, the film feels almost autobiographical, especially knowing you went to the Osaka Visual Arts Academy film school yourself. Did you originally want to tell your own story, or were you more creating a kind of cinematic alter ego?
Yes, there are many autobiographical elements in the movie. This is because the main character, Nao, is based on my personal experiences. But you can also find parts of myself in other characters, like Sayo and the others.
What mattered most to me was keeping an honest approach when portraying each character's specific traits. They are all drawn from my real experiences.
See You Tomorrow is your first feature. Do you ever feel that tough sense of competition in the industry, like the characters in the film do?
Yes, I feel that. I'm turning 28 this year. I see that other directors my age are starting to gain worldwide recognition for their talent. So, in a way, I felt the passing of time and started pressuring myself. Having this feature film here in Udine this year is extremely important to me, and I will do my best not to be secondary.
There are some strong moments in the film where people start to share something personal while being photographed. Do you think taking pictures can bring people closer to who they really are?
I think that when you're taking pictures, the person behind the camera is in complete control of the shutter. Cameras are tools that offer unilateral control, one-way control over what's happening. So, from this point of view, rather than simply depicting the subject, I would say that each photograph somehow reveals the relationship between the photographer and the person being photographed.
Window Into 'Emotion'
There's often something left unsaid in the characters' relationships, and the main character feels distant. We don't always know why she acts the way she does. What made you want to explore that kind of awkwardness or emotional distance?
Perhaps, in this awkwardness, there is something of myself. But I can also say that I believe when several people share the same direction or goal, yet begin comparing their paths to one another, something unspoken starts to grow in their hearts. And out of that, a certain kind of atmosphere emerges.
How are you finding your time in Udine and what does it mean for you to have your feature film shown at the festival?
It's a lot of fun! You know, last year [2024] the movie was released in Japan. At that time we tried reaching out to several film festivals, but we didn't get very far. That's why I'm extremely happy to see so many viewers here, and their lovely reactions. I'm really enjoying this experience.
Did the audience's reaction differ in any way between Japan and Udine?
It was completely different. Here in Italy, when people get emotional about a particular scene, you can see their feelings through their body language. They express what they're feeling physically. They're also very sensitive to small details and react clearly. In Japan, on the other hand, people tend to be extremely shy, and it's often impossible to know what's going on in their minds.
About the Film
Title: See You Tomorrow
Director: Michimoto Saki
Starring: Makoto Tanaka, Ken Okouchi, Risa Shigematsu, Takuro Akiyama, Ryota Matsuda
Running time: 99 minutes
First released: Japan, September 28, 2024
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Author: Eliska Nodlova
Eliska Nodlova attended the 27th Far East Film Festival as part of the FEFF Campus for aspiring critics, writers, and film industry professionals.
