Potechi (2012 Film) Overview

Potechi (released internationally in English as Chips) is a 2012 Japanese drama and comedy film directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura. The runtime of the film is 68 minutes, and it was distributed by Showgate in Japan.

Background and Production

The film is based on a short story contained within the novel Fish Story by Kotaro Isaka, which was published on January 31, 2007. Potechi marked the fourth feature film directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura based on Isaka's written works, following The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God, Fish Story, and Golden Slumber. Principal photography for the film began in late August 2011 and concluded in mid-September 2011.

Plot Synopsis

Set in Sendai, Japan, the story follows two men living completely different lives. One works as a star professional baseball player, while the other makes a living burglarizing empty homes. Their fates intersect through unexpected connections when Tadashi Imamura (played by Gaku Hamada) and a suicidal woman enter the home of the professional baseball player.

Cast and Characters

The main cast features Gaku Hamada as Tadashi Imamura, Fumino Kimura as Wakaba Onishi, Nao Omori as Kurosawa, and Eri Ishida as Yumiko Imamura. Additional cast members include Daiki Nakamura, Mayu Matsuoka, Ryohei Abe, director Yoshihiro Nakamura, and Kinzou Sakura.

Film Festival Screenings

Potechi was screened at multiple international film festivals following its domestic release. It was featured in the Laugh Category at the 4th Okinawa International Movie Festival in March 2012. Later, it served as the closing film at the 11th New York Asian Film Festival in June and July 2012, marking its North American premiere. The film was also showcased at the 6th JAPAN CUTS festival in July 2012 and the 13th San Diego Asian Film Festival in November 2012 as its West Coast premiere.