The upcoming original anime film The Last Blossom (JP: ホウセンカ, Housenka), directed by ODDTAXI creator Baku Kinoshita, is set to premiere in fall 2025. The dual protagonists of the story, Akutsu Minoru's past and present selves, will be portrayed by veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi and Junki Tozuka, who makes his voice acting debut.

The narrative follows an aging inmate serving a life sentence who is nearing death in solitary confinement. One day, a talking balsam flower (Housenka) unexpectedly addresses him with the words, “What a worthless life you’ve led.” Through his surreal conversation with the flower, the old man begins to revisit his past. The film explores the dramatic reversal of fate by a dying yakuza, combining themes of regret, redemption, and the mystery of life.

Akutsu’s partner, Nana Nagata, is voiced by Hikari Mitsushima and Yoshiko Miyazaki. Meanwhile, the mysterious speaking balsam flower is brought to life by Pierre Taki. Two teaser visuals have been unveiled: one depicts the flower bathed in moonlight, and the other shows it blooming vibrantly under the sun. The bold phrases “A great reversal” and “Don’t make me laugh” are emblazoned across them, leaving a strong impression.

In the teaser trailer, both the old man in the cell and a young man, full of resolve, repeat the phrase “A great reversal,” hinting at a deeper connection across time. The final scene features the enigmatic talking flower.

Staff Comments

Baku Kinoshita (Director & Character Design)
The beauty of the blue sky. The brilliance of leaves kissed by sunlight. The quiet meaning behind caring for someone. This film is a reflection on beauty, transience, and the values of happiness—and how these things shape our lives. With a desire to return to the essence of living, I aimed to portray the quiet strength that lies
within us as we navigate our ever-changing days.
I truly hope this story reaches many people and gently resonates in their hearts.

Kazuya Konomoto (Script / Screenplay)
Even in an unrewarded life, we are free to pray. Whether those prayers will ever be answered—we may never know. But still, I wanted to believe. HOUSENKA is the story of a man who has lost the place he once called home, and the silence that lingers between him and his lover. Into that silence, a single flower quietly blooms, giving rise to words that had long withered away. Before the flower could bloom, there were countless moments of silence—and one quiet, unwavering prayer.
I hope that the small certainty born at the end of that long silence and prayer will quietly plant a seed in your heart, too.

Cast Comments

Kaoru Kobayashi
"Recording alongside Pierre was intense—we were the only two in the studio. I remember feeling mentally drained and spaced out even after getting home. When I told Pierre the next day, he said he walked from Akasaka to Shibuya to cool down. That shared exhaustion and fulfillment made it a truly moving experience."

Junki Tozuka
"The Last Blossom made me hope to one day say ‘I’ve lived a happy life.’ Akutsu is rough around the edges, but deeply human and lovable. His world, brought to life through animation, had me in tears by the end. I poured myself into voicing him, letting go of logic and following my emotions. I could feel a true connection with Hikari Mitsushima, who played Nana with heartfelt precision. As a newcomer to voice acting, I was nervous about the final product—but the result moved me beyond words. I hope this film reaches everyone soon."

Hikari Mitsushima
"This is a work that tugs at your heart. It reminded me of a mentor who once said, ‘Because I remember being loved, I’m not lonely.’ Akutsu’s story is quiet and clumsy but truly beautiful. I’m grateful to have played the equally awkward yet captivating Nana."

Yoshiko Miyazaki
"Unless we get reincarnated into another world, we can only give our all here and now. To be loved like that makes you want to live to your fullest. Even if we can’t do much, we survive by believing, entrusting, and looking forward—just as people always have."

Pierre Taki
"Is it really there? Or is it not? I voiced a mysterious talking balsam flower, and I’m thankful for the rare chance to record in a studio with just Kaoru Kobayashi. It was a truly luxurious experience."

Source : ORICON NEWS