Barefoot Gen Documentary by BS12 to Hit Theaters in November

BS12 will release its first-ever film production, a documentary titled Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry, in Japanese theaters starting November. The film examines the legacy of the manga Barefoot Gen, created by Keiji Nakazawa, and revisits its message from past to present. It is adapted from the 2024 BS12 TV program and directed by Masanori Komiyama.

BS12 will release its first-ever film production, a documentary titled Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry, in Japanese theaters starting November. The film examines the legacy of the manga Barefoot Gen, created by Keiji Nakazawa, and revisits its message from past to present. It is adapted from the 2024 BS12 TV program and directed by Masanori Komiyama.

What Is Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry About?

The upcoming documentary film Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry revisits the long-standing impact of Barefoot Gen, a manga that depicted the aftermath of the Hiroshima atomic bombing through the eyes of a young boy named Gen. The manga, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1973, is based on the real-life experiences of author Keiji Nakazawa, who survived the bombing at age six.

The film covers the origin and continuing legacy of the work, examining how it has been received and discussed globally over the past five decades. It will be released in theaters beginning November 2025 at Pole Pole Higashinakano in Tokyo and Salon Cinema in Hiroshima, with distribution by Agui.

From TV Documentary to Theatrical Release

The documentary film is an expanded version of the 2024 BS12 special titled The Heat Conduction of "Barefoot Gen" – People Who Convey the Atomic Bomb Manga, which won Best Documentary at the 15th Satellite Broadcasting Association Original Program Awards.

BS12, marking its first venture into theatrical film production, entrusted the direction to Masanori Komiyama, who had previously directed many TV documentaries. Production was handled by Tokyo Sound Production, the same company behind the original TV program. Co-producers include Arata Ōshima (Kagawa 1st District, The Day of the State Funeral) and Aki Maeda (NO Election, NO LIFE).

Creators Reflect on the Message of Barefoot Gen

Director Masanori Komiyama expressed personal connections to the themes of war and memory, noting that his grandfather died in the Tokyo air raids. He emphasized the decreasing opportunities for younger generations to hear firsthand accounts of war and voiced concern over the lack of transmission of such painful memories.

Producer Yoshimi Takahashi highlighted that the film's central theme is “anger,” referring to the emotions portrayed by Gen in the manga and the people who continue to share that anger today. According to her, the film adaptation was made to ensure that Gen’s emotions are conveyed powerfully in the present time.

Co-producer Arata Ōshima also commented on the director’s approach, stating that Komiyama added a quiet anger to his typically gentle style. He described the film as a message that questions whether society has truly learned from its past.

Source : ORICON NEWS