The film,  “Care Nin – Thank God You’re Here –”, will be made available online to view for a limited time from 10-17 March 2021 FREE OF CHARGE. This heart-warming film pieces together stories shared by Otagaisan (Aoicare Co., Ltd.) of Fujisawa City in Kanagawa Prefecture and 30 other care facilities, technical schools, and other related organisations. It highlights the meaningfulness of work that care workers find through their profession and the preciousness of the connection between people and with the community. Screenings are free, with registration required. There will also be a special panel discussion, "Conversations on Community Aging in Japan", on 13 March 2021 from 3:00 to 4:30pm.

Film Synopsis

“I won’t let dementia end your life.” 21-year-old Kei Omori is a newly-certified care worker. His first few days working at a small multi-functional facility in the suburbs were frustrating, as Kei had a difficult time communicating with the elderly residents but he is soon assigned to be the main caregiver for 79-year-old Keiko Hoshikawa, who has dementia. Through trial and error, and with the support of his experienced colleagues, Kei gradually develops a stronger bond with Keiko and begins to get serious about his profession in caregiving.

Colour / 2017 / 105 min / Japanese audio with English subtitles
Directed by: Kousuke Suzuki
Produced by: Hideki Yoshimi, Hiroaki Kanenobu, Yasumasa Osada, Taro Yanase
Cast: Junki Tozuka, Wakana Matsumoto, Hajime Yamazaki, Kumi Mizuno

Register to view the film online (10-17 March 2021)

The film will be available for viewing online from 10 March 2021 (Wednesday), 10am, through 17 March 2021. Please register via this link, and the movie link and password will be sent to you via email two days before the screening period commences. Sharing of the movie link and password is not allowed; each viewer should register individually using the above link. If you would like to cancel your slot after you have registered, please e-mail jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp. Kindly register early to avoid disappointment. As there are limited slots available, your slot will be confirmed only upon receipt of confirmation email from JCC.

Register for Conversations on Community Aging in Japan (13 Mar 2021)

To gain a deeper understanding of care work and community aging in Japan, there will be a special panel discussion, "Conversations on Community Aging in Japan", on 13 March 2021 from 3:00 to 4:30pm. NUS Japanese Studies has invited the film's executive producer Mr. Hideyuki Yamakuni, and Mr. Shogo Murata, who does research on community care systems in Japan and Singapore, for an insightful discussion on community aging in both countries. This session will be hosted by Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng, Head, Department of Japanese Studies. Please register for the panel discussion via this link. If registration is full, or if you would like to cancel your registration, please e-mail jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp. Kindly register early to avoid disappointment. As there are limited slots available, your slot will be confirmed only upon receipt of confirmation email from JCC.

About the Speakers

Mr. Shogo Murata is a healthcare advocacy consultant at Makaira Inc (Tokyo, Japan). He is also working on his PhD at Rikkyo University, researching on integrated care initiatives in Japan and Singapore. He holds an LL.B. and MMA (Master of Medical Administration) and had been involved in social policy making as a member of the Kashiwa City Council and as a legislative assistant of a member of parliament. He also holds a social worker qualification in Japan.

Mr. Hideyuki Yamakuni is the writer and Executive Producer of "Care Nin– Thank God You’re Here –". He established Wonder Laboratory Inc. in 2007. He advocates the concept of "Cinema Social," a type of movie production that is created by and for the community. He produces films that focus on social themes for the public. He is also the Executive Producer of other films like "Gareki to radio."

Associate Professor Dr. Thang Leng Leng is Head of the Department of Japanese Studies, also co-Director of the Next Age Institute, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore. She is a socio-cultural anthropologist with research interest on aging in Asia, especially Japan and Singapore.