Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema

Deep in the mountains, a skeletal corpse is unearthed — the only clue to its identity, a single handcrafted shogi piece from one of only seven sets known to exist. Shogi, often described as Japanese chess, becomes the key to unravelling a complex case. The investigation soon points to Kamijo Keisuke (Sakaguchi Kentaro), a mysterious young prodigy who seemingly appeared from nowhere to dominate the professional shogi world and skyrocket to fame.

The trail leads further into the underworld, to Tomyo Shigeyoshi (award-winning actor, Watanabe Ken), a powerful shogi player closely tied to illegal gambling who knows Keisuke’s past. As the investigation progresses, Keisuke’s carefully constructed image of a genius begins to crumble, exposing the emotional wounds and fractured relationships that shaped him.

Supported by talented actors, the narrative moves fluidly between past and present, set against the unique backdrop of the shogi world. Director Kumazawa Naoto, who previously demonstrated his masterful skill in Yurigokoro (JFTFP19), explores ambition, trauma, and the fine line between brilliance and self-destruction, culminating in a spectacular ending.

Screening as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026. Passes are available allowing entry to multiple films in this programme at a significant discount. Visit this page to purchase a pass.

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