American Hikikomori is an independent short film about a socially awkward Japanese teenager named Isamu Fujihara, who moves from Japan to America.
From the writer/director: Oxford Dictionaries.com defines a Hikikomori as, “a person who avoids social contact.” Its origins are Japanese and it literally translates to 'staying indoors, (social) withdrawal'. Hikikomori is a unique and social taboo that only exists in Japan. However, I feel that it can be universally understood. This film is based on real experiences my wife and her friends have endured when they first came to the US for college. And other experiences I’ve had growing up.
I wanted to tell a story about someone who felt so lonely they decided to isolate themselves from everyone. And I felt like the best way to express this was through Hikikomori, a real phenomenon that’s happening in Japan.
As a filmmaker, I want to tell stories that entertain us but also challenge us to talk about issues in our global community. As an American, I want to tell stories that reflect realities of our melting pot culture. I also want American audiences to see this film in order to start conversations about how we Americans really treat and perceive foreigners and their culture. As the spouse of a first generation Japanese woman, I want to show everyone diverse aspects of her culture and share anecdotes of her experiences in assimilating to American culture. As a “person of color,” I know we, as an audience; as the ever-diversifying public, cannot rely on major television networks and movie studios to always tell culturally diverse stories with a culturally diverse cast.
Stray Dog
Director
Isamu's Mother
Producer
Isamu Fujihara
Highschool Students
Isamu's Father
Editor
Isamu's Grandmother
English Teacher
Composer
Dog Trainer
Camera Assistant
Grip & Electric
Post Sound Fx
Set Videographer
Grip & Electric
Boom Operator
Set Stills
Grip & Electric
Post Sound Mixer
Our Biggest Fans
Behind the scenes and promotional material.
Isamu Fujihara can’t adjust to American society. To cope, he removed himself from it completely.
Behind Closed Doors
On set
On set
On set
n. Origin: Japanese, literaly "staying indoors, (social) withdrawl." Oxford Dictionaries
Miseducation
On set
Private Shame
Movie Poster
Movie Poster
Hikikomori
official selections
awards
Although the script for American Hikikomori was finished in late 2012, two more years would pass before we could begin principle photography. An additional year would pass in order to complete post-production in early 2015. Independently financed and produced by working industry professionals, this film is a labor of love.
We'd like to share our story with you.
June 20, 2015
From the Indie Night Film Festival website: INDIE NIGHT aims to elevate the craft of artists while giving them an avenue where they can be recognized on a bigger platform, network and exchange info with new & established Hollywood creatives.
September 26, 2015
From the JFFLA website: Cinema is the bridge that connects us all! We are convinced that through this festival we can inspire open communication and the exchange of ideas between Japan and the U.S.
December 5, 2015
From the Culver City Film Festival website: The Culver City Film Festival is designed to promote independent film and to recognize local talent in a city celebrated for its cinematic history and cultural depth.
March 11, 2016
From the Asians on Film website: Asians on Film is devoted to arts & entertainment with a primary focus in providing recognition to the talent of Asian/Pacific Islanders who are minorities in the film industry either as talents, filmmakers and/or those who work in other aspects of filmmaking.
April 26, 2017
From the Silicon Beach Film Festival website: Silicon Beach is the convergence of media and technology. Home to a flurry of digital filmmakers and studios. Silicon Beach encompasses and spans Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Culver City, and other surrounding areas of LosAngeles.
Official Selection | April 18, 2015
Official Selection | April 22, 2015
WINNER 2015 Winter Quarter - Best Supporting Actress | April 2015
WINNER Golden World Award - International Film | June 17, 2015
Official Selection | June 20, 2015
WINNER Award of Merit | July 2015
WINNER JFFLA 2015 Submission Award | September 26, 2015
Official Selection | October 7, 2015
Official Selection | November 13, 2015
Official Selection | December 5, 2015
WINNER 2016 Best Supporting Actress | March 11, 2016
Official Selection | April 26, 2017