Kentaro 健太朗

"Kentaro" is a compelling short documentary that explores the life of an 11-year-old boy in the remote, mountainous village of Kawakami. Following the Great Japanese Earthquake, parents Miho and Hiro Yokobori abandoned their life in Tokyo to embrace a new beginning in the isolated community of Kawakami. Kentaro’s birth—the first birth in the village in 25 years—injects a renewed sense of hope and vitality, countering Japan’s troubling trend of an ageing population and record low birth rates.

The film follows the Yokobori family, as they navigate the complexities of rural life, while maintaining resourceful in the backyard of mother nature. Through Kentaro’s daily activities, we see the reality of life in the mountains, his interaction with the community, and his beloved connection to the outdoors.

“Kentaro”, highlights the strength of tradition and promise of renewal, revealing the delicate balance between preserving Japanese heritage and embracing a hopeful future, amidst a rapidly changing world.

Type: Documentary
Location: Kawakami, Nara prefecture, Japan

AWARD:
OFFICIAL SELECTION - BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL 2024 (Canada)
OFFICIAL SELECTION - CANBERRA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2024 (Australia)
OFFICIAL SELECTION - JAPAN INDIES FILM FESTIVAL 2024 (Japan)
OFFICIAL SELECTION - ANTENNA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL 2025 (Australia)
JURY AWARD - CHANGING CLIMATE, CHANGING LIVES FILM FESTIVAL 2025 (Thailand)