Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES and actress Mio Imada have been announced as the leads of The Swan and the Bat, a live-action adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s acclaimed novel. Matsumura plays Kuraki Kazuma, the son of a murder suspect, while Imada portrays Shiraishi Mirei, the daughter of the victim—two young people connected by a crime neither of them chose.
The original novel has sold more than 1.5 million copies and stands as one of Higashino’s most significant works. The story begins with the stabbing death of a respected lawyer. When a man confesses, claiming responsibility for “all the incidents,” the case appears to be resolved. Yet doubt quietly emerges through those closest to the truth.
Kazuma struggles to understand why his father would commit murder, while Mirei questions why her father had to die at all. As they follow their own doubts and gradually come together, the certainty surrounding the confession begins to unravel, revealing a truth far more complex than it initially appeared.
The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Kishi, known for his psychologically driven storytelling in works such as Wilderness and The Right Desire. The screenplay is written by Kosuke Mukai, whose film A Man earned him the Japan Academy Award for Best Screenplay. The collaboration promises a careful balance between suspense and emotional depth.
Matsumura commented that he was excited to immerse himself in Higashino Keigo’s world, describing the film as a mystery shaped by human thoughts and emotions, one that invites viewers to think alongside the characters throughout the story.
Imada shared that while the film is a mystery, it is also a story that naturally makes audiences want to support the two protagonists. She noted that the ending is both surprising and emotionally resonant, leaving behind a sense of quiet sadness and warmth. She also praised Director Kishi’s gentle presence on set, expressing her determination to convey the full appeal of the story.
The Swan and the Bat is scheduled for nationwide release on September 4.
