The Japanese feature film Street Kingdom: Let Your Own Sound Be Heard (Street Kingdom Jibun no Oto wo Narase.), starring Mineta Kazunobu of GING NANG BOYZ and Wakaba Ryuya, has unveiled its official poster and trailer ahead of its theatrical release.
The film marks the first directorial project in a decade for actor Taguchi Tomorowo, known for works such as Piece of Cake and Shikisoku Generation. The screenplay is written by Kudo Kankuro. The supporting cast includes Yoshioka Riho, Nakano Taiga, Mamiya Shotaro, Omori Nao, Nakamura Shido, and Nakajima Sena, forming a lineup of prominent Japanese actors.
Based on a true story, the film centers on a group of young people who choose to create music on their own terms rather than conforming to an industry dominated by major record labels. The movement they ignite becomes known as the “Tokyo Rockers,” carving out space within the music scene and giving rise to what would later be recognized as indie music in Japan.
Set in 1978, the story follows Yuichi, a young photographer from the countryside who moves to Tokyo after hearing a Sex Pistols song on the radio. Guided by a scrappy rock magazine called Rockin’ Doll, he finds his way to a live music venue where he encounters TOKAGE, a band led by vocalist Momo. Captivated by their raw live performance, Yuichi repeatedly photographs the band and is eventually invited to become their official live photographer. As he grows closer to Momo and the band members, TOKAGE’s music begins to resonate with a wider youth audience, gradually reshaping the landscape of Japanese rock.
In addition to the main cast, the film features appearances by Kanno Misuzu, Hamano Kenta, Morioka Ryu, Yamagishi Mondo, Maggy, Yonemura Ryotaro, Matsuura Yuya, and Watanabe Daichi. The ending theme is a cover of “Sensen Fukoku” by LIZARD, a song that inspired the fictional band TOKAGE, performed by Mineta Kazunobu and Wakaba Ryuya.
Street Kingdom: Let Your Own Sound Be Heard is scheduled to open in theaters on March 27.
