Torinaoshi

Torinaoshi

3 Episodes

American teen Kiyoko "Koko" Nishimura skips her college orientation to track down her mother's long-lost family in Osaka, only to stumble upon Japan's secret heart.

Vision for the Show:
Scaling "TORINAOSHI" into a full-length TV series would deepen the exploration of its central theme—combating stereotypes and exclusion through intimate, personal connections bridging American and Japanese cultures. With expanded story arcs, we could delve further into the complex lives of the characters, particularly focusing on the transformation of the right-wing uncle and the struggles of the biracial niece. This format would allow for richer, more nuanced storytelling, showcasing the growth and evolving dynamics within the family and their broader community in Osaka, ultimately highlighting the universal journey towards empathy and understanding.

Creator, cast and director credits:

Creator: Alex Iskounen, Yusuke Kitaguchi
Director: Yusuke Kitaguchi

Cast:
Megan Murayama
Osamu Hirata
BiX
Minoru Torihada
Ryô Ikeda

Torinaoshi
  • KOKO FROM QUEENS

    Episode 1

    Koko spends the final days of summer packing for college and saying goodbye to friends in New York City, when an untimely fight releases underlying feelings about her Japanese roots.

  • DETOUR

    Episode 2

    An untimely fight releases underlying feelings about Koko's roots, and she makes an impulsive change of plans...

  • UNCLE RACIST

    Episode 3

    Koko crashes head-first into her total opposite: an intense, ultra conservative uncle... Will she give up and run off to college, or accept him as the first link in a chain of unresolved family history?