WELCOME BACK Trailer Signals New Boxing Drama From Director Naoto Kawashima

Takasaki Graffiti helmer Naoto Kawashima recently stirred things up at the 40th edition of the Warsaw International Film Festival where his sophomore feature, Welcome Back, enjoyed its world premiere. Produced by Kawashima through his shared GunsRock label, the film is currently set for a January 10 release in Japan from PARCO, and we now have an official trailer to present as of a week ago since a pair of teasers arose last month.

Teru is a boxer and rookie of the year contender. Ben has had an excellent memory since birth but struggles to communicate with others. The two of them grew up like brothers in the same housing complex. Ben is happy simply imitating Teru because to Ben, Teru is a hero.

However, Teru loses to Kitazawa in the deciding match for the title of rookie of the year, and then pretends as if nothing has happened and drowns himself in partying. Ben becomes anxious, until one day he takes Teru’s gloves and begins to mutter “Teru never loses”. He walks towards Osaka, where the victorious rival Kitazawa lives. During the journey, Ben and Teru approach their confrontation with reality.

Kawashima directs Welcome Back from a script he wrote with Tsuruga Rei. The cast includes Kaito Yoshimura and Yugo Mikawa, along with Yoshinori Miyata, and Yuya Endo.

Take a look below at the promos and the official trailer below!