Synopsis

Hanada Ichiro, the most mischievous boy in a small fishing town, is a nine-year-old full of energy who enjoys a happy life with his loving family. One fateful day, Ichiro is hit by a truck. On his way to heaven, he is unexpectedly pushed back to Earth by Seiko, a ghost wearing a high school uniform. From that moment on, Ichiro discovers that he can see and talk to ghosts—and one of them, named Sawaii, claims to be his father... Boy Meets Ghosts is based on the manga Hanada Shonen-shi by well-known Japanese cartoonist Makoto Isshiki, who also created The Perfect World of Kai, an animated TV series introduced to Korean audiences in 2002. Director Nobuo Mizuta, a longtime fan of the original manga, is known for his successful TV dramas such as Second Chance for Love, Romantic Vacance, My Darling Little Witch, and Psycho Doctor over the past 25 years. While the original manga focused on Ichiro helping troubled ghosts, the film adaptation turns the story into a heartwarming family drama that explores Ichiro’s interactions with ghosts and a hidden family secret. Young actor Suga Kenta shines as the lively Ichiro. The film’s score was composed by Iwashiro Taro, known for his work on Blood and Bone and Memories of Murder. The theme song, “Itoshisa to Kokoro no Kabe,” was written and performed by the popular Japanese rock band Sambo Master.

Director

Nobuo Mizuta

Born in 1958 in Hiroshima, Japan, Nobuo Mizuta began his career in 1981 as an assistant director for drama series at NTC, a Japanese broadcasting company. He went on to direct numerous successful TV dramas including Second Chance for Love, Romantic Vacance, My Darling Little Witch, and Psycho Doctor. A multitalented creator, he also directed stage plays such as Thank You, Mr. Cactus, About the Seven Soldiers, and Joker. In 2007, he released his new feature film Maiko Haaaan!!!.