K2 Pictures, based in Tokyo, announced its K2P Film Fund I closure at $33 million during a Cannes press conference, also unveiling a 10-title slate. The session featured the world premiere teaser for Miike Takashi's first documentary, “Shumei – The Living Legacy of Kabuki.”
Funding and Production Plans
The fund, closed in February, includes backing from Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and the Development Bank of Japan. K2 Pictures declared an additional $67 million in debt financing, totaling $100 million. Three productions are complete, with one released in February, and three more are in post-production. Five new titles are set for release between June and December 2026, and five more will begin shooting this year.
Documentary Focus
Set for a September release, “Shumei – The Living Legacy of Kabuki” documents Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII's succession ceremony, inheriting the Danjūrō name in Kabuki. Miike aims to explore the essence of entertainment through this documentary. Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII expressed gratitude for preserving the Danjūrō name in film.
New Projects Unveiled
- Nagata Koto directs “The Nuke Crab,” a social noir set in Fukushima post-earthquake, co-written by Akamatsu Riichi and Iwai Shunji.
- Otomo Keishi helms “Conde Koma,” a Japan-Brazil-U.S. co-production about Mitsuyo Maeda, credited with inspiring Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
- Kato Takuya directs “Nap,” a Japan-France-Iceland project exploring social eating phobia and sleep allergies.
- “Gigant,” an animated feature from manga artist Hiroya Oku's work, marks K2's animation debut.
- Katayama Shinzo directs a Mexico-Japan horror project with Miércoles Entertainment and The Lift.
- No Deok and Ikegami Junya develop “My Teacher.”
- Fujitani Ayako's “Hold,” a Kyoto-set romantic drama.
- Kaneko Milena's debut feature “UFO Club.”
- Ninomiya Ken's “The Book of Human Insects,” a dark musical from Tezuka Osamu’s manga.
Future Releases
Previously announced films include Kore-eda Hirokazu's “Look Back,” Son Myung-ah's “Trophy” on July 10, Nishikawa Miwa's “Children Untold” on October 16, and Hirose Nanako's “Between Two Lovers” on November 27. K2 Pictures, established in 2023 by CEO Kii Muneyuki, a former Toei head producer, spans exhibition, distribution, and production.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/miike-takashi-documentary-debut-k2-pictures-slate-33-million-fund-cannes-1236751708/
