The movie *Parallel and Vertical*, in which NON co-stars with Shota Yasuda, took first place on Filmarks’ “Opening Day Satisfaction Ranking”!
The film *Parallel and Vertical*, which opened on Friday, August 28, took first place in the “Opening Day Satisfaction Ranking for Films Released in the Fourth Week of August” announced by “Filmarks,” one of Japan’s largest movie review services (★4.12 / 605 reviews).
The film got off to a strong start, with sold-out screenings occurring one after another right from its opening day.
On social media and review sites, viewers have shared comments such as, “The acting is truly wonderful. One of the highlights is the cast of talented actors, including the child actors,” “There were so many moments that touched my heart,” “I don’t know why I was crying, but after the movie ended, I left the theater feeling refreshed,” “It wasn’t just sugarcoating, but it felt like there was a single answer there,” “Regardless of who you’re a fan of, you’ll find yourself under a spell that makes you love the entire film. It’s a miracle of a movie,” and more. The film is generating a warm, widespread response from viewers.
Along with the film’s release, behind-the-scenes photos capturing Daiki, Nozomi, and the people surrounding them on set have also been unveiled. In a photo showing Daiki (played by Yasuda) and Nozomi (played by NON) facing each other, the calm atmosphere between the two is striking.
The unique and realistic dynamic between the brother and sister depicted in the film was carefully built by the two actors as they immersed themselves in their roles, and their on-set interactions offer a glimpse into that relationship.
Additionally, photos have been released showing Mr. Yasuda and NON checking their movements with the director between takes, offering a glimpse into the on-set process as they meticulously crafted the characters of Daiki and Nozomi down to the finest details. Daiki was brought to life precisely because it was Mr. Yasuda, and Nozomi was brought to life precisely because it was NON.
The dynamic between the siblings and their unspoken emotions—which emerged precisely because these two actors portrayed them—are among the film’s greatest charms.
The film *Parallel and Vertical* is currently in theaters nationwide. Be sure to catch it on the big screen.
■ Trailer for the Movie “Parallel and Vertical”
■Synopsis
Daiki, who has autism spectrum disorder, and his younger sister Nozomi, who has supported her brother since they were children.
The siblings lost their mother at a young age and, keeping their distance from their father—who tended to neglect them—have struggled to make ends meet on their own.
Daiki hardly speaks and seems to show little change in his facial expressions. Having moved out of a group home to live on his own with the goal of becoming independent, Daiki follows his own set of rules. He is so meticulous and particular that he arranges everything in parallel and perpendicular lines, carefully aligning even the dishes on his desk. His weekly dinner with Nozomi is always at 7:00 p.m. sharp; if it’s even one minute late, he becomes restless. Nozomi, who works as a counselor, has received a marriage proposal from her boyfriend. Though she harbors a hint of anxiety, she decides to travel to Tokyo with her brother to meet her fiancé’s parents...
■Film Information
Title: Movie “Parallel and Vertical”
Release Date: Scheduled for nationwide release starting Friday, August 28, 2026
Cast: Shota Yasuda, NON
Sora Ishima, Tomohiro Takayama, Mizuki Tanimura, Tenkyu Fukuda, Makoto Ashikawa, Saori, Maki Kubota
Sakura Kono, Koki Takada, Nagi Muto / Misuzu Kamino, Daikichi Sugawara
Director: Syotaro Kobayashi; Original Story & Screenplay: Umi Yamano; Music: Harumi Tomiki
Planning: Shota Yasuda; Executive Producer: Gen Sato
Producers: Hideaki Kashizaki, Shingo Takeshita; Director of Photography: Ryo Otsuka; Lighting: Isamu Fujii; Art Director: Fumiaki Suzaka; Sound Recording: Kosuke Saijo; Script Supervisor: Emi Kawano
Editor: Ryuji Miyajima; Stylist: Shinobu Yamazaki; Hair and Makeup: Yu Yamai; Assistant Director: Manabu Kigawa; Production Manager: Morihiro Tsuchida; Casting Producer: Naoya Ito
Promotional Producer: Kyoko Maruyama; ASD Supervision: Masatsugu Tsujii, Yoko Iba, Akinori Ukai
Produced by: “Parallel and Vertical” Production Committee (Toei Video, Asmik Ace, Media Pulpo, Chukyo TV, TV Osaka, Storm Labels, Lawson, Toei CM)
Production Company: Central Arts
Production Manager & Distributor: Toei Video
Filming Support: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
Research Support: Sakuranbo Classroom, NPO Aspe-Elde no Kai, Specified Nonprofit Corporation PDD Support Center Green Forest
Sponsored by: Japan Developmental Disabilities Network, Japan Autism Society
©2026 “Parallel and Vertical” Production Committee
Official Website:https://www.toei-video.co.jp/heikoutosuichoku/
