Arimura Kasumi, hailed as the “gem of Japanese cinema,” captivates audiences with her sweet charm and nuanced acting skills. Rising to fame with the 2013 film “The Lady Diver,” Arimura Kasumi continues to showcase her talent through a series of impressive roles in both film and television.
This article highlights six of Arimura Kasumi’s most outstanding films, promising viewers an exceptional entertainment experience.
1 Call Me Chihiro (2023)
Call Me Chihiro (2023)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Release Date: 02/23/2023
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 131 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Rikiya Imaizumi
Starring: Arimura Kasumi, Toyoshima Hana, Shimada Tetta
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Netflix
Call Me Chihiro tells the story of a former sex worker’s rebirth, adapted from the manga Chihiro-san by Hiroyuki Yasuda.
Chihiro (Arimura Kasumi), once a sex worker, stumbles upon a coastal town and enjoys a delicious bento meal. This experience prompts her to stay and work as a cashier at a bento shop.
The shop soon attracts the attention of local men. Despite her friendly demeanor, Chihiro feels an inner emptiness. Over time, through conversations with customers about life’s challenges, she finds solace and a new purpose. These interactions help her leave her past behind and rebuild her life.
2 Ishiko and Haneo: Are You Suing Me? (2022)
Ishiko and Haneo: Are You Suing Me? (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Release Date: 07/15/2022
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Legal
Runtime: 10 episodes
Country: Japan
Directors: Tsukahara Ayuko, Yamamoto Takeyoshi
Starring: Arimura Kasumi, Nakamura Tomoya
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Netflix
The series follows Ishida Shoko (Arimura Kasumi), a kind but clumsy woman who failed the bar exam four times despite graduating at the top of Tokyo Law University due to past psychological trauma. Determined to become a lawyer, Shoko joins her father’s law firm, where she meets Haneoka Yoshio (Nakamura Tomoya), a talented but arrogant attorney.
Initially at odds, Shoko and Yoshio gradually learn to cooperate and trust each other as they tackle challenging cases. Through their work, Shoko regains confidence and overcomes her trauma, while Yoshio learns empathy and compassion.
3 Phases of the Moon (2022)
Phases of the Moon (2022)
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Release Date: 12/02/2022
Genre: Romance, Classic
Runtime: 128 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Ryuichi Hiroki
Starring: Oizumi Yo, Shibasaki Ko, Meguro Ren, Arimura Kasumi
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Pending
Phases of the Moon, adapted from the Naoki Prize-winning novel by Sato Shogo, tells a poignant story of love and loss. It centers on Osanai Kei (Oizumi Yo), a man with a fulfilling life alongside his wife Kozue (Shibasaki Ko) and daughter Ruri. Tragedy strikes when his wife and daughter die in a tragic accident.
In his grief, Osanai meets Misumi Akihiko (Meguro Ren), who claims a special connection to Ruri. Misumi reveals that on the day of the accident, Ruri was on her way to meet him. He shares his emotional love story with Ruri (Arimura Kasumi), whose name coincidentally matches Osanai’s daughter.
Though not related by blood, Osanai and Misumi are connected by their love for Ruri. Together, they embark on a journey of healing and finding meaning under the waxing and waning moon.
4 Prior Convictions (2021)
Prior Convictions (2021)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Release Date: 11/20/2021
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Runtime: 133 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Yoshiyuki Kishi
Starring: Arimura Kasumi, Gô Morita, Hayato Isomura
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Pending
Prior Convictions, adapted from the manga by Masahito Kagawa and Tо̄ji Tsukishima, offers a realistic look at the reintegration of ex-convicts into society. Directed by Yoshiyuki Kishi, the film delicately balances emotion and thought-provoking themes.
The protagonist, Kayo Agawa (Arimura Kasumi), works part-time at a convenience store and volunteers as a probation officer, helping ex-convicts and juvenile delinquents reintegrate into society. Through her work, Kayo encounters individuals with tumultuous pasts, each teaching her valuable lessons about life, forgiveness, and compassion.
5 Life’s Comedy (2021)
Life’s Comedy (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Release Date: 04/17/2021
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 10 episodes
Country: Japan
Director: Kazuya Shiraishi
Starring: Suda Masaki, Arimura Kasumi, Nakano Taiga
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Netflix
Life’s Comedy, a 2021 Japanese TV series, follows the lives and dreams of five young adults in their 20s striving to overcome significant failures.
The series delivers profound messages about life, dreams, and friendship, emphasizing that setbacks should not deter us from pursuing our aspirations.
Arimura Kasumi plays Rihoko Nakahama, a kind and beautiful waitress at a family restaurant frequented by the struggling comedy group. Rihoko consistently supports and encourages the group despite their lack of success.
6 My Sister’s Lover (2020)
My Sister’s Lover (2020)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Release Date: 10/27/2020
Genre: Drama, Family, Romance
Runtime: 9 episodes
Country: Japan
Directors: Yoshishige Miyake, Keita Motohashi, Tadaaki Horai
Starring: Arimura Kasumi, Hayashi Kento
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: Pending
My Sister’s Lover, starring Arimura Kasumi, is a family romance drama about Momoko Adachi (Arimura Kasumi), a woman who selflessly raises her three younger brothers after their parents’ tragic death.
At 17, Momoko assumes responsibility for her brothers, aged 14, 10, and 7. She forsakes her dream of attending university to work at a hardware store, prioritizing her siblings’ well-being.
At 27, Momoko meets Yoshioka Manato (Hayashi Kento) at work. His charm captivates her, but he harbors a mysterious secret.
Each film showcases Arimura Kasumi’s versatility as an actress. Explore these latest works from Japan’s “gem” and enjoy a relaxing weekend!
