SixTONES member Hokuto Matsumura and actress Mio Imada have been confirmed to co-star in the live-action film adaptation of The Swan and the Bat (Hakucho to Komori), based on the novel by popular author Keigo Higashino. The film is set for release on September 4. They portray the son of a “suspect” and the daughter of a “victim,” respectively, as they pursue the truth behind a murder case that was believed to have already been solved.
A kind-hearted lawyer is stabbed to death. “I did it. I am responsible for ‘all the crimes,’” confesses one man who emerges as the suspect. With his confession, the case appears to be resolved. However, the suspect’s son, Kazuma Kuraki (played by Hokuto), and the victim’s daughter, Mirei Shiraishi (played by Mio), begin to sense inconsistencies in their fathers’ words and actions.
“Why did my father commit murder?”
“Why did my father have to be killed?”
When the son of the suspect and the daughter of the victim—two people who should never have met—join forces, the very notion of “truth” begins to waver.
The film brings to life a bestselling novel with over 1.5 million copies in circulation. Hokuto, who won both the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize, stars alongside Mio, who gained widespread acclaim as the heroine of NHK’s morning drama series Anpan and makes her first film leading role following her appearance in an asadora.
Directing the film is Yoshiyuki Kishi, known for sharply portraying the lives of socially marginalized individuals in works such as Wilderness (2017) and Egoist (2023). The screenplay is written by Kosuke Mukai, whose credits include A Man (2022) and The Status of Fools (2025), and who has previously received the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Screenplay.
COMMENT BY HOKUTO
When I was first offered the role, I was excited about the opportunity to step into the world created by Keigo Higashino.
The character I portray, Kazuma Kuraki, harbors complex and deeply personal feelings toward his father. I felt that one of the most important aspects of playing this role was expressing the pain of having to doubt someone you truly wished could live a peaceful life from the bottom of your heart.
With the support of director Yoshiyuki Kishi, who brings great depth to his direction, as well as the entire staff, I am approaching the shoot with great care and commitment.
I believe this film allows viewers to immerse themselves completely from beginning to end, thinking alongside the characters as they watch. It is a mystery born from human emotions, and it is an extremely compelling work.
・Official website
https://movies.shochiku.co.jp/eiga-hakuchotokomori/
・X (Japanese only)
https://x.com/hakuchotokomori