Mayumi Yoshida’s Award-Winning Film Akashi Opens in Canadian Theatres This November
Filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida’s award-winning debut feature, Akashi, is heading to Canadian theatres this November. Distributed by KinoSmith, the film begins its theatrical run at Vancouver’s VIFF Centre on November 13, 2026, with Toronto screenings and additional cities to follow.
Written and directed by Yoshida, Akashi is a multigenerational love story that moves between Vancouver and Tokyo. The film explores family secrets, romance, sacrifice, and the choices that shape a person’s life.
A Story of Love Across Generations
Akashi follows Kana, a struggling artist living in Vancouver who returns to Tokyo for her grandmother’s funeral. After spending ten years abroad, she feels out of place as she reconnects with her family and past.
During her visit, Kana reflects on a secret shared only between her and her grandmother: her grandfather had another lover. She also unexpectedly reconnects with Hiro, an old love.
Through parallel timelines, the film follows both Kana’s present-day journey and her grandfather’s decades-long affair. As the stories unfold, Kana begins to confront hidden family truths and the complicated relationship between love, desire, sacrifice, and duty.
Mayumi Yoshida’s Award-Winning Directorial Debut
Born in Japan and raised across three continents, Mayumi Yoshida is a Vancouver-based director, actor, writer, and producer. She is known for her role as the Crown Princess in The Man in the High Castle.
Her debut feature, Akashi, has received several awards during its festival run. These include an Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival and five wins at the Whistler Film Festival, including the Borsos Prize for Best Canadian Feature.
Yoshida’s earlier short film, also titled Akashi, won Outstanding Writer at the NBCUniversal Short Film Festival. She also directed the music video “Different Than Before,” which received a Vimeo Staff Pick, an SXSW Jury Award, and a JUNO Award nomination.
Meet the Cast of Akashi
The film features an ensemble cast with credits across Japanese and international film and television.
The cast includes:
- Mayumi Yoshida (The Man in the High Castle)
- Hana Kino (Like Father, Like Son)
- Ryo Tajima (Avalanche)
- Chieko Matsubara (Tokyo Drifter)
- Kunio Murai (Godzilla vs. Gigan)
- Shun Sugata (Tokyo Vice)
- Bun Kimura (Rental Family)
- Sayaka Kunisada
- Hiro Kanagawa (Shōgun)
- Jess McLeod (Normal)
Vancouver Screenings and Toronto Release
KinoSmith will begin the Canadian theatrical release with screenings at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver. Yoshida will attend the hometown screenings for audience Q&As.
The announced Vancouver screening schedule is:
- Friday, November 13, 2026 – 1:00 PM: First Look Fridays
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – 8:10 PM
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 – 5:00 PM
More screening dates and cities will be announced, including Toronto later in November.
Yoshida will also attend the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival for a live table read of her next project, Homestaying, as part of the First Read: Fresh Voices in TV program.
For ticket information and updates, visit the official ticket page.
Canadian and Japanese Distribution
KinoSmith is handling the film’s Canadian distribution, while Rabbit House will release it in Japan. Canoe Film has also boarded the project for international sales outside Canada and Japan.
Akashi was produced by Musubi Arts and Experimental Forest Films, in association with Watermark Media. The production received support from Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, Creative BC, Crave, a division of Bell Media Inc., and Hollywood Suite.
Watch the Trailer for Akashi
With its parallel timelines and story of family history, Akashi brings together personal relationships and the experiences of two generations. The film’s Canadian theatrical release begins at Vancouver’s VIFF Centre on November 13, with Toronto screenings expected later in the month.
Watch the official trailer for a first look at Mayumi Yoshida’s award-winning debut feature.
Photo credit: Akashi / KinoSmith. Use official press images in their original form without cropping, filters, or other alterations.
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