Non and Shota Yasuda Seen on Set of August Film Parallel and Perpendicular

Planned and produced as a film by Shota Yasuda

One winter day, a film was being shot in a residential area of Kita-Koshigaya, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture.

A young man, wearing a blue hoodie and carrying a daypack, walked with his back slightly hunched. A young woman gently stroked his back as if to comfort him. They were Shota Yasuda (41) of SUPER EIGHT and actress Non (32).

On February 13, it was announced that the film Parallel and Perpendicular (directed by Seitaro Kobayashi) would be produced, with Yasuda and Non co-starring.

“The project came about when Yasuda read the original script Parallel and Perpendicular by Kai Yamano (60), who heads the theater company ‘Gekidan Fukufukuya’ and also works as an actor, and was deeply impressed. He brought the idea to his acquaintance, producer Gen Sato, which led to the film being realized.

The story follows Daiki, a young man with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) played by Yasuda, who works in cleaning and lives with the support of those around him, and his younger sister Nozomi, played by Non, who works as a counselor while supporting her brother. Triggered by Nozomi’s marriage story, the film explores the siblings’ past and future” (film magazine reporter).

According to eiga.com (February 13 release), the screenplay took about two years to complete under the supervision of ASD experts. Yasuda prepared for the role by receiving lectures from specialists and interacting with people with ASD traits. Non also prepared for her role by speaking with counselors who have siblings with disabilities.

On the set, there was a tense atmosphere around the two leads, director Kobayashi, and the staff. When the director called “Start!”, Yasuda, wearing a help-mark, walked weakly as described above, with Non walking alongside him. The camera followed them from behind. When “Cut!” was called, Non looked relieved, while Yasuda maintained a serious expression, seemingly still immersed in his role.

About the film, Yasuda introduced it as follows:

“This film, Parallel and Perpendicular, is a subtle coming-of-age story about Daiki, who has autism, and Nozomi, who is neurotypical, and how they live alongside all the honest feelings—generosity, harshness, or indifference—that the people around them carry in their hearts” (official film website).

Non commented:

“Daiki was wonderful, and I was moved every day. Thanks to Yasuda, I was able to stand in front of the camera as Nozomi. I hope this story reaches many people” (official film website).

Last year, Non drew significant attention for her role in the film You Are Beyond the Summit, portraying the youth of Junko Tabei, the mountaineer who became the first woman to summit Mount Everest. Now a sought-after young actress, audiences eagerly anticipate the profound performances she and Yasuda will deliver in this film.