MYSTERIOUS CANDY SHOP ZENITENDO Live-Action Movie Press Notes and Photo Gallery From Toho

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and photos from MYSTERIOUS CANDY SHOP ZENITENDO (ふしぎ駄菓子屋銭天堂, Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendō), a live-action feature film based on the popular children's novel series. The movie opened in Japanese cinemas on Friday, December 13th.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Zenitendo!

What wish do you want to come true?

Let Beniko help you find the perfect product for you!

The Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo book series, which has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, has finally been made into a live-action movie! First published in 2013, this smash hit series is written by Reiko Hiroshima and illustrated by jyajya. In 2020 Toei produced an anime adapatation for a segment of their compilation film TOEI MANGA FESTIVAL 2020 (東映まんがまつり 2020, 東映まんがまつり 2020) and the television anime series THE SUPERNATURAL SWEET SHOP (ふしぎ駄菓子屋銭天堂, Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendō), which helped introduce the stories to a new audience. The Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo was also made into an attraction at Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa City.

The new movie is a dream project for director Hideo Nakata, who has long hoped to bring a live-action version of the Zenitendo books to the screen. Nakata is best known for directing the international J-Horror hit THE RING (リング , Ringu, 1998) and he has continued to enjoy huge success in Japan with films such as STIGMATIZED PROPERTIES (事故物件恐い間取り, Jiko Bukken: Kowai Madori, 2020) and the STOLEN IDENTITY trilogy (2018, 2020, 2024). The filmmaker is joined by screenwriter Reiko Yoshida, known for her work on SUMIKKO GURASHI THE MOVIE: A MAGICAL CHILD OF THE BLUE MOONLIT NIGHT (映画すみっコぐらし青い月夜のまほうのコ, Eiga Sumikko Gurashi Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahō no Ko, 2021), THE COLORS WITHIN (きみの色, Kimi no Iro 2024), and BLUE PERIOD (ブルーピリオド, Burū Piriodo, 2024).

STORY

"However, it is up to the customers whether they will be happy or unhappy when they buy our candy..."

Kotaro (Kazuya Ohashi), a new teacher, hears rumors of a mysterious candy shop from the students at the elementary school he is assigned to. The name of the store is Zenitendo. The owner, Beniko (Yuki Amami), is said to be able to select the perfect candy for each customer.

"They say the candy there will make your wishes come true. But if you eat it or use it in the wrong way, something terrible will happen..."

Before long, the people around Kotaro, who appear to have bought candy at Zenitendo, start acting strangely. Even his friend Yoko (Rikka Ihara), whom Kotaro secretly has feelings for, becomes unable to stop her desire to be famous and goes out of control.

Kotaro discovers the existence of a candy shop called “Tatari-me-do,” which is separate from Zenitendo. In that store, there is Yodomi (Mone Kamishiraishi), whose creepy laugh attracts people's malice...

Beniko visits Kotaro to ask for his help in stopping Yodomi. Wanting to protect the people he cares about, Kotaro goes after Yodomi with Beniko...

DETAILS

Release Date: Friday, December 13, 2024 (Japan)
Japanese Release Information: Roadshow at Toho Theaters Nationwide

■ Cast

Beniko: Yuki Amami
Kotaro Todoroki: Kazuya Ohashi　
Yoko Aida: Rikka Ihara
Maoka: Kokoro Hirasawa　
Himena Irei
Noa Shiroyama　
Tenta Banka　
Yukino Imahama
Mirai Yamamoto　
Keisuke Watanabe　
Riei Tanaka　
Jiro (comedy duo Sissonne)
Yodomi: Mone Kamishiraishi

■ Staff

Director: Hideo Nakata
Original Story: Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo series, written by Reiko Hiroshima, illustrated by jyajya (published by Kaiseisha)
Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida
Music: Masaru Yokoyama
Theme Song: “So Many Wishes” by Wednesday Campanella (Atlantic Japan / Warner Music Japan)

Production Company: KADOKAWA
Production: "Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo" Film Production Committee
Distributor: Toho (Japan)

©2024 "Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo" Film Production Committee

About Toho Co. Ltd.

Toho Company provides high-quality entertainment to a wide range of customers through its film production, distribution, and exhibition business, which is solidly supported by its real estate business including the Shinjuku Toho Building and Hibiya Chante, animation production, DVD software production and sales, and TOHO Cinemas' efforts to expand its network of multiplex cinemas. Among these, "Godzilla," which has been around since 1954, is Toho's flagship IP that has many fans around the world and has been loved for many years.