Baku Kinoshita and Kazuya Konomoto, the acclaimed duo behind the cult hit ODDTAXI, are set to return with a powerful new original anime film, The Last Blossom (Japanese title: HOUSENKA), scheduled to premiere in Japan in Fall 2025. Produced by CLAP Animation Studio, known for their work on Pompo: The Cinephile and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, the film will explore themes of mortality, memory, and the quiet ache of redemption.
The film has already drawn international acclaim, having been selected for the prestigious Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. It previously appeared at Annecy 2024 as a Work in Progress, with director Baku Kinoshita, producer Ryoichiro Matsuo, and concept artist Michinoku Toge offering early insight into the creative vision behind the film.
The story follows Minoru Akutsu, an elderly yakuza serving a life sentence in solitary confinement. Awaiting death in silence, he is suddenly confronted by an unlikely visitor—a talking balsam flower named Housenka. “What a pathetic life,” the flower whispers, prompting Akutsu to revisit the regrets and relationships of his past. As fragments of his life unfold, the film weaves a meditation on lost love, quiet prayers, and the delicate possibility of personal redemption.
The cast features a dual performance for the role of Akutsu. Veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi voices the elder version of the character, while rising talent Junki Tozuka makes his voice acting debut as the younger Akutsu. Hikari Mitsushima, known for her work across acting, music, and narration, voices Nana Nagata, Akutsu’s former partner. Yoshiko Miyazaki joins the cast in a supporting role, while the enigmatic Housenka is voiced by Pierre Taki, last seen in Netflix’s Tokyo Swindlers.
Creator’s Comments
Baku Kinoshita (Director & Character Design)
The beauty of the blue sky. The brilliance of leaves kissed by sunlight. The quiet meaning behind caring for someone. This film is a reflection on beauty, transience, and the values of happiness—and how these things shape our lives. With a desire to return to the essence of living, I aimed to portray the quiet strength that lies within us as we navigate our ever-changing days. I truly hope this story reaches many people and gently resonates in their hearts.
Kazuya Konomoto (Script / Screenplay)
Even in an unrewarded life, we are free to pray. Whether those prayers will ever be answered—we may never know. But still, I wanted to believe. HOUSENKA is the story of a man who has lost the place he once called home, and the silence that lingers between him and his lover. Into that silence, a single flower quietly blooms, giving rise to words that had long withered away. Before the flower could bloom, there were countless moments of silence—and one quiet, unwavering prayer.
I hope that the small certainty born at the end of that long silence and prayer will quietly plant a seed in your heart, too.
The film’s soundtrack is composed by members of the band cero, known for their genre-blending musical style. Shohei Takagi, Yu Arauchi, and Tsubasa Hashimoto bring emotional texture to the narrative with their deeply atmospheric compositions.
@ Anime Expo 2025
Heading to Anime Expo? the creators will host a panel to share exclusive insights into the film’s story and production process. If you’re looking for a first glimpse into the world of The Last Blossom, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Panel Details:
Where: LACC – Room 404AB
Date: July 4
Time: 4:15 PM – 5:05 PM
Guests: Baku Kinoshita (Director & Character Designer),Ryoichiro Matsuo (Producer),Hirofumi Ito(Producer)
The Last Blossom is a deeply introspective film that promises to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. With its striking blend of realism, surrealism, and emotional weight, it continues the creative legacy of ODDTAXI while carving out a powerful space of its own.
Visit the official website anime-housenka.com and follow @anime_housenka on X and Instagram for the latest updates.
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