ODDTAXI Director Baku Kinoshita Unveils 'The Last Blossom,' A Poignant Tale of Redemption and Magical Realism

Prepare for a profound cinematic journey as The Last Blossom (Japanese title: HOUSENKA), the latest original anime film from the critically acclaimed director Baku Kinoshita, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on ODDTAXI, is set to captivate audiences. Kinoshita collaborates with esteemed producer Ryoichiro Matsuo and visionary concept artist Michinoku Toge to bring this deeply moving narrative to life. Slated for its Japanese premiere in Fall 2025, the film has already garnered significant international recognition, earning a coveted spot in the Feature Film Competition at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025.

A Unique Narrative Unfolds

The Last Blossom delves into the compelling story of Minoru Akutsu, an aging yakuza serving a life sentence in the desolate confines of solitary imprisonment, confronting the stark reality of his impending death. His uniquely poignant journey unfolds through extraordinary dialogues with Housenka, a talking touch-me-not balsam flower. This enchanting element of magical realism masterfully introduces a touch of whimsical contrast to Akutsu's otherwise stoic existence, imbuing the narrative with profound depth and resonant emotional layers.

An Exceptional Ensemble and Visionary Studio

The film boasts an exceptional voice cast, featuring veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi as the elder Akutsu and rising talent Junki Tozuka portraying his younger self. The ensemble also includes the remarkable voices of Hikari Mitsushima and Pierre Taki. Produced by CLAP Animation Studio, renowned for their acclaimed work on titles such as Pompo: The Cinephile, The Last Blossom explores universal themes of mortality, regret, and the pursuit of redemption, alongside the unexpected warmth of found family dynamics. It navigates these heavy subjects with a delicate balance of poignant humor and tear-jerking moments.

Director Kinoshita has articulated his artistic ambition to explore character psychology with even greater depth than in ODDTAXI, utilizing the claustrophobic prison setting to intensely magnify the protagonist's internal struggles. This collaborative endeavor represents a significant leap forward for Japanese animation, pushing both narrative and emotional boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in its rich cultural context. The internationally lauded team behind ODDTAXI brings their meticulous storytelling prowess to deliver a cinematic experience that skillfully balances the inherent melancholy of a life marked by regrets with the unexpected comfort of an extraordinary friendship.