AT THE LOVE HOTEL
INFORMATION
May 9, 2026 The film "AT THE LOVEHOTEL" has been officially selected for the Nippon Visions section of "Nippon Connection," one of Europe's largest Japanese film festivals, held in Frankfurt, Germany.
TRAILER
AT_THE_LOVEHOTEL_Trailer
INTRODUCTION
Santa Ikegame, who directs and writes the screenplay for this film, is the head of the theater company "Matilda Apartment" and has produced numerous theatrical works that depict the subtle nuances of characters' hearts and realistic everyday life. Moving his stage of expression from the stage to the screen, he is finally releasing his first feature film as a director with "AT THE LOVEHOTEL".
The setting of this film is a "love hotel." Drawing inspiration from the director's own experiences working there as a staff member, he depicts a single night in a love hotel as a raw yet endearing "microcosm of society," where people grappling with unfulfilled desires, secrets, and loneliness intersect. Utilizing ensemble drama techniques honed in theater, he weaves together an original story unfolding in a confined space in a three-dimensional and thrilling way.
Playing the role of Kosuke Kujo, a hotel staff member who gets caught up in a night of chaos, is Kouta Fuji, whose unique appearance embodies the unsettling atmosphere of the love hotel. Sara Donoshita plays Hazuki Aida, the daughter of the love hotel owner who works with Kujo, portraying her struggles as she confronts her inner self with a fresh yet dignified presence.
In addition, a diverse cast of actors, including Aran Abe, Noriko Iriyama, and Takenori Goto, have come together to portray the various characters who visit the hotel, capturing their awkwardness that cannot be neatly categorized as good or evil, as realistic human beings without sugarcoating anything.
The events that unfold in the confined space of a love hotel are not from another world, but are connected to the conflicts and emotional turmoil we experience in our daily lives. This film, which depicts people struggling to find even the slightest connection with someone in a suffocatingly claustrophobic world, and reaching out to broaden their horizons, may become a small ray of light that gently shines into the lives of those living in solitude.
STORY
Kujo (Kouta Fuji), who works the late-night shift as a front desk staff member at a love hotel, secretly watches a video during his break celebrating the birthday of his three-year-old daughter, from whom he was separated after his divorce. The reality that he can no longer celebrate her birthday with her quietly tightens his chest with regret and despair.
Meanwhile, Hazuki (Sara Donoshita), who works as a cleaning staff member at a love hotel run by her mother, has distanced herself from society due to an incident that happened in the past, and spends her days feeling empty and disillusioned.
Suppressing their pent-up frustrations deep within their hearts, Kujo and Hazuki hid their true feelings and went about their night shifts as if nothing was wrong. A minor squabble between foreign cleaning staff, a drunk customer making a fuss about losing his necklace—it was supposed to be just another ordinary night scene.
As night falls, guests with their own troubles begin to arrive at the hotel one after another. A middle-aged man and a young woman engaging in "sugar daddy" relationships, a man and woman on the run from a semi-criminal organization, and high school girls sneaking in secretly. As the desires and circumstances of various people intertwine, an unsettling atmosphere gradually begins to permeate the hotel.
What was supposed to be just another ordinary night turned into a grinding grind like a broken gear, and Kujo and Hazuki's everyday lives began to crumble quietly but surely.
Cast
Kosuke Kujo (38) played by Kota Fujii Born December 18, 1981. He aspired to be an actor from the age of 19, and in 2013 changed his stage name to "Kota Fujii" to dedicate himself to acting with renewed determination. He utilizes his high physical abilities (he was the cleanup hitter and pitcher in high school baseball), height, and unique appearance to expand his acting career.
Hazuki Aida (24) - Played by Sara Donoshita Born March 17, 1998, from Osaka. She moved to Tokyo from Osaka at the age of 20 to pursue acting. "Sara Donoshita" is her real name, and the surname "Donoshita" is rare, with only about 80 people in Japan sharing it. She primarily works in film and television, utilizing her strong empathy to take on a wide range of roles.
Futa (25) - Aran Abe Profile Born August 30, 1997, from Tokyo. He primarily works as an actor, participating in a wide range of projects including films, dramas, and stage plays. His activities are diverse, including producing stage plays and programs, and creating original video works. His representative works include "I Became the Lead in a BL Drama" (TV Asahi & TELASA) and the starring film "Two Outs, Full Base." This April, he is starring in the stage play EPOCH MAN "The Closet Revue," which opened at Shimokitazawa The Suzunari and is running for an unusually long month.
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Mayu (24) played by Ryoka Neya Born in 1994, from Ibaraki Prefecture. Notable works include the role of Devil Masami in Netflix's "The Wicked Queen," and starring roles in films such as "Ryoka Neya Becomes a Film Director" and "Yoko Poco Ma Yoko." While she has several upcoming acting roles, her activities extend beyond acting to include photography, illustration, and writing. In recent years, she has organized her own exhibitions and reading events.
Misako (35) played by Nanami Kawakami Profile Debuted in AV in 2012. Debuted as a stripper at Asakusa Rock-za in 2015. Joined the idol group "Ebisu Muscats" in the same year. While active in AV, she also appeared in mainstream films and dramas. Her representative works include numerous appearances in "The Naked Director," "Tokyo Lover," "TOKYO VICE," and "Rental Family." In 2022, she retired from being an AV actress and stripper, and Ebisu Muscats disbanded in July of the same year. In 2023, she got married and had a child, and is currently working solely as an actress while raising her child.
Lana (26) played by Georgiana Jette Profile Actress and model. Born March 17, 1997, in the Philippines. Came to Japan at age 6. Trilingual in Gaelic, Japanese, and English. Appeared in dramas such as "The Travel Nurse" and "Convenience Store Brothers," and the commercial "Tokyo Tokyo." Utilizing her language skills, she is also involved in independent film production both domestically and internationally as a language instructor, interpreter, and production coordinator.
Haruka Nakamori (38) played by Ayano Kojima Born January 24, 1984, from Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Representative of A-train production. While attending university, she joined the Waseda University Drama Club and began her acting career. In addition to serving as the representative of an entertainment production company and working as an actress, she is active in various fields, including serving as secretary to Buronson, the original author of the manga "Fist of the North Star."
Baba (38) played by Kenko Morisaki Profile Born October 24, 1987. From Oita Prefecture. Actor. Member of the theater company KAKUTA. Primarily active as a stage actor. He has appeared in many of the stage works of this film's director, Santa Ikegame, since the early days. Past appearances include: [Stage] KAKUTA "Love You," "Outen," "Aru, Norainu" (Written and directed by Yuko Kuwahara) "Oresetsu" (Script and directed by Mitsunori Fukuhara) Komatsudai Higashi "Chandre" (Written and directed by Tetsuya Matsumoto) [Film] "Gachiboshi" Script and directed by Kan Eguchi
Hiroyuki Iwata (playing the role of a homeless person) Profile Active in film and theater. Began working mainly in small theaters after guest appearances. Became a freelancer after the hiatus of the theater company Kukan Jelly. Starred in Rough Cut 2016's "Hitting My Father." Participated in Murinkan 3rd term acting department, Niwa Gekidan Penino's "Dark Master," Yumei's "Presentation," Ungetzifer Garden Meme, and collaborated with director Ikegame on Matilda Apartment's "Fishbowl" and "Life and Revolution 3" in 2025.
Ai (17) played by Kyoko Sawada Born February 8, 2005. From Miyazaki Prefecture. She has expanded her activities on TikTok and YouTube, and in recent years has appeared in music videos and dramas.
Police Officer (38) - Teppei (Right-handed) Profile Active as a member of the irregular unit Paman. Possessing a unique presence, he has appeared in numerous popular theater productions by companies such as Tokyo Nikoniko-chan, Compsons, Momojiri Inu, and Gekidan Sports. Recent major appearances include CX's "Meoto Betsusei Keiji," TBS's "Tsui no Hito," BS TBS's "Game Change," NTV's "Koi wa Yami," and MBS's "Smells Like Green Spirit."
Playing the role of a customer engaging in baby roleplay: Yutaka Yoshinari Born March 1, 1977, from Hiroshima Prefecture. Works independently, primarily in small theaters. Recently, he has also appeared in music videos and films.
Nozomi (17) played by Nanami Kajikawa Profile Born October 20, 2000. From Tokyo. Currently working as a freelance actress, mainly in theater. Appeared in Matilda Apartment's 2022 production of "Submarine". Recent major theater companies include Gekidan MCR, System Kojin, and Yamiagari Theater. Her charm point is her wide range of facial muscles. Her special skill is walking quickly on her butt.
Hashimukai (38) - Played by Nanaaki Sakamoto Profile Born in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. He has worked on stage productions as an actor and director. In recent years, he has expanded his activities to film and television. A quiet sense of unease permeates his calm demeanor. He dreams of living with a Java sparrow. He studies foreign languages he has no intention of using.
Akane (played by Koko Nanahara) Born March 15, 1997. She previously worked as a sexy actress and retired at the end of 2020. Since retiring, she has continued her acting career in stage productions and pink films.
Aoki (38) played by Takenori Goto Born June 27, 1983, from Tokyo. He began his acting career primarily in theater, but now excels in a wide range of roles in film and television. He gained attention after appearing in the Netflix series "The Naked Director." He is currently appearing in "The Great Sin of Article 9," which is streaming on Netflix. He is also scheduled to appear in the film "TOKYO BURST -Crime City-," which will be released on May 29th (Friday).
Shiomi (38) played by Kazuji Takasa Profile Born September 2, 1980. Belongs to ASH&D Corporation. Active as part of the comedy duo "The Geese" with Takafumi Ozeki. They have reached the finals of King of Comedy four times, and are active mainly in comedy live shows, using their unique timing and intelligent retorts as their weapons. They are also skilled in harp and pole dancing. In recent years, while appearing in stage productions as an actor, they have also expanded their range of activities, such as writing and directing their first play, "I Fell in Love According to the Scenario."
Shizuka (35) played by Noriko Iriyama Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1985. Her major acting credits include the NHK morning dramas "Tora ni Tsubasa" and "Yell," the dramas "Kimi wa Pet," "Yuki Onna to Kani o Kuu," and "Lion no Kakurega," and the films "Tenjou no Hana" and "Angel Flight THE MOVIE." She has many more acting roles lined up. For the latest information, please check her Instagram: [@iriyamanoriko_official].
Yoko Aida (54) - Coming Soon
Hotel guests
Sogabe (played by Shingo Kuga)
Senior couple roles played by Yoshinobu Ito and Mayumi Miyazaki
Playing the roles of a fresh and innocent couple: Takami Shun and Matsunaga Yuho
The three girls having a get-together are played by Hideka Tomioka, Mizuki Ide, and Manami Yoneda.
Ren Hayashi and Sei Hayafune play a couple who are fighting.
Rin's role
Wang Yuanyuan
Cafe employee role
Miyuki Matsumoto
Riko
Shinobu
staff
Director/Screenwriter: Santa Ikegame Profile Born December 11, 1986. From Saga Prefecture. Screenwriter, playwright, and director. Representative of Matilda Apartment, affiliated with BLUE LABEL. Began theatrical activities in 2006. Established Matilda Apartment in 2019, making it his base of operations.
Producer: Ryuko Yoshikawa Profile Born in 1981 Active as an actor, primarily in film, without being limited to independent or commercial projects. Since 2022, also working as a film producer. Co-managing partner of A-train production with Ayano Kojima.
THEATER
Next soon... . .
Director/Screenplay: Santa Ikegame
Planning and Supervision: Eiji Uchida
Producer: Yoshikawa Ryuko
Planning: Yoshikawa Ryuko, Ikegame Santa, Donoshita Sara
Assistant Directors: Takumi Fujimoto, Haruna Murata, Kazutomo Ogata
Photography: Yoichi Umeki Photography Assistant: Ten Mukugawa Lighting: Roku Watanabe Lighting Assistants: Yuta Totsuka, Kensei Okada Sound Recording: Akifumi Yokota Action Coordination: HAYATE Makeup: Yuna Taniguchi, Nami Kurisaki Stylist: Jun Kamifukumoto Costume: Ayano Kojima Production/Vehicles: Isao Tahara Production Support: Hafu Nagamine Still Photography/Making-of: Misato Saito, Yuki Ikeda Editing: Daichi Furuya Colorist: Sho Watanabe Color Assistant: Yuta Nakano Sound Mixing/Sound Effects: Yasuyuki Momo Dialogue Editor: Asako Sakai Sound Effects Assistant: Kumi Masuki Studio Engineer: Yukiya Minami
DCP Production: Yumekirameku LLC English Subtitle Translation: Namida Sayaka
Music: Yohei Kobayashi
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