First Gentleman (2021 Film)

First Gentleman (Japanese: 総理の夫, Hepburn: Sōri no Otto) is a 2021 Japanese comedy-drama film directed by Hayato Kawai. The screenplay was written by Saya Matsuda and Noriaki Sugihara, based on the 2013 novel of the same name by author Maha Harada. The film was distributed by Toei and released in Japanese theaters on September 23, 2021.

Promotional poster for the film First Gentleman.

Plot

Hiyori Soma (Kei Tanaka) is an ornithologist dedicated to the study of birds. His wife, Rinko Soma (Miki Nakatani), is a prominent politician leading a minority opposition party. Before departing for a ten-day bird-watching expedition on a remote island, Rinko asks Hiyori how he would feel if she were to become the Prime Minister of Japan. Hiyori, focused on his research, departs for his trip, during which he is largely disconnected from news and the outside world. Upon his return, he discovers that Rinko has been elected as the first female Prime Minister in the nation's history, thrusting him into the role of the country's first gentleman. The film follows Hiyori as he navigates the unexpected challenges and public scrutiny that accompany his new position while attempting to support his wife's political career.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Kei Tanaka as Hiyori Soma
Miki Nakatani as Rinko Soma
Shihori Kanjiya as Ayaka Fujinomiya
Asuka Kudo as Kozan Shimazaki
Airi Matsui as Rui Ito
Houka Kinoshita as Minoru Tokuda
Takato Yonemoto as Hisashi Abe
Kyusaku Shimada as Tomohiro Ozu
Ainosuke Kataoka as Tayori Soma
Kimiko Yo as Takako Soma
Ittoku Kishibe as Kuro Hara

Production

The film is based on the novel Sori no Otto, published in 2013 by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha. The production team included cinematographer Shinya Kimura and producer Akira Yamamoto. The film's theme song, titled "Aiwotou," was performed by singer-songwriter Miwa.