Hotel Copain (2016 Film)

Hotel Copain (Japanese: ホテルコパン) is a 2016 Japanese drama film directed by Naoto Monma. The story is set in a hotel located in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture.

Promotional image for Hotel Copain — Promotional poster for the film Hotel Copain.

Plot

The narrative centers on Yusuke, a former middle school teacher who resigned from his position following complications related to student bullying. After learning that the student he failed to protect committed suicide, Yusuke seeks refuge at a hotel in Hakuba to distance himself from his past. He begins working as a hotel employee, attempting to live in isolation.

The hotel is managed by Sakuragi, who struggles to maintain the property and harbors a desire to return the establishment to its former prominence, reminiscent of the era surrounding the Nagano Olympics. The dynamic changes when a group of guests arrives, prompting Sakuragi to organize a party. The situation becomes emotionally charged for Yusuke when he discovers that the mother of the student who died is among the guests. As the event unfolds, the various guests share their personal struggles.

Production

The film was shot on location in Nagano Prefecture. Principal photography took place between mid-October and early November 2013.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Hayato Ichihara as Yusuke Kaito
Yoshimasa Kondo as Sakuragi
Hikaru Osawa as Miki
Goki Maeda as Madarame
Fumiko Mizuta as Hikaru
Hideo Kurihara as Raiji Dan
Yukihiro Otani as Sawai
Hyunri as Yuri
Reisen Ri as Funaki
Misa Shimizu as Chisato

Hayato Ichihara, who portrays the protagonist Yusuke Kaito.

Yoshimasa Kondo, who plays the hotel owner Sakuragi.