Japanese Horror Film "Chirudo" Selected for Berlin Film Festival

Imagine walking into a brightly lit Japanese convenience store, expecting to grab a quick snack, only to find yourself in the middle of a chilling horror story. If you've ever wondered how everyday spaces in Japan can transform into something eerie, you're in for a treat. The film チルド (Chirudo), translated internationally as AnyMart, is making waves as it heads to the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in 2026. Starring acclaimed actors and set in a コンビニ (konbini - convenience store), this movie isn't just a genre piece—it's a sharp critique of Japanese society wrapped in horror. Let’s dive into the news, explore the cultural backdrop, and pick up some authentic Japanese along the way, just as it’s taught in Japan.

The Big News: "Chirudo" at Berlin

On January 15, 2026, it was announced that チルド (Chirudo), directed by 岩崎裕介 (Iwasaki Yūsuke), has been selected for the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival, running from February 12 to 22, 2026. This marks the first full-length live-action feature from the indie label NOTHING NEW, known for bold, avant-garde works. The film, featuring stars like 染谷将太 (Sometani Shōta), 唐田えりか (Karata Erika), and 西村まさ彦 (Nishimura Masahiko), will also hit Japanese theaters later in 2026, giving fans at home a chance to experience its unsettling story.

Set entirely in a コンビニ (konbini), the movie reimagines this familiar space as the stage for a ホラー (horā - horror) narrative. Festival director Barbara Wurm praised its powerful performances and mature direction, calling the convenience store a microcosm of Japan’s high-efficiency society. She highlighted its “socially critical horror” angle, blending generational tensions into a gripping tale. Director Iwasaki described the film as 不条理 (fujōri - absurd) and anarchic, eager to see how its raw honesty plays out internationally. Lead actor Sometani echoed this, curious about how its 混沌 (konton - chaotic) energy will “rampage” on the global stage.

Voices from the Cast and Crew

The cast and crew couldn’t help but share their excitement about the film’s 出品 (shuppin - submission/exhibition) to Berlin. Sometani likened the movie to something “chilled” and thrown at a chaotic world, crafted with a mischievous spirit by Iwasaki, whom some call a 鬼才 (kisai - genius or prodigy with eccentric flair). Karata reflected on how the project reignited her passion for filmmaking, while Nishimura emphasized its challenging nature, forcing viewers to grapple with tough questions about humanity without easy answers. Their comments paint a picture of a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. Curious? A teaser trailer is already up on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the eerie atmosphere of this unique ホラー (horā) piece.

Cultural Context: The Role of Konbini in Japan

If you’ve never been to Japan, you might not realize just how central a コンビニ (konbini - convenience store) is to daily life. Unlike convenience stores in many Western countries, Japanese ones like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are open 24/7 and offer everything from hot meals to bill payment services. They’re a lifeline for busy workers, students, and even tourists, embodying Japan’s obsession with efficiency. But there’s a darker side—grueling labor conditions for staff, often underpaid and overworked, lurk beneath the fluorescent lights. By turning this everyday space into a horror setting, チルド (Chirudo) taps into a uniquely Japanese tension between convenience and societal cost. It’s a perfect lens for learners like you to understand modern Japan beyond the surface.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Let’s take a moment to pick up some authentic Japanese inspired by this news. Just as Japanese kids learn their language through context and real-life usage, you’ll find these words and patterns popping up in everyday conversations or media. Here’s a breakdown of key vocabulary and grammar to help you sound more natural.

Key Vocabulary

These words aren’t just tied to this film—they’re useful in broader contexts. For instance, you might hear 混沌 (konton) when describing a messy situation, or 不条理 (fujōri) in discussions of surreal art or literature.

Grammar Spotlight: 〜て仕方ない and 〜という

Let’s look at two practical grammar patterns that capture emotional depth and naming conventions, much like the cast’s reactions to チルド (Chirudo).

1. 〜て仕方ない (~te shikatanai) - Can’t help but feel, extremely (emotional state) This pattern expresses an uncontrollable or intense feeling. Attach it to the te-form of a verb to show something you “can’t help but” feel or do.

• 嬉しいくて仕方ない。 (Ureshikute shikatanai.) - I can’t help but feel happy. / I’m extremely happy.
• この映画を見て怖くて仕方なかった。 (Kono eiga o mite kowakute shikatanakatta.) - I couldn’t help but feel scared watching this movie.
• ベルリンに行きたくて仕方ない。 (Berurin ni ikitakute shikatanai.) - I can’t help but want to go to Berlin.

Use this when emotions overflow—perfect for describing reactions to intense films like チルド (Chirudo).

2. 〜という (~to iu) - Called, named; that (used to explain or define something) This structure is often used to name or describe something, or to quote an idea. It’s super common in news or casual explanations.

• チルドという映画が好きです。 (Chirudo to iu eiga ga suki desu.) - I like a movie called Chirudo.
• コンビニという店は便利です。 (Konbini to iu mise wa benri desu.) - A store called a konbini is convenient.
• 彼は鬼才だという噂です。 (Kare wa kisai da to iu uwasa desu.) - There’s a rumor that he is a genius.

You’ll hear this all the time in Japanese media to introduce or clarify names and concepts, just as we’ve done with the film and its themes.

Useful Expression

Here’s a quick phrase inspired by the cast’s excitement: 楽しみにしています。 (Tanoshimi ni shiteimasu.) - I’m looking forward to it. Use this to express anticipation for events like a movie release or festival screening. It’s polite and widely applicable.

Continue Learning

Want to dive deeper into Japanese grammar to understand articles like this even better? Check out these lessons:

• Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations: Want to learn more about に? Check out our lesson on Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations.
• Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences: Want to learn more about は? Check out our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences.
• Nai Form: Negating Without Auxiliary Words: Want to understand the verb forms used here? Check out Nai Form: Negating Without Auxiliary Words.

Learning Japanese the way it’s taught in Japan means connecting language to real contexts like films and culture. Keep exploring with us, and you’ll be amazed at how much you pick up!

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.