TIFF 2026: Japanese director Nishikawa explores untold story of orphaned girl in postwar Japan

TORONTO: Japanese filmmaker Miwa Nishikawa delves into the aftermath of World War Two with her film "Children Untold," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie, set in postwar Japan, tells the story of a 12-year-old orphaned girl named Kotoko, who, to survive, pretends to be a boy on the bustling streets of Tokyo.

Kotoko's journey is mirrored by her former schoolteacher, a woman who turned to prostitution to make ends meet under the occupation. The film marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first Japanese title to open the festival's competitive Platform section.

Nishikawa chose to focus on the untold stories of girls orphaned by the war, given that these narratives are often overlooked. She emphasized that just as many girls as boys were left without families due to the conflict. In her words, "War does not end when the fighting stops. Even after it is over, people continue to fight different battles in their lives. I wanted today's children to understand that."

Nishikawa's exploration of this poignant theme was influenced by the ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, which made the subject matter more relevant to audiences today. She noted that the global discourse on war has evolved since she began developing the film in 2020. Despite her initial apprehension that the theme might not resonate with contemporary viewers, Nishikawa observed that the world's connection to the film's portrayal of war had grown closer.

The director, hailing from Hiroshima, a city deeply marked by the legacy of war, acknowledged the heavy burden of depicting such a subject. However, she stressed the importance of revisiting historical mistakes, including the impact of propaganda on individuals who became entangled in the conflict and the failure to assume responsibility for its dire consequences.

Looking ahead, Nishikawa emphasized the need for a new generation of creators, both in Japan and globally, to continue telling these stories. She encouraged them to find innovative ways to carry these narratives forward, ensuring that the lessons of the past remain relevant and impactful in the present day.