The Longing (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Longing is a Japanese drama about a restaurant-owning couple who give young people leaving juvenile detention a chance to rebuild their lives. At its center is 18-year-old Yuto, who hopes their support can help him begin again while adapting to life beyond detention.

The Longing is a 2026 Japanese drama centered on second chances and the difficult process of returning to society. The story follows a couple who run a restaurant and employ young people recently released from juvenile detention.

Among them is 18-year-old Yuto, whose desire to start over gives the film its central emotional focus. Directed by Toshizo Fujiwara, the film combines a reintegration story with a workplace setting and an ensemble cast of established and emerging performers.

The Longing movie details

Story without spoilers

A restaurant-owning couple hires young people who have been released from juvenile detention, offering them practical support as they try to reintegrate into everyday life. The arrangement gives 18-year-old Yuto an opportunity to pursue a new beginning, though adjusting to life after detention forms the central challenge of his story.

The restaurant provides the setting for this drama about responsibility, support and the possibility of moving forward. The supplied premise keeps the focus on Yuto’s attempt to begin again rather than revealing how his circumstances develop.

What to expect

The Longing is presented as a character-driven drama built around rehabilitation and reintegration. Its premise suggests a serious, socially focused story about young people transitioning out of juvenile detention and the adults who choose to help them.

The restaurant setting places these questions within an everyday working environment, while Yuto’s age and circumstances give the film a personal point of view. Viewers can expect Japanese-language drama, an ensemble of characters connected to the restaurant and support system, and a narrative concerned with whether a new start is possible.

Cast and creative team

Daiki Ido plays Yuto, the 18-year-old at the center of the story. Toshizo Fujiwara appears as Hiroyuki and also directs the film. Rino Tsuneishi plays Sonoko, Sasha plays Yukiha, Tomoko Fujita plays Seiko, and Masane Tsukayama plays Matsui.

The supporting cast includes Jay Kabira as an infertility doctor, Satoshi Nikaido as a judge, Yuko Sasaki as a probation officer, and Shintaro Yogi as Shinji. The screenplay is credited to Toshizo Fujiwara and Rin Mikuni.

• Daiki Ido as Yuto
• Toshizo Fujiwara as Hiroyuki
• Rino Tsuneishi as Sonoko
• Sasha as Yukiha
• Tomoko Fujita as Seiko
• Masane Tsukayama as Matsui
• Jay Kabira as Infertility Doctor
• Satoshi Nikaido as Judge
• Yuko Sasaki as Probation Officer
• Shintaro Yogi as Shinji

Release and production context

The Longing is a Japanese production from Toshizo Produce. It is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of September 30, 2026. The film is in Japanese and has a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. Its original Japanese title is ミックスモダン, and its listed genre is drama.

Production companies: Toshizo Produce

Movies Dock view

With its focus on young people leaving juvenile detention and the support offered by a restaurant-owning couple, The Longing is framed as a grounded drama about rebuilding one’s life. The film’s central question is whether Yuto can turn the opportunity he is given into a genuine fresh start.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb