Mayonaka no Kita-san, Yaji-san

Set in the vibrant, chaotic streets of Edo-period Japan, *Mayonaka no Kita-san, Yaji-san* is a wildly unconventional love story that defies every historical drama expectation. Yaji (Kudo Kankuro) is a married man struggling to balance societal duty with his deep, secret love for Kita (Doi Atsushi), a flamboyant actor caught in the grip of drug addiction. Their passionate yet tumultuous relationship takes a surreal turn when a mysterious advertisement for the Grand Shrine at Ise ignites a madcap pilgrimage across the country. Part slapstick comedy, part poignant romance, the film weaves together absurd adventures, theatrical flair, and raw emotional moments. Director Kankuro Kudo (who also stars) crafts a story that celebrates love in all its messy, imperfect forms—unflinching in its portrayal of addiction and infidelity, yet brimming with dark humor and tenderness. With its period setting but modern queer sensibility, this cult classic offers a rare glimpse into a historical gay relationship, blending kabuki-style theatricality with heartfelt intimacy. The result is an unpredictable, genre-bending ride that is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking.