Japanese singer-turned-actress Airi Suzuki is finally getting her moment in the spotlight. She’s taking on her first-ever solo lead role in the upcoming film Tadaima tte Ieru Basho 「ただいまって言える場所」(A Place Where I Can Say ‘I’m Home’), directed by Renpei Tsukamoto, hitting cinemas across Japan on 23 January 2026.
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| Airi Suzuki Takes the Spotlight: First Solo Lead in Touching Film “A Place Where I Can Say ‘I’m Home’” |
The Story – Two Lost Souls Finding Their Way Back Home
The film follows Eriko Asai (played by Suzuki), a middle-school teacher who, despite being an adult, still lives under her parents’ roof.
Between struggling with overbearing parents and stressed-out students, she’s clearly not having the easiest time of it.
Then there’s Chika Tsukioka, played by the young rising star Mana Kawaguchi, a quiet girl who’s stopped going to school altogether.
What brings these two together? Social media, of course.
They start chatting online, unaware of each other’s real identities — one a teacher, one her student — and end up forming an unlikely bond that pushes them both to face their fears and find somewhere they truly belong.
Suzuki’s Emotional Dive – “I Cried Thinking About My Mum”
Suzuki said the script had her bawling before filming even began — especially when she thought about her own mum.
She described the film as “a story that makes you think, smile, and maybe shed a tear or two.”
“It really shows how the reasons behind truancy have changed from the Heisei era to the Reiwa era,” she explained.
“But no matter what generation you’re in, having somewhere you can say ‘I’m home’ gives you the strength to keep going.”
She also added that she hopes audiences leave the theatre wanting to tell someone they love, “Thank you” and “I’m home.”
Proper wholesome, that.
Kawaguchi on Playing Chika – “It Felt Real, Like My Own Story”
Kawaguchi, who’s still in school herself, said she could totally relate to Chika’s inner battles.
“I’ve got loads of mates and I love chatting, but sometimes I’d still end up overthinking things, trying too hard to make everyone happy,” she shared.
She also recalled butting heads with her own mum about her future back in junior high, saying it helped her understand Chika’s feelings even more.
“Through her friendship with Eriko, Chika learns to face her real emotions and starts growing up — I hope people can feel that with her.”
Kawaguchi also couldn’t stop praising Airi Suzuki’s warmth on set, saying: “Airi-san’s smile made everyone relax. The whole atmosphere around her was just lovely.”
Mothers, Daughters, and Quiet Strength
Veteran actresses Nene Otsuka and Ayumi Ito round out the cast as the mothers of Eriko and Chika.
Otsuka said her role made her think deeply about how parents can’t always fix their kids’ struggles — sometimes all they can do is watch and gently push them forward.
Ito added that her character is a bit of a workaholic mum, trying too hard to protect her daughter from the world.
“Because they’re so close, they both end up hurting each other,” she said, adding that the story beautifully shows how families can break and rebuild again.
Director’s Message – “It’s About Opening the Door”
Director Tsukamoto described the film as a “story about opening doors.”
“The teacher can’t move on from her past, and the student is too scared to step outside — yet through their connection, they both find courage,” he said.
“I hope this film gives people that tiny bit of strength to take their own first step forward.”
Soft Light, Strong Heart
The newly released teaser visual sets the tone perfectly — sunlight pouring into a calm room as Eriko gazes forward, with the two mothers and Chika standing nearby.
It’s got that warm, bittersweet vibe that just screams quiet healing.
With music by Haruka Nakamura (Look Back) and the kind of heartfelt storytelling Tsukamoto’s known for, A Place Where I Can Say ‘I’m Home’ looks ready to touch plenty of hearts.
So mark your calendars — 23 January 2026, and don’t forget to bring a tissue or two.
Source: Eiga