Documentary Film '104-Year-Old Tetsuyo's Solo Life' Wins NIPPON DOCS AWARD 2026 at the World's Largest Japanese Film Festival, Nippon Connection!

Both screenings were completely sold out, with waiting lists forming, and the theaters echoed with laughter—sometimes even louder than in Hiroshima itself. One particularly hilarious scene, in which Tetsuyo forgets her own age and asks those around her, brought the audience to uproarious laughter.

During the Q&A session following the screenings, hands shot up continuously. Questions ranged from how Tetsuyo maintains such vitality to the precautions taken during filming amid the pandemic, resulting in a lively and engaging exchange typical of a vibrant film festival.

The NIPPON DOCS AWARD is decided by audience voting. Immediately after casting their votes, attendees shared passionate feedback, demonstrating a deep understanding of both Tetsuyo’s charm and the film’s world. Most were German viewers from a wide range of age groups, and many remarked that Tetsuyo reminded them of their own parents or grandparents. One particularly encouraging comment stood out: "Aging is a global concern—this film should be seen all over the world!"

Highlights of the event will soon be featured on RCC Television’s information and variety program, "Imanama!"

Nippon Connection (Held June 2–7 in Frankfurt, Germany)

Launched in 2000 by the NPO 'Nippon Connection,' this festival has grown into the world’s largest platform for Japanese cinema. This year, it hosted over 80 cultural events across 13 venues, screened 145 films in six theaters, and welcomed more than 200 international guests. Supported by approximately 120 local volunteers, the festival attracted 21,000 attendees (preliminary figure), setting a new record.

This year’s Rising Star Award was presented to actress Anna Yamada.

◆ Film Overview: '104-Year-Old Tetsuyo's Solo Life'

Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Tetsuyo Ishii lives alone in this naturally rich mountain town, having surpassed the age of 100. A former elementary school teacher, she dedicated her retirement years to serving as a community welfare officer. After losing her husband at age 83, she has continued living with the support of her niece and neighbors, sharing laughter and companionship. She prepares iriko miso soup, weeds around her home, and enjoys tea and conversation with neighbors. Though she occasionally falls ill and visits the hospital, Tetsuyo skillfully encourages herself and adapts her lifestyle with a free and flexible spirit. Finding joy in everything, connecting warmly with everyone, and always in good spirits—this documentary captures Tetsuyo’s life from age 101 to 104.

Starring: Tetsuyo Ishii and others

Narration: Lily Franky

Director & Editor: Kazuhiro Yamamoto Cinematography: Yasuhira Matoba, Toshiyuki Tsutsui Sound Effects: Tomoko Kaneda Audio Mixing: Kenichi Tominaga

Producers: Chiki Nakamura, Naoko Fuda, Shiho Izumo, Hidemasa Takayama Executive Producer: Sachiko Okamoto

Production: RCC Cooperation: RCC Frontier, The Foundation for Promotion of Community Broadcasting, Chugoku Shimbun

Support: Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi City, Fuchu City Distribution: Re-guard

2024 / Japan / 94 min / Documentary / © '104-Year-Old Tetsuyo's Solo Life' Production Committee

Official Website: https://rcc.jp/104-hitori/

● Download URL for images, press materials, trailers, and exclusive footage from the film:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cNbWfzBM1C0IhZwsx3cQwkbuurutwuf0?usp=drive_link

© '104-Year-Old Tetsuyo's Solo Life' Production Committee

Embracing aging while reshaping life with a free spirit.

The 104-year-old’s solo life in nature-rich Onomichi has become an unprecedented hit, drawing over 80,000 viewers nationwide.

Tetsuyo Ishii, long featured in Hiroshima’s newspapers and TV as a model for the 100-year life era, has inspired widespread empathy with her joyful philosophy of aging. Nationwide attendance, including self-organized screenings, has surpassed 80,000 as of May 22, 2026—an extraordinary achievement for a documentary. Additionally, books showcasing her humorous and positive outlook—'Living Alone at 102: Grandma Tetsuyo’s Way to Keep Mind and Body from Rusting' and 'Full of Famous Quotes at 103: Just Kidding' (authored by Tetsuyo Ishii and Chugoku Shimbun, published by Bungeishunju)—have become bestsellers with over 220,000 copies sold (as of February 2026) and have been translated into Korean, English, and German, resonating globally.