Yurindo Supports Documentary Film "Return to My Blue" as Part of Social Contribution Activities

Yurindo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Kentaro Matsunobu) will support the documentary film "Return to My Blue," scheduled for release on July 24, 2026 (Fri), as part of its social contribution activities.

This film depicts the journey of Soma, a 10-year-old boy who uses a ventilator, as he embarks on an adventure to an uninhabited island in Okinawa with his mother, doctors, and volunteers, driven by his desire to "go on an adventure to an uninhabited island."

Our company resonates with the message of this film, which conveys the lives of children requiring medical care, their families, and those who support them. We will introduce the film through flyer distribution, poster displays, signage broadcasts, and the distribution of original bookmarks at our stores.

Original Bookmark

Background and Significance of the Initiative

Our company has positioned "contributing to the local community through the sale of cultural and educational products" as its management policy. Meanwhile, as the environment surrounding bookstores changes, the role of community-based bookstores extends beyond just selling books and products. We believe that becoming a touchpoint for customers to learn about local issues and activities, and expanding the circle of understanding and support, is one of the roles expected of bookstores going forward. What we emphasize is providing support within reach and on a personal level. As a community-based bookstore, we will create opportunities for people to learn about the activities of individuals and organizations in need of support, and broaden understanding of social issues and local activities. This initiative is the first phase of a cross-departmental social contribution project team launched in response to our support activities for "Yokohama Children's Hospice ~Umi to Sora no Ouchi." The team's core activity is to support a society where everyone can fully utilize their abilities and challenge their potential. While considering the first phase of activities, we encountered the film "Return to My Blue," which depicts the challenges faced by individuals with illnesses or disabilities pursuing their aspirations. The message of this film aligns with our social contribution activities, and we believe it is a work that should be shared with many people. In the future, we plan to consider holding screenings and workshops to think about social contribution in collaboration with stores, schools, and companies.

Our Past Social Contribution Activities

Since April 2026, we have been continuously engaged in support activities for "Yokohama Children's Hospice ~Umi to Sora no Ouchi" located in Kanazawa Hakkei. "Yokohama Children's Hospice ~Umi to Sora no Ouchi" is a place like a "second home" where children with life-threatening illnesses such as pediatric cancer and progressive neurodegenerative diseases, and their families, can spend their lives as they wish. Recognizing the challenges of increasing awareness among both supporters and users, and securing operational funds, Yurindo has been working to create opportunities for people to learn about these activities through our stores. Specifically, since April 2026, we have installed donation boxes in 38 stores in the Kanto region. Additionally, at the Yokohama Station West Exit store, Tamaplaza Terrace store, and Isezaki-cho Main store, we held related book fairs and panel exhibitions. We also created and distributed bookmarks to provide customers with an opportunity to learn about the activities at our stores. Our support for the film "Return to My Blue" is an extension of these efforts to broaden understanding of welfare activities. Through the film, we will convey the thoughts of children requiring medical care and their families, as well as the figures of those who support them.

About the Film "Return to My Blue"

"Return to My Blue" is a short documentary depicting the journey of Soma, a 10-year-old boy who uses a ventilator, and his mother to an uninhabited island in Okinawa with no electricity or water. "What I wanted was on an island with nothing." This phrase on the film's poster symbolizes the meaning of a child's wish and challenge, which cannot be measured solely by convenience and safety. The journey, which began with the pure thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to write in my school notebook that I went on an adventure to an uninhabited island during spring break?" is supported by a small team of doctors and volunteers. "A ventilator and a wheelchair are not reasons to give up on adventure." This work conveys the necessary understanding and support for everyone to live their lives authentically, through the figures of a child and family striving to realize their desires in an environment that many would deem "impossible," and the people who support their challenge. The director and producer is Yutaka Noguchi, who has directed NHK serial dramas such as "Anpan" and "Yell," and the Taiga drama "Dousuru Ieyasu." This film marks his first documentary work.

Details of Yurindo's Rollout (excluding some stores)

Flyer Distribution Flyers for the film "Return to My Blue" will be distributed at the entrances of Yurindo stores. This will provide customers with an opportunity to learn about the film.

Poster Display Official movie posters will be displayed. This will provide an opportunity for customers to encounter the film's key visuals and the message "What I wanted was on an island with nothing" during their daily shopping.

Signage Broadcast We will utilize in-store digital signage to broadcast promotional videos for the film. Through visuals and sound, we will convey the world of the film "Return to My Blue."

Original Bookmark Distribution During the period just before the film's release, original bookmarks featuring the film's design will be distributed at target stores. In addition to the film's visuals, the bookmarks will include the message "A ventilator and a wheelchair are not reasons to give up on adventure." They will also feature QR codes linking to the official website and trailer, providing an easy way for customers who encounter the film at our stores to access information about it. *Distribution methods may vary by store.

Film Outline

Film Title: Return to My Blue

Release Date: July 24, 2026 (Fri)

Screening Theaters: Kino Cinema Yokohama Minatomirai, Kino Cinema Shinjuku, Kino Cinema Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Building, Kino Cinema Shinsaibashi, Kino Cinema Kobe Kokusai, Kino Cinema Tenjin

Director/Producer: Yutaka Noguchi

Official Website: https://return-to-my-blue.studio.site/

Running Time: [39 minutes]

Company Profile

Company Name: Yurindo Co., Ltd.

Location: 1-4-1 Isezaki-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Founded: 1909

Business Activities: Sale of books, magazines, stationery, miscellaneous goods, etc.; corporate services; education and cultural business; operation of various media, etc.

Official Website: https://www.yurindo.co.jp/