The film is based on a true story of Japanese poet Yone Noguchi and his relationship with American journalist Leonie Gilmour.
Director Matsui was inspired to make the independent project after reading Masayo Duus’ The Life of Isamu Noguchi.
Mortimer – who is currently wooing America with her lead role in Aaron Sorkin’s Newsroom – plays the American journalist, educator and editor Gilmour, who falls in love with the Japanese poet Yone Noguchi (played by Shidô Nakamura) and gives birth to a son, who goes on to become the artist and architect Isamu Noguchi.
Matsui also co-wrote the script, going through 14 drafts of the screenplay. He also served as a producer on the film.
The film was shot on location in Japan and in the U.S. Monterey plans a winter theatrical release for the film.
