Japanese Girls Never Die | アズミ・ハルコは行方不明 J-Film

A graduate of the Osaka University of Arts, Mariko Yamauchi originally began in their film department but eventually jumpstarted a career as a writer and essayist at 25. Her first novel, Koko wa taikutsu mukae ni kite (loosely translated to It's Boring Here, Pick Me Up) was widely praised and also adapted into a film in 2018. She specializes in writing stories about the trials and tribulations of modern Japanese women. Yamauchi is inspired by her deep knowledge of cinema and daily experiences. She also contributed to the screenplay of her other novel’s film adaption, Japanese Girls Never Die (alternative title: Azumi Haruko is Missing).

Yu Aoi is a Japanese actor and model known for her successful debut in Shunji Iwai’s film All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001). She has worked in many notable projects as their starring lead such as Hana and Alice (2004) and Hula Girls (2006). Aoi has received numerous awards for her stellar performances on screen and in particular, received the Japan Academy Prize in 2007. She is known for portraying eclectic and fascinating female characters on screen.

Mitsuki Takahata began her successful acting and singing career in multiple industries: television, theatre, and voice acting. Her noteworthy roles include the film adapation of a popular shojo manga, Blue Spring Ride (2014) and the hit anime film Napping Princess (2017). She has also starred in theatrical adaptations of Peter Pan, The Miracle Worker, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, and more. In 2017 she won the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 41st Elan d'or Awards and the 40th Japan Academy Prize.