# Release and promotion of Japanese film ‘mentor’

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261007-release-of-japanese-film-mentor
> Updated: 2026-10-24T16:57:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Promotional activities for the Japanese film ‘mentor’, directed by Keisuke Yoshida, have progressed through the release of new imagery, character trailers, and international festival appearances. The film, scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on October 16, follows the interconnected lives of three men linked by a childhood apartment fire caused by fireworks.

Initial promotional materials highlighted the emotional range of lead actors Hayato Isomura and Seiya Suezawa, as well as the role of Go Ayano, who portrays Himoto, a character requiring extensive special effects makeup to depict burn scars. Character trailers provided detail on the protagonists: Ryunosuke, an archer dealing with guilt; Takumi, who becomes obsessed with a mentor figure; and Nomoto, a victim of the fire with a potentially fractured exterior.

Leading up to the premiere, Hayato Isomura, Go Ayano, and Seiya Suezawa attended an opening stage greeting in Tokyo. During the event, Isomura and Ayano praised Suezawa’s charm, while Suezawa encouraged audiences to engage with the film despite its intense themes. In promotional content, Isomura described Ayano as a ‘real-life mentor’ who serves as a role model.

Following its release, the film was featured at the 26th Kaohsiung Film Festival in Taiwan. During the festival, Isomura discussed his year-long intensive archery training, while Suezawa shared anecdotes about practicing ‘dogeza’ (kneeling apologies) for his role. Director Yoshida noted that the film utilizes elements of dark comedy to explore themes of reflection and the nature of mentorship.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Actors Hayato Isomura and Seiya Suezawa attend Kaohsiung Film Festival

Actors Hayato Isomura and Seiya さわせ attended the Kaohsiung Film Festival in Taiwan for the premiere of the film ‘mentor’, participating in press conferences and fan Q&A sessions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actors-hayato-isomura-and-seiya-suezawa-attend-kaohsiung-film-festival

### 2026-10-14: Actors Hayato Isomura and Go Ayano attend ‘mentor’ film premiere

Actors Hayato Isomura, Go Ayano, and Seiya Suezawa attended the opening event for the film ‘mentor’, exploring themes of past trauma and complex relationships.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actors-hayato-isomura-and-go-ayano-attend-mentor-film-premiere

### 2026-10-07: Film ‘mentor’ releases character trailers starring Hayato Isomura

Character trailers have been released for the film ‘mentor’, starring Hayato Isomura, Seiya Suezawa, and Go Ayano, exploring the psychological aftermath of a childhood fire.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/film-mentor-releases-character-trailers-starring-hayato-isomura

### 2026-09-26: Hayato Isomura and Seiya Suezawa star in new film ‘mentor’

New images have been released for the film ‘mentor’, starring Hayato Isomura and Seiyazawa of Aぇ! group, set for release on October 16.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hayato-isomura-and-seiya-suezawa-to-star-in-film-mentor

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Cite as: Release and promotion of Japanese film ‘mentor’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261007-release-of-japanese-film-mentor