# Release of Takashi Miike film ‘Sham’

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-takashi-miike-film-sham
> Updated: 2026-09-15T16:17:40.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The film ‘Sham’, directed by Takashi Miike, was released in mid-September 2026. The psychological thriller and courtroom drama is based on a 2003 case in Fukuoka involving a teacher, Seiichi Yabushita, who was accused of harassing and physically abusing a student.

The film explores the conflicting perspectives of the accuser and the accused to create doubt regarding the truth. Specifically, the narrative follows allegations made by Ritsuko Himuro, who accused Yabushita of harassing and physically mistreating her son, Takuto. Using a storytelling method reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Rashomon’, the film presents two contradictory versions of reality: one where the teacher is a perpetrator of severe abuse, and another where he is a victim of false accusations.

Beyond the courtroom drama, the film examines the Japanese educational system, the influence of parents on teaching staff, and the societal pressure on schools to maintain an infallible reputation.

## Claims

- The film Sham is a legal thriller directed by Takashi Miike. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The plot involves a respected teacher accused by a mother of harassing and humiliating her son. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film is inspired by real-life events. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gô Ayano and Kô Shibasaki star in the film. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Takashi Miike releases ‘Sham’, a legal thriller based on real Japanese bullying case

Takashi Miike’s new film ‘Sham’ is a legal thriller inspired by real events, depicting conflicting accounts of school bullying and teacher harassment in Japan.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/takashi-miike-releases-legal-thriller-sham

### 2026-09-13: Takashi Miike film ‘Sham’ explores true story of teacher accused of abuse

Directed by Takashi Miike, the psychological thriller ‘Sham’ explores a true story of a teacher accused of abuse, presenting conflicting perspectives of the protagonists.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/takashi-miike-film-sham-explores-true-story-of-teacher-accused-of-abuse

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Cite as: Release of Takashi Miike film ‘Sham’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-takashi-miike-film-sham