What Should We Have Done?

『どうすればよかったか?』
Dou Sureba Yokattaka?

In 1983, director Tomoaki Fujino’s 20-something sister Masako began exhibiting signs of schizophrenia—yet his parents, both in research and medical positions, responded by actively denying anything was wrong and refusing to treat her. Recording his sister from 2001 until her death in 2021, Fujino chronicles his family saga in a deeply personal trove of conversations, family scenes, episodes and meetings, all documented on a handheld consumer-grade camera. What Should We Have Done? actively explores and confronts the cultural disparities associated with mental illness in Japan. Debuting at the 2024 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, Tomoaki Fujino’s independent sleeper hit poses a biting titular question, one that has yet to be resolved.

Dir. Tomoaki Fujino, 2024, 101 min., DCP, color, In Japanese with English subtitles.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2025
July 10—20, 2025

JAPAN CUTS is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America and an annual highlight of New York’s cinema scene.

Image: © Moving Images Studio Zou-shima 2024

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JAPAN CUTS is sponsored by George P. Hirose and the Globus Family. Reception beverages are generously donated by Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Dassai Blue and ITO EN. Reception speakers are donated by BALMUDA. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program.

Next Generation Obayashi Prize is presented by VIPO.

Additional support is provided by Atto Sushi, Cafe Hatou, Japan Village, Katagiri NY, Kato Sake Works, Kinokuniya Bookstore, Midtown Comics, Moleskine, Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Sendon and BuyJapon, Sunrise Mart, and Tea and Milk.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and other Film Supporters.