Sheep in the Box ( 箱の中の羊 )

Sheep in the Box( 箱の中の羊 – Hako no Naka no Hitsuji) — Release Date: 29 May 2026. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, starring Haruka Ayase, Daigo Yamamoto and Rimu Kuwaki. The Japanese-language science fiction drama is written, edited and directed by Kore-eda, and explores human relationships within a technologically evolving society.

Sheep in the Box follows a couple, Otone and Kensuke Komoto, who are coping with the loss of their young son. In an attempt to rebuild their lives, they introduce an infant humanoid robot named Kakeru into their home. Designed to replicate aspects of human behavior and development, the robot becomes a central presence in their household.

As the couple adjusts to this unconventional arrangement, the narrative explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of grief, attachment and identity. The film situates its story at the intersection of human relationships and artificial life, examining how technology interacts with personal loss and memory. Through its premise, it raises questions about the nature of connection, parenthood and the boundaries between human and machine.

Haruka Ayase portrays Otone Komoto, with Daigo Yamamoto playing Kensuke. Rimu Kuwaki appears as Kakeru, the humanoid robot whose presence shapes the film’s central dynamic. The supporting cast includes Nana Seino, Kanichiro, Hinata Hiiragi and Kimiko Yo, contributing to a narrative that expands beyond the central family unit.

Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film reflects his continued exploration of family structures and emotional bonds, here framed within a science fiction context. The project combines intimate storytelling with speculative elements, maintaining a grounded tone while engaging with futuristic themes.

The film is set to have its world premiere in the main competition section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it has been nominated for the Palme d’Or. It will be theatrically released in Japan on 29 May 2026 by Toho, with international distribution rights acquired in key territories.