The Final Piece (15)

Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026 Thursday 19th February
Deep in the mountains, a skeletal corpse is unearthed — the only clue to its identity, a single handcrafted shogi piece from one of only seven sets known to exist. Shogi, often described as Japanese chess, becomes the key to unravelling a complex case. The investigation soon points to KAMIJO Keisuke (SAKAGUCHI Kentaro), a mysterious young prodigy who seemingly appeared from nowhere to dominate the professional shogi world and skyrocket to fame.
The trail leads further into the underworld, to TOMYO Shigeyoshi (award-winning actor, WATANABE Ken), a powerful shogi player closely tied to illegal gambling who knows Keisuke’s past. As the investigation progresses, Keisuke’s carefully constructed image of a genius begins to crumble, exposing the emotional wounds and fractured relationships that shaped him.
Supported by talented actors, the narrative moves fluidly between past and present, set against the unique backdrop of the shogi world. Director KUMAZAWA Naoto, who previously demonstrated his masterful skill in Yurigokoro (JFTFP19), explores ambition, trauma, and the fine line between brilliance and self-destruction, culminating in a spectacular ending.
Contains graphic violence
The Final Piece盤上の向日葵 (Banjo no himawari)Directed by KUMAZAWA Naoto2025, 123 min.Starring: SAKAGUCHI Kentaro, WATANABE Ken

Knowing Me, Knowing YouThe True Self in Japanese Cinema6 February – 31 March 2026The UK’s largest festival of Japanese cinema, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme (JFTFP), is back again. This is the place where cinema comes alive!
(c) 2025 “The Final Piece” Film Partners

01539 725133

- Tickets can be collected 30 minutes before performance
- Photo ID required for ticket collection
- Uncollected tickets held until 15 minutes before show time

- Limited on-site parking available
- Public car parks within 5-minute walking distance
- Some street parking on Highgate
- Disabled parking spaces near main entrance

- Wheelchair accessible venue
- Designated wheelchair spaces in main auditorium
- Companion seats available
- Step-free access to ground floor areas

- No food or drinks in performance spaces
- Mobile phones must be switched off
- Photography/recording prohibited during performances
- Smart casual attire recommended

- Child-friendly performances clearly marked
- Age recommendations provided for each show
- Under-16s must be accompanied by adult
- Babes in arms not permitted for most adult performances