Toho Explores the Horrors of Liminal Space in EXIT 8 - Official Press Notes and Photo Gallery

Official Site: https://exit8-movie.toho.co.jp/ (Japan)

Toho has provided information and images for EXIT 8 (８番出口, 8-Ban Deguchi). The psychological horror movie premiered May 19th at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and opens in Japanese cinemas this weekend. EXIT 8 has been licensed by Neon for a North American theatrical release.

EXIT 8 is based on the concept of "liminal space," abandoned or empty places that create a growing feel of eeriness, discomfort and surreality.

Introduction

The global hit infinite loop game where you search for anomalies is now a live-action movie!

You exit the subway turnstile and walk down a white underground passageway. A sign for “Exit 8” hangs from the ceiling. But you never seem to reach the exit. You feel uneasy about the same man you keep repeatedly passing, and eventually realize you're walking the same passage over and over.

Then you find a mysterious notice posted on the wall: If you find an anomaly somewhere in the passage, turn back. If not, keep going forward. [Exit 1], [Exit 2], [Exit 3]... If you're correct, you'll approach [Exit 8]. If you miss it, you'll return to [Exit 0]. Can you find the inexplicable anomalies appearing and escape this hopelessly looping infinite corridor?

The game EXIT 8, created by indie game developer KOTAKE CREATE and achieving global success with over 1.8 million copies sold, has been adapted into a live-action film. The film project was shrouded in mystery—“How could they make a movie out of that game?”—but when a mere 30-second teaser and the announcement of actor/singer Kazunari Ninomiya (GANTZ) as the lead were released, it exploded. A “phenomenon” occurred: an X post garnered over 28 million impressions. Other cast members include Yamato Kawachi, who made a strong impression in the 2023 drama series VIVANT, and the uniquely captivating national muse Nana Komatsu (SAKURA, WHO WERE WE?), though only limited information has been released.

Directed and written by Genki Kawamura—producer of films like CONFESSIONS, BAD GUY, YOUR NAME., and MONSTER, and winner of the Best Director Award at the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival for his directorial debut, HYAKKA—this film has already secured distribution in over 30 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Furthermore, it has been selected for the Midnight Screenings section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. It has become the Japanese film most eagerly anticipated for release worldwide. And on August 29th, the film EXIT 8 will open in Japan, ahead of its global release.

The film EXIT 8 ---
A 95-minute theatrical survival experience where you get lost in an infinite loop.

Story

A man (Kazunari Ninomiya) trapped in a endless sterile subway passageway sets out to find Exit 8. The rules of his quest are simple: do not overlook anything out of the ordinary. If you discover an anomaly, turn back immediately. If you don’t, carry on. Then leave from Exit 8.

But even a single oversight will send him back to the beginning. Will he ever reach his goal and escape this infinite corridor?

Details

Release Date: Friday, August 29, 2025 (Japan)
Release Information: Nationwide Roadshow

CAST
Lost Man: Kazunari Ninomiya
Walking Man: Yamato Kochi
Boy: Naru Asanuma
Kotone Hanase
Nana Komatsu

STAFF
Original Work: EXIT 8 by KOTAKE CREATE
Director: Genki Kawamura
Screenplay: Kentaro Hirase, Genki Kawamura
Screenplay Collaboration: Kazunari Ninomiya
Producers: Minami Ichikawa, Taichi Ito, Yoshihiro Furusawa
Co-Producers: Yuki Abe, Yusaku Tanaka, Akihito Watanabe, Ichiro Shinohara, Takashi Saito
Executive Producers: Hisashi Usui, Kana Okamura
Planning: Yuto Sakata
Cinematographer: Keisuke Imamura
Production Design: Ryo Sugimoto
Costume Design: Daisuke Iga
Sound Recording: Masato Yano
Production Design: Ryo Sugimoto
VFX: Sei Masamoto
Editor: Sakura Seya
Sound Effects: Masaya Kitada
Music: Yasutaka Nakata (CAPSULE), Shohei Amori

Production Companies: STORY inc., AOI Pro.
Production: EXIT 8 Movie Production Committee (Toho, STORY inc., Office Nino, Metro Ad Agency, AOI Pro., Lawson, Suirinsha, Tohan)
Distributor (Japan): Toho

About Toho

Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful content for motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, it remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan. To learn more, visit toho.co.jp/en.