Independent filmmaker Tsukamoto Shinya was born 15 years after the end of World War II. "Neither my parents nor my grandparents ever spoke about the war, so I grew up believing, without question, that the world was a bright and peaceful place," says Tsukamoto. "But beneath the surface, many people were suffering from the dark aftermath of the war—economic hardship, social disarray, and lingering trauma." Tsukamoto, known for his distinctive and often bleak cinematic style, has long been fascinated by the psychological and societal scars left by Japan’s wartime past. His films frequently explore themes of alienation, decay, and the human condition in the face of despair. However, it was only later in life that he began to understand the deeper historical context that shaped his childhood and the silence surrounding it. The postwar period in Japan was marked by significant reconstruction and economic growth, often referred to as the "economic miracle." Yet, this period of prosperity often overshadowed the struggles of many Japanese citizens, including those who had been displaced, injured, or psychologically affected by the war. Tsukamoto's realization of this hidden history led him to reflect on how collective memory and national narratives can shape—or suppress—individual experiences. Today, Tsukamoto's work serves as a bridge between personal and historical memory. His films challenge audiences to look beyond the surface of societal progress and consider the complex, often painful legacies of the past. In doing so, he continues to explore the tension between individual experience and the broader historical narrative that defines a nation.