Dama Girl(2023)

movie - first aired/released 2023-08-15 - 107 min

Directed by Kayoco Shimizu

This coming-of-age drama depicts the friendship and growth of girls competing in the Kendama World Championships. Maya Sakurai and Michiru Honjo were best friends at the same junior high school, but a freak accident left Michiru confined to a wheelchair and her transfer to another school. Feeling alone and devastated by a sense of loss, Maya discovers the sport of "street kendama" and decides to compete in the world championship, "CATCH & FLOW." Meanwhile, Michiru also discovers kendama during her rehabilitation, and aims to become the world's best street kendama player, using her wheelchair to maneuver. On the day of the finals, with their mothers and friends watching, the former best friends Maya and Michiru face off against a variety of unique rivals and compete in a skill contest.