“Last Mile” Film to Make Highly Anticipated Terrestrial TV Debut, Connecting with “MIU404” and “Unnatural” Universe

The film "Last Mile" is finally set to make its terrestrial television debut, sparking an outpouring of joy on social media. It will be broadcast without cuts on the TBS network starting March 9th (Monday) at 8:55 PM JST.

This film is a social suspense thriller co-starring Hikari Mitsushima and Masaki Okada. Kenshi Yonezu's theme song "Garakuta" also generated significant buzz. Since its theatrical release, the film has garnered attention for its high quality and profound message, leading many fans to eagerly await its free-to-air broadcast. Comments such as "I'm so happy to finally watch this long-awaited film uncut" and "Congratulations on the terrestrial broadcast!" are widely seen.

What has particularly thrilled fans is that the film shares the same universe as the dramas "MIU404" and "Unnatural." The re-broadcast of "MIU404" has also been announced, leading to a flood of posts like "I'm overjoyed that they're even re-broadcasting MIU404; it's the absolute best" and "It's so exciting to see the worlds of Unnatural and MIU404 connect again on terrestrial TV." "Last Mile" features cameo appearances by characters from these popular drama series, making it a must-see for fans. Expectations are also high for Hikari Mitsushima's captivating performance and the meticulous direction.

On social media, many voices praise the work's themes and messages, stating, "Nogi-san's works realistically depict social issues and make you think deeply" and "This is truly a must-watch film." Its depth, beyond mere entertainment, is highly regarded. Some who watched it in theaters even reported being influenced, saying, "I started buying fewer things online and more from local physical stores," demonstrating the significant impact of the film.

March 9th marks the much-anticipated terrestrial TV premiere of "Last Mile" for many. Whether you've seen it in theaters or not, take this opportunity to witness the truth hidden in society's "last mile."

The context

"Last Mile" is a Japanese suspense film that has garnered significant attention, not only for its compelling narrative but also for its connection to a beloved shared universe of popular TV dramas. The film, starring Hikari Mitsushima and Masaki Okada, is written by Akiko Nogi (野木亜紀子), a celebrated screenwriter known for her sharp social commentary and intricate plots.

Nogi Akiko is the creative force behind two highly acclaimed Japanese dramas: "Unnatural" (2018) and "MIU404" (2020). These series, while distinct in their themes (forensic pathology in "Unnatural" and police investigation in "MIU404"), are known to exist within the same fictional world. Fans affectionately refer to this as the "Nogi-verse." "Last Mile" further expands this universe, featuring cameo appearances by characters from "MIU404" and "Unnatural," a detail that has immensely excited fans.

The announcement of its "terrestrial TV debut" (地上波初放送) is significant because it means the film will be broadcast on free-to-air television, making it accessible to a much broader audience than its theatrical run or streaming availability. The phrase "without cuts" (ノーカット) further assures viewers that they will experience the film in its entirety. The re-broadcast of "MIU404" alongside "Last Mile" emphasizes the interconnectedness of these works, creating a special event for fans to experience the shared universe on their home screens. The film's theme song, "Garakuta," was performed by Kenshi Yonezu, one of Japan's most popular and influential musicians, adding another layer of appeal.