One Second Ahead, One Second Behind (2023)
A charming Japanese romantic comedy-drama set in Kyoto, where two people out of sync with the world find each other.
One Second Ahead, One Second Behind - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1秒先の彼
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Nobuhiro Yamashita
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 7, 2023 (Japan), June 19, 2024 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: 快一秒的他 (CN), 快一秒的他 (TW), 1초 앞, 1초 뒤 (KR), One Second Ahead, One Second Behind (US)
- Production Companies: Bitters End, Matchpoint
- Production Countries: Japan
One Second Ahead, One Second Behind - Plot
Set in Kyoto, Japan, a love story takes place between Hajime and Reika. Hajime is a handsome young man, who is usually a second quicker than everyone else and straightforward. He works at the post office. Reika is a young woman, who is usually a step slower than everyone else. After Valentine's Day, Hajime wakes up and is unable to remember what happened that day.
One Second Ahead, One Second Behind - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this Kyoto romance:
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One Second Ahead, One Second Behind - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nobuhiro Yamashita
Main Cast
- Masaki Okada
- Kaya Kiyohara
- Rion Fukumuro
- Shohei Shofukutei
- Matsumoto Kiyo
- Yoshiyoshi Arakawa
- Masaya Katō
- Takaya Yamauchi
- Yuki Katayama
- Hinata Hiiragi
Writers
- Kankuro Kudo
Producers
- Hiroyuki Negishi
- Yuji Sadai
One Second Ahead, One Second Behind - FAQs
What is One Second Ahead, One Second Behind about?
Set in the beautiful city of Kyoto, the film follows Hajime, a cheerful post office worker who is always a beat ahead of everyone around him, and Reika, a woman who tends to lag a step behind. Their lives intertwine in a charming, time-tinged love story after a mysterious Valentine's Day.
Is One Second Ahead, One Second Behind a remake?
Yes, it is a Japanese remake of the 2014 Taiwanese romantic comedy 1 Second Ahead (一秒先の彼女). Director Nobuhiro Yamashita reimagines the story with a gender-swapped perspective, giving the male lead Hajime the role of the one who loses his Valentine's Day memories.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film stars Masaki Okada as Hajime Sumeragi, the quick-witted post office worker, and Kaya Kiyohara as Reika Chōsokabe, the endearingly slow-paced young woman. The supporting cast includes Rion Fukumuro, Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, Masaya Katō, and Shohei Shofukutei, among others.
Why does Hajime lose his Valentine's Day memories?
The mystery of Hajime's missing Valentine's Day memories is at the heart of the film's plot. Without spoiling too much, the story cleverly weaves together the contrasting rhythms of its two leads — one always ahead, one always behind — to reveal what truly happened on that fateful day.
Who directed One Second Ahead, One Second Behind?
The film was directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita, a Japanese filmmaker known for his warm, character-driven comedies and dramas. He brings a gentle, observational style to this Kyoto-set romance, making the most of the city's atmospheric backdrop and the film's playful time-based premise.
When and where was this film released?
One Second Ahead, One Second Behind opened in Japan on July 7, 2023, a date that fittingly coincides with Tanabata, the Japanese star festival associated with romantic longing. It later received a South Korean release on June 19, 2024, through the ALL platform.
How long is One Second Ahead, One Second Behind?
The film runs for 120 minutes — a comfortable two hours that gives the story plenty of room to develop its quirky characters and the tender, unhurried romance at its core. It's the kind of runtime that feels just right for a leisurely Kyoto love story.
What are some similar films to this movie?
If you enjoy this film, you might also love Love in Taipei (2023), Rosaline (2022), Which Brings Me to You (2023), and Atrangi Re (2021) — all romantic comedies with a fresh twist. For more Japanese-flavored charm, the film's own source material, the 2014 Taiwanese original, is well worth seeking out.
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