Fujiyama Cottonton by Taku Aoyagi

Fujiyama Cottonton is an empathetic observational documentary about disability, and the importance of community, work and purpose, by emerging Japanese director Taku Aoyagi.

Mirai Farm is a garden and nursery located in rural Japan. Watched over by the constant presence of Mount Fuji, the establishment offers work, stability and creative openings to disabled individuals. Fujiyama Cottonton introduces the distinct talents and personalities of the people working at Mirai without narration or explanation, unfolding quietly through scenes of everyday life, and the words and actions of the individuals depicted. Inspired by the work of French documentarian Nicolas Philibert (On the Adamant, screened in No Limits 2025), Aoyagi’s gentle lens portrays its subjects without exploitation or sentimentality, allowing them to convey their personalities and characters in their own way, at their own pace, and without exaggeration.

Beautifully interspersed with scenes of humour and seasonally changing landscapes, Fujiyama Cottonton is an understated, unsentimental affirmation of the dignity of all life that encourages us to see the world with kindness.

Fujiyama Cottonton is Aoyagi’s third documentary. The film had its international premiere at the inaugural Critics’ Week Montreal in 2025.