Yamanaka Yōko’s “Desert of Namibia” Shows Young Film Director’s Promise

(© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

In Desert of Namibia, Kana (Kawai Yūmi) aggressively scolds a street scout in Tokyo’s gritty Kabukichō district. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Kana designing a tattoo for her boyfriend in a shop. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Director Yamanaka Yōko on location. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Hungover, Kana eats ham straight from the fridge the morning after heavy drinking. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Kana starts dating creator Hayashi (Kaneko Daichi). (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Kana’s live-in boyfriend, Honda (Satō Kan’ichirō), confides in her about what happened during his business trip. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Kana is taken camping and becomes bored mingling with people she has never met before. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Having moved to a new flat, the sounds of everyday life emanate from the neighboring room. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

Director Yamanaka Yōko. (© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)

(© 2024 Desert of Namibia Production Committee)