Retrodreaming

Synopsis

Sawada School in Nakanojo stands empty, a remnant of Japan's changing demographics. Abandoned schools across rural areas reflect shifts caused by depopulation, the pandemic, and past nuclear events. The film references the tradition of "Kaidan," or ghost stories, linking these empty spaces to memories and entities. A voice from a tape recorder recounts a secret experiment during a pandemic, adding an air of mystery. The visual focus on Showa-era architecture enhances the eerie atmosphere throughout the 18-minute runtime.