The feeling of “wanting to disappear into a hole” is something almost everyone can relate to at least once or twice in their lives. For those haunted by embarrassing and bittersweet memories or those who feel the eyes of others like sharp knives at the slightest mistake, it might seem like a much-needed escape.
But if a real escape hole appeared before us, would we, would anyone, actually choose to enter it?
INDEX
Exploring ‘Holes’: Kato Takuya’s Human Drama
Known for films like “We Are Adults” and “Unraveling,” playwright and director Takuya Kato, who won the 67th Kishida Kunio Drama Award for the stage play “Dodo Falls,” serves as both writer and director for the drama “Insignificant,” which embraces the lives of those who have had such experiences. This series marks Kato’s first time scripting and directing an entire drama series, blending theatrical and cinematic techniques into an experimental SF human drama. It aired from April 16 (Tuesday) to June 4 (Tuesday) on MBS/TBS networks and is currently globally available on Netflix under the title “Seven Orifices.”
Set in modern Japan suddenly confronted by an enormous unidentified hole, the story unfolds amidst nationwide panic surpassing that provoked by any man-made structure. Despite extensive investigations by experts, the hole’s identity remains a mystery. None who ventured bravely inside—whether driven by curiosity or on exploration missions—ever returned. Gradually, people grow accustomed to the hole’s presence, coexisting with it as a part of their lives. Though internet celebrities enter the hole for attention, their livestreams often abruptly cut off, leaving the hole’s truth shrouded in mystery. Amidst this, Takeshi Kitano’s character, Ozawa, emerges, claiming salvation lies within the hole, capturing widespread attention.
Initially, it may appear to resemble a conspiracy-laden SF drama with themes of emerging religious movements, but that’s not the essence of Kato’s narrative. Centered around Ozawa, a group of eight individuals has chosen to venture into the hole. They adhere to Ozawa’s teachings, announcing their planned entry dates one by one and sharing their motivations for entering, sequentially.
