Sheep in the Box (Japanese: Hako no Naka no Hitsuji) is a Drama, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi movie directed and written by Hirokazu Koreeda. The film stars Haruka Ayase, Daigo Yamamoto, Rimu Kuwaki, Nana Seino, and Kanichirô. The emotional sci-fi drama explores love, grief, and artificial intelligence through the story of a family that welcomes a humanoid robot into their home after losing their young son. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of Sheep in the Box.
Set in the near future, architect Otone Komoto and her husband Kensuke Komoto, who owns a construction company, are struggling with the loss of their son. Hoping to heal their grief, they decide to bring home a humanoid robot designed to live as their child. As the family adjusts to this unusual new life, they begin to question what truly makes someone human.
The movie premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2026, and was released theatrically in Japan on May 29, 2026. It was later released in the United States on July 31, 2026.
The film was distributed by Toho in Japan, while Neon acquired the distribution rights for the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Toho’s Sheep in the Box Filmed?
| Film Name | Sheep in the Box |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Hako no Naka no Hitsuji |
| Genres | Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi |
| Filming Locations | Tokyo, Japan |
| Cinematography by | Ryûto Kondô |
| Release Date | May 29, 2026 (Japan) |
Sheep in the Box was filmed in Tokyo, Japan, which serves as the primary setting for the story. While the production team has not revealed the exact filming schedule, the movie was photographed on 35mm film by cinematographer Ryûto Kondô, marking his third collaboration with director Hirokazu Koreeda after Shoplifters and Monster. Tokyo’s modern neighborhoods and architecture perfectly matched the film’s futuristic yet emotional atmosphere.
📍Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo was the main filming location for Sheep in the Box. The city’s modern skyline, quiet residential streets, and contemporary buildings helped create the film’s near-future world. Since the story centers on a family living with a humanoid robot, Tokyo’s blend of advanced technology and everyday life made it a natural choice. Many of the family scenes, neighborhood moments, and emotional sequences were filmed around the city to give the movie a realistic and believable setting.
The production also made use of Tokyo’s modern architecture to support the story. Otone works as an architect, so stylish homes and carefully designed buildings appear throughout the film. These locations reinforce the movie’s themes of innovation, technology, and the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
Director Hirokazu Koreeda reunited with cinematographer Ryûto Kondô for their third collaboration, choosing to shoot the movie on 35mm film instead of digital. This approach gives the science fiction drama a warm, natural look despite its futuristic subject.
The movie had its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, where it competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or and received a three-minute standing ovation from the audience.
The cast and filmmakers also shared behind-the-scenes photos and promotional content on their official social media accounts during the film’s release.
For more information about additional filming locations, stay tuned to this post. We will update it as more official filming details become available.
Is There Any Trailer Available for Sheep in the Box?
Yes. The official trailer for Sheep in the Box was released on Gaga’s official YouTube channel. You can watch it here:
Sheep in the Box is set to be released on July 31, 2026, via Neon.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Sheep in the Box filmed?
A1: Sheep in the Box was filmed primarily in Tokyo, Japan. The city’s modern architecture and residential neighborhoods helped create the movie’s realistic vision of the near future.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Tokyo for Sheep in the Box?
A2: Many of the family scenes, home sequences, neighborhood moments, and architectural settings in Sheep in the Box were filmed in Tokyo, helping bring the emotional science fiction story to life.
Q3: When did filming for Sheep in the Box begin?
A3: The exact filming dates for Sheep in the Box have not been officially announced by the filmmakers.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Sheep in the Box?
A4: Yes. Since Sheep in the Box was filmed in Tokyo, Japan, many of the city’s public streets and neighborhoods can be visited. However, the exact filming spots have not been officially disclosed.
Sheep in the Box uses the modern city of Tokyo, Japan, to tell an emotional story about family, grief, and artificial intelligence. Director Hirokazu Koreeda combines heartfelt storytelling with beautiful cinematography, making the city an important part of the film’s atmosphere. If more filming locations are officially revealed in the future, this guide will be updated with the latest information.
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