Blue Boy Trial

Directed By Kashou Iizuka
Starring Ataru Nakamura, Ryo Nishikido

Tokyo, 1965. Concerned about lax public morals, the government introduces anti-prostitution laws, leaving sex workers facing harsh crackdowns. However, as the law only applies to women, it creates a loophole for trans sex workers (known as ‘blue boys’) who are legally male. Frustrated, the police instead make an example of the doctor who carried out their gender reassignment surgery, putting him on trial. Seeking to demonstrate that the surgery was proper medical practice, his lawyer decides to call trans women as witnesses.

Deeply moving and based on real-life events, this riveting courtroom drama showcases some exciting trans talent: director Kasho Iizuka, and actress Miyu Nakagawa, who gives a complex, dignified performance as the unassuming star witness.

This film is screening as part of Queer East Festival 2026.