Rental Family is an upcoming comedy-drama movie directed and co-written by Hikari. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman and Akira Emoto. It looks at themes of identity, human connection and the strange bonds people make, even when they are rent. This touching story has already gotten a lot of attention before its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.
If you’re curious about where Rental Family was filmed, this article from NetFilming breaks down the locations that bring this unique story to life.
Where Was Rental Family Filmed?
The movie was shot entirely in Japan, which was the perfect place for the story to take place. Japan’s captivating mix of old customs and lively modern cityscapes makes a wonderful and real setting for the story.
The filmmakers haven’t officially said where all the filming took place, but it’s likely that big cities like Tokyo or Osaka are important. The movie probably also shows quieter neighbourhoods, with cosy apartments, narrow streets, local parks and small cafes. These places make the story more realistic and emotional.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, is known for its mix of skyscrapers, old temples, and lively neighbourhoods.
Tokyo is a great place for the movie because it has a real-life “rental family” service that inspired the plot. Filming here helps show the real culture and feel of the place, which are what make the story so special.
Fun fact: Tokyo is a popular place for many international films to be shot, such as the Hollywood movie Lost in Translation (2003) and the anime-based movie Your Name (2016).
Osaka
Osaka is known for its lively street food scene and friendly atmosphere. It often shows up in films that show what life is like in Japan every day.
Trivia: Osaka was a big part of the movie Osaka Story (1999) and was also the setting for the drama Midnight Diner (2014).
When Did the Filming of Rental Family Take Place?
Filming for Rental Family started on March 12, 2024, and wrapped up by late May 2024. The entire production was completed within roughly two and a half months, entirely on Japanese soil.
Production Timeline | Details |
---|---|
Filming Start Date | March 12, 2024 |
Filming End Date | Late May 2024 |
Locations | Tokyo, Osaka (likely), other Japanese neighborhoods |
Post-Production | June 2024 – August 2025 |
World Premiere | September 2025 (Toronto International Film Festival) |
Theatrical Release | November 21, 2025 (USA) |
Rental Family Behind The Scenes
Making Rental Family was an immersive experience that brought the cast and crew closer to the film’s unique themes. Director Hikari stressed how important it was to be real during filming. “We wanted to capture the delicate balance between performance and real human connection that these rental families experience every day.”
The team was able to explore real neighbourhoods and local spots while filming exclusively in Japan, which added depth to the story’s cultural details.
According to People, Brendan Fraser, who plays the main character, said that being in the middle of Tokyo and Osaka helped him understand the character’s journey better: “Someone trying to find meaning in a world that feels both familiar and foreign.”
The actors often talked to people in the area to get a better sense of the emotional subtleties they needed for their parts.
The production design paid close attention to small things, like real-life settings and everyday objects, to make the movie feel real. The film’s short shooting schedule of about two and a half months forced the team to work quickly while still putting quality first.
Rental Family Official Trailer
Rental Family is a movie to watch closely in 2025. It promises to be a rich visual and emotional experience because of the thoughtful places it was filmed. For updates on the latest films and their filming spots, keep following NetFilming.
FAQs
1. Where was Rental Family filmed?
The movie was filmed entirely in Japan, probably in cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well as quieter areas.
2. Who directs Rental Family?
Hikari, who is known for her previous successful work, directed and co-wrote the movie.
3. When did filming for Rental Family take place?
Filming began in March 2024 and wrapped up by late May 2024.
4. Why was Japan chosen as the filming location?
Japan’s real rental family services inspired the story and filming there added cultural authenticity.
5. When and where will Rental Family premiere?
The world premiere will be at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, with a U.S. theatrical release on November 21, 2025.
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