18×2 Beyond Youthful Days has become one of the most talked-about romance films, especially on TikTok, thanks to its deeply moving storyline. This Taiwan–Japan collaboration blends nostalgia, unspoken love, and stunning visuals from both countries. Directed by Michihito Fujii and starring Greg Hsu and Kaya Kiyohara, the film has captivated audiences in cinemas and on streaming platforms.

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days Synopsis

The story follows Jimmy (Greg Hsu), a Taiwanese game developer who has just been fired from the very company he founded. While cleaning his room, he finds a postcard from Ami (Kaya Kiyohara), a Japanese friend he met 18 years ago. On his final business trip to Tokyo, Jimmy decides to embark on an aimless journey, visiting various cities across Japan.

This trip stirs up memories from 2006, when he worked part-time at a karaoke bar in Tainan and met Ami, a Japanese backpacker. They spent precious time together, sharing dreams and forming a deep emotional bond—yet they never became a couple. Now, Jimmy tries to find Ami, only to uncover a painful truth that has been hidden for years.

The film is adapted from Jimmy Lai’s travelogue, inspired by a true story. With its melancholic tone, breathtaking cinematography, and emotionally charged soundtrack, it leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

Release Date

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days premiered at Ambassador Theatres in Taipei on February 14, 2024, perfectly timed with Valentine’s Day. It was released in Taiwan on March 14, 2024, and in Japan on May 3, 2024.

Beyond its regular theatrical run, the film was also screened at several international film festivals, including the Hong Kong International Film Festival, the Far East Film Festival, and the New York Asian Film Festival. On August 2, 2024, it officially became available on Netflix, allowing global audiences to enjoy the story.

Cast

The film features a star-studded lineup of Taiwanese and Japanese actors, including:

• Greg Hsu as Jimmy, a former game developer traveling through Japan.

• Kaya Kiyohara as Ami, a Japanese backpacker who plays a pivotal role in Jimmy’s youth.

• Joseph Chang as Liu, an izakaya owner in Matsumoto.

• Shunsuke Michieda as Koji, a young backpacker Jimmy meets along the way.

• Haru Kuroki as Yukiko, an internet café staff member.

• Hitomi Kuroki as Yuko, Ami’s mother.

• Yutaka Matsushige as Nakazato, a resident of Tadami who helps Jimmy.

The supporting cast also includes Toyoharu Kitamura, Buffy Chen, Jane Liao, Lee Kuan-yi, and Figaro Tseng.

Viral on TikTok as an Unforgettable Romance

Since its Netflix release, clips from 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days have gone viral on TikTok. Many users share emotional moments between Jimmy and Ami, particularly the night sky scene with floating lanterns—a symbolic and heartfelt moment.

Hashtags like #18x2BeyondYouthfulDays and #青春18x2 are filled with film snippets, story breakdowns, and viewer reactions, with many admitting they cried after watching it. Some even describe the film as a “love letter to youth,” drawing comparisons to Japanese classics like Love Letter.

The film’s beautiful settings in Japan and Taiwan—such as Tadami Line, Shifen, and the city of Tainan—have also made it popular among photography and travel enthusiasts. Many viewers have been inspired to visit the shooting locations.

Where to Watch

For those eager to watch, 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days has been available on Netflix since August 2, 2024. Before that, it screened in theaters across Taiwan and Japan and appeared at several international film festivals.

If you plan to watch it on Netflix, be sure to keep tissues nearby—there are plenty of scenes that tug at the heartstrings. With a runtime of 124 minutes, it’s perfect for an uninterrupted emotional movie session.

18×2 Beyond Youthful Days is more than just a romance—it’s an emotional journey that blends themes of loss, memories, and dreams. For those who enjoy romantic dramas with stunning cinematography, this is a must-watch. No wonder its popularity on TikTok has helped it reach audiences far beyond Taiwan and Japan.

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