About A Place in the Kinki Region (2025): A Slow-Burn Japanese Mockumentary Horror with Occult Dread

Are you looking for a Japanese mockumentary horror movie with an occult theme and a chilling twist? About A Place in the Kinki Region might be exactly what you’re looking for.

(Official Poster)

Also known as: Kinki Chiho no Aru Basho ni Tsuite

Native Title: 近畿地方のある場所について

Director: Koji Shiraishi

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Duration: 1 hour and 43 minutes

Casts: Eiji Akaso, Miho Kanno, Atom Shukugawa, etc.

About A Place in the Kinki Region follows Yusei Ozawa (Eiji Akaso) and Chihiro Seno (Miho Kanno) as they investigate the mystery behind a missing magazine editor, Sayama (Atom Shukugawa), who specializes in occult magazines. Sayama disappears after working on a strange case, leaving behind only fragments of media related to his investigation. As Ozawa and Chihiro piece these clues together, they realize that everything seems to trace back to a specific place in the Kinki region, where bizarre and terrible events have occurred.

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This movie is adapted from a novel with the same title by Sesuji, which has been going viral in my country. I’ve seen sneak peeks of the book, and what makes it especially eye-catching is its use of mixed media—pictures, pamphlets, and other document-style elements that already look unsettling on their own. I haven’t read the book yet, so this review is purely based on my experience watching the movie.

From the moment I started watching About A Place in the Kinki Region, I was immediately hooked. This mockumentary-style horror movie makes it clear from the beginning that it leans more toward horror than pure mystery or thriller. Although I haven’t read the novel, I get the impression that the book also plays with visual and documentary-style elements to blur reality. I’ve seen many readers mention that they initially thought the book was only a mystery or thriller, not a horror or supernatural story—something the movie establishes very clearly.

Ozawa is Sayama’s coworker, while Chihiro is an editor at the same publishing company. Pressured to complete the unfinished case Sayama left behind, Ozawa asks Chihiro for help. Together, they begin investigating the materials Sayama collected.

(From left to right: Miho Kanno as Chihiro Seno, and Eiji Akaso as Yusei Ozawa)

We follow Ozawa and Chihiro as they examine the pieces of media one by one—from old articles and interviews to unsettling videotapes. All of these materials are creepy, disturbing, and deeply uncomfortable. It’s no surprise that the director, Koji Shiraishi, is known for this style; his signature approach to found footage and mockumentary horror works especially well here.

(Missing person poster from the pieces left by Sayama)

At first, the media seems confusing, consisting of cases involving missing people, mysterious deaths, mass hysteria incidents, urban legends, and paranormal recordings. Slowly, it becomes clear that all of these incidents are connected and originate from a single place in the Kinki region—hence the title. As a viewer, you can’t help but feel curious about what really happened to Sayama and what invisible red thread connects all these disturbing events.

(One of the unsettling videotapes from a missing streamer)

This Japanese horror movie leans into slow-burning dread rather than shock horror. The eerie atmosphere created by old tapes and grainy recordings allows uneasiness to creep in gradually, instead of relying on jump scares. The use of found footage makes the story feel more realistic, as if viewers are invited to investigate the case alongside the characters. Despite the fragmented format, the movie isn’t confusing—the truth is revealed little by little as the tension builds. One particular piece of footage stayed with me long after the movie ended, but I'm afraid if I'm explaining it further would spoil the experience. I also appreciated how the film subtly shows how folklore and urban legends grow in Japan, adding cultural depth to the horror.

(Ozawa and Chihiro investigate)

The acting and cinematography are solid. Ozawa and Chihiro have contrasting personalities, yet they work surprisingly well together as investigative partners. Their reactions to fear feel natural and believable. Visually, the use of found footage is one of the movie’s standout points, supported by grayish, bleak tones that enhance the creepy and oppressive atmosphere.

The pacing is just right—not too long and not too short. About A Place in the Kinki Region is unsettling enough to keep you on edge, though I personally think it could have gone further in terms of scare factor. The twist is also somewhat predictable. I anticipated it because, in many mystery stories, the most “unpredictable” character often turns out to be the culprit, and here the clues felt a bit too obvious. Still, this doesn’t ruin the experience. I’m giving this movie 4⭐️ because it has strong potential, even if it doesn’t fully maximize it. Be aware that there are several uncomfortable scenes.

Overall, if you dislike jump scares but enjoy creeping dread, About A Place in the Kinki Region is a great Japanese horror movie to watch. With its gripping occult mystery, mockumentary style, and steady pacing, it’s definitely worth checking out. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve watched the movie or read the book. Have a nice day!(^.^)