Theatrical Film (2024) starring Satomi Kobayashi as Moeko Wakakusa, directed by Naoko Ogigami, 6.1/10 IMDb — Mixed reception.
Maru (まる) is the theatrical film Satomi Kobayashi appeared in during 2024,
directed by Naoko Ogigami, and a marker of her most recent late-career chapter — year 42 of her on-screen career.
Maru in the Filmography
Maru is
credit #53 of 56 in the chronological filmography, released 42 years after Satomi Kobayashi’s 1982 debut and 1 years before her most recent 2025 credit. It is the only theatrical film she released in 2024.
| Chronological position | credit #53 of 56 |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Film rank | #23 of 23 in this format |
| 2020s position | #6 of 9 in the 2020s |
| Age at release | 59 years (born 1965) |
| 2024 output | 3 credits (this title plus 2 other) |
| Drama genre peer set | 37 credits share this genre tag |
| Previous credit | Danchi no Futari (2024) — 0 years earlier |
| Following credit | Hôtei no Doragon (2025) — 1 year later |
| IMDb identifier | tt33669276 |
The Role — Moeko Wakakusa
The Character
Moeko Wakakusa
In Maru, Kobayashi inhabits Moeko Wakakusa — a role calibrated to her most recent late-career chapter. The performance carries the restraint and observational stillness that has come to define her later filmography.
Original Japanese Titling
| Japanese title | まる |
|---|---|
| English release title | Maru |
Genre Footprint
The film is catalogued under Drama on IMDb — placing it among mixed reception entries in Kobayashi’s filmography.
The Production
Format & Vital Statistics
| Format | Theatrical Film |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 · 2020s |
| Runtime | 1h 57m |
| IMDb rating | 6.1 / 10 |
| Votes | 71 |
Director: Naoko Ogigami
Naoko Ogigami directs Kobayashi here — one of 3 documented collaborations between the actress and this filmmaker.
- Glasses (2007)
- Kamome Diner (2006)
In the Career Arc
Position in a 44-Year Career
Released in 2024, this theatrical film sits in her most recent late-career chapter, year 42 after Kobayashi’s 1982 debut in I Are You, You Am Me.
Critical Position vs Career Median
The 6.1/10 IMDb score (from 71 votes) lands
-0.7 below
her career median of 6.8. Reception band: Mixed reception.
Other Kobayashi Releases in 2024
- Haru ni Nattara — TV Series
- Danchi no Futari — TV Series
Full Catalogue Record
Production & Billing
| Country of origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Cast billing position | #6 (supporting) |
| Credited as | actress |
Regional Release Titles (3)
| Region | Title | Language | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Maru | imdbDisplay | |
| JP | まる | JA | imdbDisplay |
| TW | 圓圈 | imdbDisplay |
External References
-
IMDb
tt33669276 -
Wikidata
Q128867507 -
Director
Q1582781
About Maru
What role does Satomi Kobayashi play in Maru?
Satomi Kobayashi plays Moeko Wakakusa in Maru (2024), a theatrical film directed by Naoko Ogigami.
How is Maru rated on IMDb?
Maru holds an IMDb score of 6.1/10 from 71 votes — -0.7 below Satomi Kobayashi's career median of 6.8.
What is the original Japanese title of Maru?
The original Japanese title is まる, released in 2024.
How long is Maru?
Maru runs 1h 57m.
