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{{Infobox film
| name = 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days
| image = 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days Poster.jpeg
| caption = Theatrical poster
| alt =
| native_name =
| director = Michihito Fujii
| producer = [[Chang Chen]]
| writer = Michihito Fujii<br>Hirokawa Hayashida
| screenplay =
| story =
| based_on =
| starring = [[Greg Hsu]]<br>[[Kaya Kiyohara]]
| music = Takashi Ohmama
| cinematography = Keisuke Imamura
| editing = Tatsuma Furukawa
| studio = Jump! Boys<br>Babel Label
| distributor = Happinet Phantom Studios (Japan)<br>Activator Co.(Taiwan)
| released = {{Film date|2024|2|14|Ambassador Theatre|2024|3|14|Taiwan|2024|5|3|Japan}}
| runtime = 124 minutes
| country = [[Taiwan]]<br>[[Japan]]
| language = Mandarin<br>Japanese
| budget =
| gross =
}}
'''''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days''''' ({{zh|t=青春18×2 通往有你的旅程|link=no}}) is a 2024 Taiwanese-Japanese [[romance film]] directed by Michihito Fujii and produced by [[Chang Chen]]. Starring [[Greg Hsu]] and [[Kaya Kiyohara]], alongside an [[ensemble cast]] including [[Joseph Chang]], [[Shunsuke Michieda]], [[Haru Kuroki]], [[Hitomi Kuroki]], and [[Yutaka Matsushige]], the film follows a recently-fired Taiwanese video game developer (Hsu) on a solo trip to Japan, reminiscing about a past romantic entanglement with a Japanese backpacker (Kiyohara) that never blossomed into a relationship.
Adapted from a travelogue published on the internet by Taiwanese video game developer Jimmy Lai in 2014, the film was stuck in development hell before Japanese filmmaker Michihito Fujii joined the project in 2019, turning it into a collaborative film between Taiwan and Japan. Fujii spent four years penning the screenplay, while lead actors Hsu and Kiyohara were announced to be part of the production in March 2023. Principal photography commenced in Japan in the same month and continued in Taiwan in April. Following the completion of filming in May 2023, the film underwent six months of post-production.
The film held its world premiere at the Ambassador Theatre in [[Taipei]], on February 14, 2024, followed by a theatrical release on March 14 and May 3, in Taiwan and Japan, respectively.
== Synopsis ==
Jimmy, the founder of a video game development studio, was fired from his own company during a board meeting. Devastated, he returned to his hometown of [[Tainan]]. While tidying his room, he stumbled upon a postcard he had received 18 years ago from his dear Japanese friend, Ami. He then received a phone call from the studio co-founder, Aaron, who invited him on the final business trip to [[Tokyo]]. After the business meeting, Aaron asked Jimmy about his future plans, to which Jimmy answered that he planned to embark on a trip without a destination.
Jimmy's thoughts drifted back 18 years to when he worked at the struggling Karaoke Kobe in Tainan during the summer before university. He met Ami, a Japanese backpacker looking for a place to work to save up money for an upcoming journey. Assigned to show her around, Jimmy and Ami had a chat, and Jimmy became romantically interested in Ami. The arrival of a foreign lady in the secluded town soon attracted numerous customers to the karaoke. During the welcoming meal, Ami was asked about her trip. She explained that she planned to go on a trip without a destination and showed her sketchbook of drawings recording her previous footsteps in Taiwan. Impressed, Jimmy suggested she decorate a wall at the karaoke. After the meal, Ami expressed her interest in motorcycles, and Jimmy took her to an observation deck with a stunning view of Tainan. They bonded and discussed their dreams. Jimmy confessed his uncertainty, and Ami encouraged him to search for a dream.
In the present, Jimmy arrived in [[Matsumoto, Nagano|Matsumoto]] and encountered Liu, a Taiwanese [[izakaya]] owner who suggested that he visit Ami's hometown, Tadami. On his journey, he met a young backpacker named Koji on the [[Iiyama Line]], who recommended they stop at the snowing [[Nagaoka, Niigata|Nagaoka]], where Jimmy was captivated by the scenery, reminiscent of the film ''[[Love Letter (1995 film)|Love Letter]]''. Jimmy recalled that his co-workers had asked Ami to describe her ideal boyfriend, but her description contradicted Jimmy's characteristics. However, a co-worker encouraged him to pursue her anyway and gave him tickets to a romance film, ''Love Letter''. During the movie, Ami cried miserably and found an excuse to leave the scene, leaving Jimmy confused.
Back in the present, Jimmy met and befriended Yukiko, a staff member at a [[internet café]] who was playing the game he developed. Yukiko offered to drive him to the [[sky lantern]] festival. Jimmy then recalled Ami's sudden departure, where she announced one day that she was going back to Japan. Jimmy was furious with Ami and refused to talk to her, even when she finished the wall art. Jimmy's father, sensing his son's distress, encouraged him not to have regrets. Therefore, Jimmy asked Ami out once again and brought her to the sky lantern festival. They made a promise to meet each other again after they had the opportunity to pursue and fulfill their dreams.
Upon arriving in [[Tadami, Fukushima|Tadami]], Jimmy met Ami's mother, Yuko, who revealed Ami's passing. Yuko gave Jimmy Ami's sketchbook, which contained drawings of Taiwan. Through the drawings, it was revealed that Ami had been suffering from [[cardiomyopathy]] and wished to travel around the world during the last days of her life. However, after meeting and falling in love with Jimmy in Taiwan, her desire to continue living was ignited, and she decided to seek alternative treatments in Japan. Therefore, she abruptly left Japan before her condition deteriorated and refused Jimmy's requests to see her in later years while she was hospitalized. Overwhelmed, Jimmy wept as he reached the last page of the sketchbook—a picture of them releasing sky lanterns, symbolizing their promise.
On his journey back, Jimmy wrote the first and last letter to Ami, sharing his life since their separation. He revealed that he became aware of Ami's death after finishing his first game and attempting to contact her. Subsequently, he spiraled into emotional numbness and lost all sense of purpose, which led to his alienation and eventual expulsion from the company. Finally, he expressed his gratitude for Ami's presence in his youthful days and promised to go on a trip without a destination in her honor.
== Cast ==
* [[Greg Hsu]] as Jimmy: a successful video-game developer who had a devastating falling out with his business partners, which prompted him to embark on a soul-searching journey in Japan.<ref name="SCMPReview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/ente...a-kiyohara-play-young-lovers-conventional-yet |title=18×2 Beyond Youthful Days movie review: Greg Hsu, Kaya Kiyohara play young lovers in conventional yet effective romance |date=April 2, 2024 |publisher=[[South China Morning Post]] |last=Marsh |first=James |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...a-kiyohara-play-young-lovers-conventional-yet |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Kaya Kiyohara]] as Ami: a Japanese backpacker who was romantically involved with Jimmy when they worked together at a karaoke bar in Tainan 18 years ago.<ref name="SCMPReview" />
* [[Joseph Chang]] as Liu: a Taiwanese izakaya owner Jimmy encounters in Matsumoto.<ref name="UDNCast">{{Cite web |url=https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7741976 |title=台、日跨國卡司超豪華！許光漢新片《青春18x2》10位大咖明星盤點，黑木瞳、松重豐、張孝全…都來了！ |date=February 9, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401132932/https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7741976 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Shunsuke Michieda]] as Koji: a Japanese young backpacker Jimmy befriends in Nagaoka.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Haru Kuroki]] as Yukiko: an internet café staff member Jimmy acquainted during his stay.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Hitomi Kuroki]] as Yuko: the mother of Ami who resides in Tadami.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Yutaka Matsushige]] as Nakazato: a resident at Tadami who drives Jimmy to Yuko.<ref name="UDNCast" />
Additionally, Toyoharu Kitamura appears as Shimada, the Japanese boss of Karaoke Kobe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/臺日合作的愛情電影-青春18-2-通往有你的旅程-的誕生-002004434.html |title=臺日合作的愛情電影《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》的誕生 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=nippon.com |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |author=稻垣貴俊 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...m/臺日合作的愛情電影-青春18-2-通往有你的旅程-的誕生-002004434.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Co-workers of Jimmy at Karaoke Kobe include [[Buffy Chen]] as Hsiao-ting,<ref name="UDNCast" /> Jane Liao as Shu-yi,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2432201 |title=專訪／廖慧珍親揭許光漢私下真實樣貌 互動曝光：他主動靠在我身上 |date=March 22, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=廖福生 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410203410/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2432201 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Lee Kuan-yi as Wei.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://taiwanpost.net/2024/local/38870 |title=《青春18×2 》首映會 許光漢日語表白清原果耶 攜手放天燈重現浪漫情節 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=The Commons Daily |author=克拉大 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423142335/https://taiwanpost.net/2024/local/38870 |url-status=live }}</ref> Chu Chung Heng and Maggie Lu appear as the parents of Jimmy;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://taiwanpost.net/2024/life/35760 |title=台、日演員夢幻聯動，重榜合作《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 |date=January 26, 2024 |publisher=The Commons Daily |author=克拉大 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423142334/https://taiwanpost.net/2024/life/35760 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Figaro Tseng]] appears as Aaron, the university classmate and co-founder of Jimmy's video game development studio.<ref name="UDNCast" />
== Production ==
=== Development ===
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' is adapted from and based on real-life events recorded in a travelogue titled ''Wandering Journey on Slow Train in Japan'', written by Jimmy Lai under the pseudonym "Blue Fox", a Taiwanese video game developer who embarked on a vacation journey across Japan using the [[Seishun 18 Ticket]], aiming to reminisce about his romantic past with a Japanese backpacker.<ref name="Mirror20242">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight005 |title=【台日浪漫戀情2】真人故事改編原味不變 《青春18x2》忠實保留這些元素 |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411000702/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight005 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewslens.com/article/200351 |title=【影評】《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》：許光漢演出有兩種層次，導演藤井道人成功融合台日獨特氣味 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[The News Lens]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415034057/https://www.thenewslens.com/article/200351 |url-status=live }}</ref> After publishing the travelogue on the Taiwanese blog Backpackers and went viral in 2014, Lai was approached by film production studios interested in purchasing the adaptation rights.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment">{{Cite web |url=https://bluefoxwriting.com/【十年】關於青春18x2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說/ |title=【十年】關於青春18X2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說以及遊戲 |date=January 3, 2024 |publisher=Blue Fox Writing |last=Lai |first=Jimmy |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301190435/https://bluefoxwriting.com/【十年】關於青春18x2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Eventually, producer Roger Huang acquired the rights and began searching for film directors and screenwriters to join the project.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Actor [[Chang Chen]] and director-producer Lin Yu-Hsien became attached to the project in the early stages,<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /> with Chang making his debut as a producer at the invitation of his friend Huang, and he described the experience as a "learning opportunity".<ref name="MarieClaireInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/75357 |title=張震監製《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢手牽清原果耶，獻上橫跨台日18年純愛初戀，大喊：很想見她 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008150944/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/75357 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Lai became dissatisfied with the numerous screenplay drafts, feeling that the filmmakers and production companies were excessively expanding the story length and introducing new elements that deviated from the essence of his travelogue.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /><ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> As script after script was rejected and with Lai's subsequent relocation to the United States, the project was stuck in [[development hell]] for four years.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /><ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> In 2019, during the [[Kaohsiung Film Festival]], Huang met Japanese director Michihito Fujii, who expressed interest in participating in Taiwanese film productions.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Huang invited Fujii to helm the project, and Fujii accepted the role of director and screenwriter shortly after reading the travelogue.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> After Fujii joined the project, Huang rebranded the film from a domestic production with overseas location shoots into a collaborative film between Taiwan and Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /><ref name="MarieClaireApril2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77239 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢手牽清原果耶平溪放天燈，洋溢情竇初開的戀愛小白 |date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217074225/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77239 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fujii initiated negotiations with Japanese production companies and sponsors,<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> including [[CyberAgent]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/news/detail/id=29414 |title=BABEL LABEL監督・脚本 藤井道人“日台合作”初の国際プロジェクト始動、『青春 18×2 君へと続く道』の映画化決定！ |date=October 7, 2023 |publisher=[[CyberAgent]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424190606/https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/news/detail/id=29414 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://screenonline.jp/_ct/17659979 |title=『青春18×2 君へと続く道』2024年5月に公開決定！グレッグ・ハン＆清原果耶らのコメントも到着！ |date=April 25, 2024 |publisher=Screen Online |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref> and [[East Japan Railway Company]], which also permitted the crew to film on the railways with loaned train carriages.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" />
=== Pre-production ===
After attaching to the project in 2019, Michihito Fujii spent four years penning the screenplay.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> He retained several background settings from Jimmy Lai's travelogue, including Lai's occupation as a video game developer and the names of the two main characters, Jimmy and Ami.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /><ref name="TVBS2024">{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2462615 |title=許光漢《青春18x2》Jimmy原型是他！接改編邀約以為詐騙 讚他演得好 |date=April 21, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=徐筠庭 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422130605/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2462615 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he made numerous amendments, such as changing the story's background from [[Chiayi]] to Tainan, the hometown of Fujii's Taiwanese grandfather, as he found an older city more fitting for the film's tone.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ctwant.com/article/324160 |title=電影頻道2／導演藤井道人圓夢來台拍《青春18x2》 關鍵雪景這樣拍 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=Funscreen Weekly |author=粘湘婉 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407185311/https://www.ctwant.com/article/324160 |url-status=live }}</ref> The time period was adjusted from 1996 to 2006, aligning it with Fujii's adolescence and allowing for a better grasp of the social atmosphere.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Fujii also added backstories for Jimmy, detailing his venture into starting his own video game company, and explored the reasons why Ami traveled to Taiwan and her talent for drawing, which further enhanced their character arcs.<ref name="Mirror20242" /> Brian Lee, a real-life friend of Jimmy Lai and a video game developer for SIGONO, also influenced the portrayal of Jimmy's entrepreneurial failure.<ref name="ChinaTimesSIGONO">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240321002686-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢新作「遊戲公司」原型 竟是台灣之光 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=翁紫曦 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042....com/realtimenews/20240321002686-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Opus: Rocket of Whispers]]'' and ''[[Opus: Echo of Starsong]]'', two video games developed by Lee, were featured in the film.<ref name="TVBS2024" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2431904 |title=曾獲最高榮譽！《青春18x2》許光漢角色原型曝光 片中遊戲出自台灣團隊 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=羅子欣 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415023512/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2431904 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The film's production was officially announced under the [[working title]] ''Youth'' (Chinese: 青春) in March 2023, with [[Far EasTone]] as a major sponsor and starring [[Greg Hsu]], [[Kaya Kiyohara]], [[Hitomi Kuroki]], and [[Chang Chen]] in lead roles.<ref name="ChinaTimes2023">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |title=獨／許光漢新片卡司超狂！進軍日本影壇「合作黑木瞳跟張震」 |date=March 7, 2023 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=孫伊萱 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023030....com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> Chang later dropped out of the acting role to focus on his duties as producer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20240315000637-260112?chdtv |title=張震自嘲演學生 回春特效太燒錢 |date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh}}</ref> The casting choices were all proposed by Fujii, and Chang Chen provided advice but did not have a direct role in the casting process.<ref name="ElleInterview" /> Greg Hsu was recommended to Fujii by his friends due to his ability to portray both the 18-year-old and 36-year-old versions of the character, which Fujii described as having "a sense of both youthful and mature".<ref name="MarieClaireApril2024" /> Hsu accepted the role after reading the script and was drawn to the film's robust production crew.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> Kaya Kiyohara, who had previously worked with Fujii on his 2019 film ''Day and Night'' and 2020 film ''The Brightest Roof in the Universe'', readily accepted the role as she was fond of the story and interested in joining an international project.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> Hitomi Kuroki was invited by Chang Chen to make a cameo appearance, following their collaboration as award presenters at the [[59th Golden Horse Awards]], where Chang revealed to her that he was involved in a project with Michihito Fujii, and Kuroki gladly accepted the offer.<ref name="ElleInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/tw/entertainme...nterview-with-michihito-fujii-and-chang-chen/ |title=專訪｜監製張震＆導演藤井道人《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》，讓更多人看見許光漢與「台灣的人情味」 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |last=Cheng |first=Sylvia |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...nterview-with-michihito-fujii-and-chang-chen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.now.com/home/entertainment/player?newsId=510031 |title=傳許光漢赴日拍新片 與張震黑木瞳對戲 |date=March 9, 2023 |publisher=[[Now TV (Hong Kong)|Now TV]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh}}</ref> The production crew consisted of an equal mix of Taiwanese and Japanese members, and Fujii prioritized the employment of crew members who were around 36 years old to better understand Jimmy's character traits in the film.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Hsu was sent to Japan on the film's budget a week prior to filming to learn Japanese.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240313004182-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢異國戀OK心意相通就行 一舉動讓藤井道人印象深刻 |date=March 13, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=李承陽 |author2=陳俊吉 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031....com/realtimenews/20240313004182-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] began in Japan in March 2023.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/tw/entertainment/movies/g45505342/182818/ |title=許光漢＆清原果耶主演純愛日片《青春18×2》8看點！台灣男孩相隔18年、赴日尋找「初戀記憶」 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |last=Hsieh |first=Allie |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023101...com/tw/entertainment/movies/g45505342/182818/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Michihito Fujii chose to film in Japan during March as Japan is undergoing seasonal change in that month, the crew was able to capture both snowfall at the beginning of the month and cherry blossoms at the end.<ref name="MirrorMedia2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight006 |title=【台日浪漫戀情3】跟著許光漢看盡一年四季 從日本雪國、櫻花到南台灣盛夏 |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405132201/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Taiwanese cinematographer Chan Chih-teng was initially attached to the project but had to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict with his wife giving birth.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Keisuke Imamura, a frequent collaborator of Fujii, stepped in as the substitute cinematographer.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Keisuke intentionally included a snowfall scene shot in Japan as a tribute to the 1995 romance film ''[[Love Letter (1995 film)|Love Letter]]''.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> He also established a fixed colour temperature and selected lenses with Fujii prior to filming, aiming to create a contrast between the warm orange tones of Taiwan and the cold blue tones of Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643 |title=從臺灣到日本，尋找共通的電影語言──專訪《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》製片黃江豐、導演藤井道人 |date=March 23, 2024 |publisher=Funscreen Weekly |author=韋晢 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325132535/https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2714136 |title=《青春18x2》搭許光漢愛上台灣！ 清原果耶繁中問候強震「希望平安」 |date=April 5, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411090055/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2714136 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming took place in [[Tokyo]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture]], [[Nagano Prefecture]], [[Niigata Prefecture]], and [[Fukushima Prefecture]], all of which are located on the [[Japan Railways Group|JR]] [[Iiyama Line]] or [[Tadami Line]].<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/tw/life/trips/g60196159/18-2-beyond-youthful-days/ |title=跟著許光漢到日本打卡！開箱《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》8大電影拍攝取景地 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |last=Hsiao |first=Kelly |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031...fe/trips/g60196159/18-2-beyond-youthful-days/ |url-status=live }}</ref> East Japan Railway Company provided assistance for the crew in [[set construction]] while filming in train carriages.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Several scenes were cinematographed at [[Mori-Miyanohara Station]], [[Nagaoka Station]], and [[Tadami Station]],<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" /> as well as the railway crossing near [[Kamakurakōkōmae Station]], a popular tourist spot due to its feature in the manga ''[[Slam Dunk (manga)|Slam Dunk]]'', which Hsu himself is a fan of.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240308004238-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢親揭「約會調皮撩妹祕技」 合作黑木瞳私下互動超可愛 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=孫伊萱 |author2=粘耿豪 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024030....com/realtimenews/20240308004238-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 25, scenes of Hsu and Haru Kuroki's character releasing sky lanterns were shot at ski resort New Greenpia Tsunan in [[Tsunan]], Niigata.<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2062279 |title=許光漢進軍日本影壇！將合作張震、大咖影星 豪華陣容曝光 |date=March 8, 2023 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=何可妍 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420163719/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2062279 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other filming locations included Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and [[Sumida Park]] in Tokyo, [[Matsumoto Castle]] in Nagano, and [[Yuigahama]] in Kanagawa.<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" />
After completing the scenes in Japan, the crew moved to Taiwan and commenced filming in April.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" /> The majority of the filming was completed in [[Tainan]], with occasional shoots in [[Yunlin County]], [[Kaohsiung]], and [[New Taipei City]].<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/78262 |title=揭秘許光漢、清原果耶《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》台灣北到南13大拍攝景點攻略 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321125216/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/78262 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com.tw/article/青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-拍攝地 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》台灣取景地點大公開！追隨亞洲男神許光漢足跡，探索在地之美 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue Taiwan]] |last=Yu |first=Chara |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319051850/https://www.vogue.com.tw/article/青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-拍攝地 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Tainan, the filming locations included [[Fort Provintia]], Shuei Sian Temple Market, Tiantan Tiangong Temple, Hsinchu East Gate, and Sihcao Boulevard, which served as the dating spots for Hsu and Kiyohara's characters in the film.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" /><ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/tw/li...eyond-youthful-days-taiwan-fliming-locations/ |title=許光漢台灣約會私房景點大公開！細數與清原果耶在《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》中的浪漫足跡 |date=March 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |last=Hsiao |first=Kelly |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...eyond-youthful-days-taiwan-fliming-locations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hsu and Kiyohara spent nine hours filming on a motorcycle, shuttling between these locations.<ref name="WantWeeklyJanuary2024">{{cite news |url=https://www.ctwant.com/article/315346 |title=許光漢騎車載清原果耶浪漫約會 日夜曝曬9小時吃苦頭 |date=January 31, 2024 |publisher=Want Weekly |author=粘湘婉 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024013...nt.com/article/315346|archive-date=2024-01-31}}</ref> Filming then continued at Chuan Mei Theatre, the only Taiwanese theater adorned with hand-painted movie posters, on April 12.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2478651 |title=獨／台南「打卡聖地」驚見野生許光漢！ 一旁還有日本超人氣女星 |date=April 13, 2023 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514050454/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2478651 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also featured Wusheng Night Market,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240206003234-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢新片取景台南武聖夜市引騷動 清原果耶狂讚台便當 |date=February 6, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024020....com/realtimenews/20240206003234-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> where the crew invited local hawkers to participate in the shoot.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4574517 |title=許光漢拍片吸路人圍觀 超人氣讓藤井導演都讚嘆 |date=February 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208042835/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4574517 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other filming locations in Tainan included [[Bao'an railway station]] and [[Port of Anping|Yuguang Island]],<ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation" /> as well as the campus of [[Tainan University of Technology]], which Hsu's character attended.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" />
Hsu took a brief hiatus to attend the [[59th Baeksang Arts Awards]] which was held on April 28 in South Korea, before returning to film the scenes depicting Hsu and Kiyohara releasing sky lanterns at [[Shifen railway station]] in [[Pingxi District]], New Taipei City, on April 29.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.setn.com/news/1288892 |title=許光漢老街約會日本女星！「十指緊扣」全被拍 重現《那些年》經典場景 |date=May 3, 2023 |publisher=[[SET News]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424160751/https://star.setn.com/news/1288892 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2112667 |title=許光漢老街煲愛！十指緊扣、浪漫互動遭拍 對象竟是日本女星 |date=May 3, 2023 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=陳昫蓁 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503145328/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2112667 |url-status=live }}</ref> The shooting schedule at Shifen was disrupted by weather conditions, resulting in a delay from nightfall to the following morning.<ref name="ChinaTimes2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240308004443-260404?ctrack=pc_main_rtime_p01&chdtv |title=許光漢自曝私下最像這角色 放天燈也遇蕭怪風「天亮才成功」 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=孫伊萱 |author2=粘耿豪 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024030....com/realtimenews/20240308004443-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> The scenes set at Karaoke Kobe, a recurring location in the film where Hsu and Kiyohara's characters worked, were filmed at a spa centre in [[Huwei, Yunlin]].<ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation" /> The entire centre underwent renovation to recreate a nostalgic ambience.<ref name="MarieClaireMusic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77875 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢、清原果耶愛情指數飆升，催淚場面哭到鼻涕都有戲 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303143425/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77875 |url-status=live }}</ref> The exterior wall painting of the Karaoke was decorated by Fujii's sister and picture book illustrator Rumi Yoshida.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight009 |title=【台日浪漫戀情番外篇】繪本作家獻藝《青春18x2》 導演：姊姊畫作最對味 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407074936/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hsu mentioned that the scenes revolving around the Karaoke were grouped together and filmed intensively, describing those shoots as having "boss-fighting level of difficulty".<ref name="ChinaTimes2024" /> Additionally, Fujii personally selected the observation deck of Mount Dagan in Kaohsiung as a recurring backdrop for the film due to its captivating night view.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77430 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢、清原果耶台南騎機車談戀愛！用日文與黑木瞳、黑木華、松重豐對戲壓力大 |date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416044453/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77430 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming ultimately concluded in late May.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" />
=== Post-production ===
Post-production spanned across six months,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |title=獨／許光漢新片卡司超狂！進軍日本影壇「合作黑木瞳跟張震」 |date=March 7, 2023 |publisher=[[China Times]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023030....com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> and was carried out separately in Taiwan and Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> The respective crews in each country handled the scenes shot within their jurisdiction.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> As the film was set in two separate timelines, Fujii personally drew storyboards for [[continuity editing]] to connect the junctions between scene changes. He also made an effort to group scenes from the same timeline together, minimizing the need for transitions.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> However, he allowed the two crews to employ different styles and pacing during the editing process to better convey the cultural differences between the two countries.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> The film was officially announced to be released in Japan on October 27, 2023, with a projected theatrical release date of May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/tw/entertainment/drama/g45660603/seishun182-movie/ |title=許光漢主演、張震監製的日本電影《青春18x2》：與清原果耶寫下「台灣男孩＆日本女孩」錯過18年的愛戀 |date=October 27, 2023 |publisher=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |last=Cheng |first=Sylvia |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...tertainment/drama/g45660603/seishun182-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Taiwan, the film's title was changed to ''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' during the official announcement on October 30, with an expected theatrical release date of March 14, 2024, coinciding with [[White Day]].<ref name="MintTaiwanRD">{{Cite web |url=https://mintnews.tw/Entertainment/Movie/content-37286.html |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》 許光漢+清原果耶談日式純愛，深情告白「很想見她」！白色情人節浪漫上映 |date=October 30, 2023 |publisher=Mint News |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023103...ews.tw/Entertainment/Movie/content-37286.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Music ===
The film is scored by Japanese composer Takashi Ohmama, featuring 32 original soundtracks.<ref name="HK01Review" /> The film's theme song, "Traveller of Memories", is performed by the Japanese band [[Mr. Children]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/570536 |title=Mr.Childrenの書き下ろし主題歌流れる、映画「青春18×2 君へと続く道」スペシャル映像公開 |date=April 23, 2024 |publisher=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423013925/https://natalie.mu/music/news/570536 |url-status=live }}</ref> Production of the theme song began during the scriptwriting stage.<ref name="ETToday2024">{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2686520 |title=許光漢催淚場面「哭到鼻涕都有戲」 天團Mr.Children開金嗓一聽就哭 |date=February 21, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221123554/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2686520 |url-status=live }}</ref> Michihito Fujii is a long-time fan of the band who started listening to their songs in his teenage years and personally invited them to contribute to the film, which he considers a milestone in his career.<ref name="ETToday2024" /> [[Kazutoshi Sakurai]], the lead vocalist of Mr. Children, described their collaboration as an effort to "eliminate all impurities and present the music in its purest form", aligning with the film's theme and emotions.<ref name="MarieClaireMusic" /> Additionally, the film features the Taiwanese band [[Mayday (Taiwanese band)|Mayday]]'s song "Peter and Mary",<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/娛樂/article/20240407/s00016/1712419406867/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |title=【開箱】《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 初戀難忘 初次心疼 |date=April 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Ming Pao]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041.../1712419406867/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |url-status=live }}</ref> recommended by Fujii's Taiwanese assistant, who likened Mayday to the Taiwanese counterpart of Mr. Children.<ref name="ElleInterview" /> The film's score is scheduled to be released as a soundtrack album on May 1, 2024, in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/608298/products/1506786/1/ |title=映画「青春18×2 君へと続く道」オリジナル・サウンドトラック |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151944/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/608298/products/1506786/1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Marketing ==
The Japanese version teaser of the film was released on October 7, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4451572 |title=男神許光漢共演日本透明系女神！台日合拍《青春18x2》首曝預告 |date=October 7, 2023 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223034732/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4451572 |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by the Taiwanese version on October 30, alongside the official promotional poster.<ref name="MintTaiwanRD" /> Both Taiwanese and Japanese versions of the official trailer were released on January 25, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gq.com.tw/article/許光漢-青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-黑木瞳 |title=許光漢主演《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》預告曝光：與黑木瞳、松重豐、張孝全同場飆戲日文超流利！ |date=January 25, 2024 |publisher=[[GQ|GQ Taiwan]] |last=Chen |first=Nancy |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125144017/https://www.gq.com.tw/article/許光漢-青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-黑木瞳 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Taiwanese version of the official trailer was edited by filmmaker [[John Hsu (filmmaker)|John Hsu]], who shared a similar background with the protagonist Jimmy, as they both aspired to become video game developers in their early lives.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.twreporter.org/a/18x2-beyond-youthful-days-directors-interview |title=藤井道人、徐漢強談《青春18×2》：Jimmy，我們變成了這樣的大人 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=The Reporter |author=張士達 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...18x2-beyond-youthful-days-directors-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> Jump! Boys, the film's production company, launched a marketing campaign in collaboration with the East Japan Railway Company and Klook in March 2024, which introduced a packaged rail pass that included the filming locations of Jimmy's journey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/tw/lifestyle/travel/g60236464/klook-18x2/ |title=跟著許光漢遊台灣！Klook公開「青春18x2通往有你的旅程」8大拍攝景點，放天燈、看夜景、首次相遇的地點全部告訴你！ |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |last=Lin |first=Amber |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...com/tw/lifestyle/travel/g60236464/klook-18x2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123162/7831732 |title=許光漢全新電影《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》朝聖日本八大拍攝地打卡點 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |author=洪書瑱 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151944/https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123162/7831732 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, a special collaboration with video game developer SIGONO took place, featuring a crossover poster with SIGONO's game ''[[Opus: Echo of Starsong]]'' released in selected cinemas on March 30 and 31.<ref name="ChinaTimesSIGONO" /> An official guidebook is scheduled for release on May 2 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1192767/ |title=シュー・グァンハン＆清原果耶、舞台裏で交わしたリアルなコミュニケーションを明かす＜青春18×2 君へと続く道＞ |date=April 12, 2024 |publisher=[[Kadokawa Corporation|thetv.jp]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151952/https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1192767/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Release ==
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' had its world premiere at the Ambassador Theatre in [[Taipei]] on February 14, 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4568188 |title=全球第一場就在情人節！許光漢《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》搶先開賣 |date=January 31, 2024 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212170916/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4568188 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was released theatrically in Taiwan on March 14.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" /> A special screening event took place in [[Tokyo]] on March 27,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2320301/full/ |title=台湾から来日のシュー・グァンハン、黄色い歓声浴びて「めっちゃスゴい」と感動 |date=March 27, 2024 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416075354/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2320301/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with a theatrical release in Japan scheduled for May 3.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/566771 |title=「青春18×2」シュー・グァンハンと清原果耶が日本・台湾を行き来「旅をしているよう」 |date=March 27, 2024 |publisher=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330204747/https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/566771 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the film was selected to be screened at the [[Hong Kong International Film Festival|48th Hong Kong International Film Festival]] on March 29, 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-03-30/第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互/4809150 |title=第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互教對方語言 行程緊密無時間玩 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...m/2024-03-30/第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互/4809150 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is scheduled for a screening at the [[Far East Film Festival|26th Far East Film Festival]] on April 27.<ref name="ScreenDaily2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/ud...up-zhang-yimou-to-be-honoured/5191922.article |title=Udine’s Far East Film Festival reveals 2024 line-up, Zhang Yimou to be honoured |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Screen Daily]] |last=Rosser |first=Michael |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...up-zhang-yimou-to-be-honoured/5191922.article |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fareastfilm.com/eng/film/18x2-beyond-youthful-days/?IDLYT=7505 |title=18X2 BEYOND YOUTHFUL DAYS |publisher=[[Far East Film Festival]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...ng/film/18x2-beyond-youthful-days/?IDLYT=7505 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' grossed over NT$7.7 million on its first day of release, directly ascending to the top of the box office in Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202403180094.aspx |title=「青春18×2」首日票房全台稱冠 清原果耶讚台灣劇組團結 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[Central News Agency (Taiwan)|Central News Agency]] |author=王心妤 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408170011/https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202403180094.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240315004294-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢《青春18x2》開片奪票房冠軍 《破墓》全台票房破3000萬 |date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=孫伊萱 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031....com/realtimenews/20240315004294-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of the first weekend, it had accumulated a total gross of NT$28 million, securing the top position in the weekly box office.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240318003065-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢《青春18》票房狂吸2800萬 道枝駿佑留下經典台詞 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032....com/realtimenews/20240318003065-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> In its second week, the film grossed over NT$45 million, making it the highest-grossing domestic film in Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2707001 |title=電影對白成經典！許光漢《青春18x2》票房破4500萬 |date=March 25, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=許逸群 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423162436/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2707001 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film grossed over NT$50 million by the third week,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://style.udn.com/style/story/8065/7867076 |title=與許光漢合體現身香港首映 清原果耶見1幕爆哭直呼：我不行了 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |author=陳建嘉 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423162435/https://style.udn.com/style/story/8065/7867076 |url-status=live }}</ref> and surpassed NT$60 million within the fourth week.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/news/20240407/1712424236700/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |title=【開箱】《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 初戀難忘 初次心疼 |date=April 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Ming Pao]] |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042.../1712424236700/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached a cumulative gross of over NT$70 million by the fifth weekend.<ref name="TVBS2024" />
=== Critical response ===
Alan Chu, writing for ''[[United Daily News]]'', lauded the film for its nostalgic and romantic elements, blending both Taiwanese and Japanese aesthetics, and its breathtaking cinematography. He also commended Greg Hsu for his versatile performance and Kaya Kiyohara for delivering an emotionally moving portrayal, while acknowledging the star-studded supporting cast that further enhanced the film's appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://reading.udn.com/read/story/7044/7833498 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》影評：許太太你們老公的電影來了 |date=March 16, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |last=Chu |first=Alan |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320130916/https://reading.udn.com/read/story/7044/7833498 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[CommonWealth Magazine]]'''s Sumi Chen shared a similar opinion, praising director Michihito Fujii's meticulous attention to detail, the authentic performances of the actors, and the film's skillful exploration of love, nostalgia, and cultural differences, ultimately considering it a compelling cinematic experience.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://opinion.cw.com.tw/blog/profile/57/article/14630 |title=電影《青春18x2》，勾起我的兩地鄉愁 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[CommonWealth Magazine (Taiwan)|CommonWealth Magazine]] |last=Chen |first=Sumi |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315081601/https://opinion.cw.com.tw/blog/profile/57/article/14630 |url-status=live }}</ref> Conversely, James Marsh of ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', while expressing compliments on the film as refreshingly conventional and surprisingly effective, noted that the film's formulaic story and Hsu's portrayal of the younger Jimmy lack emotional maturity.<ref name="SCMPReview" />
Writing for ''[[HK01]]'', Keith Ho focused on the aesthetics of the film, highlighting its capture of picturesque landscapes in Taiwan and Japan, which contributed to the film's portrayal of a poignant and beautiful love story set in 2024 Japan and 2006 Taiwan.<ref name="HK01Review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hk01.com/藝文/1011200/青春18-2通往有你的旅程-台式文青結合日式純愛-何故專欄 |title=《青春18×2通往有你的旅程》台式文青結合日式純愛｜何故專欄 |date=April 21, 2024 |publisher=[[HK01]] |author=何故 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042....com/藝文/1011200/青春18-2通往有你的旅程-台式文青結合日式純愛-何故專欄 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ying Jou Chien, reviewing for ''[[Yahoo! News|Yahoo! Lifestyle]]'', highlighted the film as a heartfelt love story that paid homage to classic youth films, particularly those by Japanese director [[Shunji Iwai]], and captured the essence of youth and creates a new classic in the genre of youth romance, with the nature and realistic performances of the lead actors Hsu and Kiyohara.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/青春18x2-135716309.html |title=許光漢電影《青春18x2》影評：低迴青春之光、在心裡為形而上愛情按下快門 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News|Yahoo! Lifestyle]] |last=Chien |first=Ying Jou |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320130831/https://tw.news.yahoo.com/青春18x2-135716309.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Nominee
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| 2024
| [[Far East Film Festival|26th Far East Film Festival]]
| Golden Mulberry
| {{n/a}}
| {{pending}}
| <ref name="ScreenDaily2024" />
|}
== References ==
{{RefList}}
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|31039829}}
[[Category:2024 films]]
[[Category:2024 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Taiwanese romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Japanese romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tainan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kanagawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Nagano Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films set in Niigata Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Fukushima Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Films about interracial romance]]
Okumaya devam et...
{{Infobox film
| name = 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days
| image = 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days Poster.jpeg
| caption = Theatrical poster
| alt =
| native_name =
| director = Michihito Fujii
| producer = [[Chang Chen]]
| writer = Michihito Fujii<br>Hirokawa Hayashida
| screenplay =
| story =
| based_on =
| starring = [[Greg Hsu]]<br>[[Kaya Kiyohara]]
| music = Takashi Ohmama
| cinematography = Keisuke Imamura
| editing = Tatsuma Furukawa
| studio = Jump! Boys<br>Babel Label
| distributor = Happinet Phantom Studios (Japan)<br>Activator Co.(Taiwan)
| released = {{Film date|2024|2|14|Ambassador Theatre|2024|3|14|Taiwan|2024|5|3|Japan}}
| runtime = 124 minutes
| country = [[Taiwan]]<br>[[Japan]]
| language = Mandarin<br>Japanese
| budget =
| gross =
}}
'''''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days''''' ({{zh|t=青春18×2 通往有你的旅程|link=no}}) is a 2024 Taiwanese-Japanese [[romance film]] directed by Michihito Fujii and produced by [[Chang Chen]]. Starring [[Greg Hsu]] and [[Kaya Kiyohara]], alongside an [[ensemble cast]] including [[Joseph Chang]], [[Shunsuke Michieda]], [[Haru Kuroki]], [[Hitomi Kuroki]], and [[Yutaka Matsushige]], the film follows a recently-fired Taiwanese video game developer (Hsu) on a solo trip to Japan, reminiscing about a past romantic entanglement with a Japanese backpacker (Kiyohara) that never blossomed into a relationship.
Adapted from a travelogue published on the internet by Taiwanese video game developer Jimmy Lai in 2014, the film was stuck in development hell before Japanese filmmaker Michihito Fujii joined the project in 2019, turning it into a collaborative film between Taiwan and Japan. Fujii spent four years penning the screenplay, while lead actors Hsu and Kiyohara were announced to be part of the production in March 2023. Principal photography commenced in Japan in the same month and continued in Taiwan in April. Following the completion of filming in May 2023, the film underwent six months of post-production.
The film held its world premiere at the Ambassador Theatre in [[Taipei]], on February 14, 2024, followed by a theatrical release on March 14 and May 3, in Taiwan and Japan, respectively.
== Synopsis ==
Jimmy, the founder of a video game development studio, was fired from his own company during a board meeting. Devastated, he returned to his hometown of [[Tainan]]. While tidying his room, he stumbled upon a postcard he had received 18 years ago from his dear Japanese friend, Ami. He then received a phone call from the studio co-founder, Aaron, who invited him on the final business trip to [[Tokyo]]. After the business meeting, Aaron asked Jimmy about his future plans, to which Jimmy answered that he planned to embark on a trip without a destination.
Jimmy's thoughts drifted back 18 years to when he worked at the struggling Karaoke Kobe in Tainan during the summer before university. He met Ami, a Japanese backpacker looking for a place to work to save up money for an upcoming journey. Assigned to show her around, Jimmy and Ami had a chat, and Jimmy became romantically interested in Ami. The arrival of a foreign lady in the secluded town soon attracted numerous customers to the karaoke. During the welcoming meal, Ami was asked about her trip. She explained that she planned to go on a trip without a destination and showed her sketchbook of drawings recording her previous footsteps in Taiwan. Impressed, Jimmy suggested she decorate a wall at the karaoke. After the meal, Ami expressed her interest in motorcycles, and Jimmy took her to an observation deck with a stunning view of Tainan. They bonded and discussed their dreams. Jimmy confessed his uncertainty, and Ami encouraged him to search for a dream.
In the present, Jimmy arrived in [[Matsumoto, Nagano|Matsumoto]] and encountered Liu, a Taiwanese [[izakaya]] owner who suggested that he visit Ami's hometown, Tadami. On his journey, he met a young backpacker named Koji on the [[Iiyama Line]], who recommended they stop at the snowing [[Nagaoka, Niigata|Nagaoka]], where Jimmy was captivated by the scenery, reminiscent of the film ''[[Love Letter (1995 film)|Love Letter]]''. Jimmy recalled that his co-workers had asked Ami to describe her ideal boyfriend, but her description contradicted Jimmy's characteristics. However, a co-worker encouraged him to pursue her anyway and gave him tickets to a romance film, ''Love Letter''. During the movie, Ami cried miserably and found an excuse to leave the scene, leaving Jimmy confused.
Back in the present, Jimmy met and befriended Yukiko, a staff member at a [[internet café]] who was playing the game he developed. Yukiko offered to drive him to the [[sky lantern]] festival. Jimmy then recalled Ami's sudden departure, where she announced one day that she was going back to Japan. Jimmy was furious with Ami and refused to talk to her, even when she finished the wall art. Jimmy's father, sensing his son's distress, encouraged him not to have regrets. Therefore, Jimmy asked Ami out once again and brought her to the sky lantern festival. They made a promise to meet each other again after they had the opportunity to pursue and fulfill their dreams.
Upon arriving in [[Tadami, Fukushima|Tadami]], Jimmy met Ami's mother, Yuko, who revealed Ami's passing. Yuko gave Jimmy Ami's sketchbook, which contained drawings of Taiwan. Through the drawings, it was revealed that Ami had been suffering from [[cardiomyopathy]] and wished to travel around the world during the last days of her life. However, after meeting and falling in love with Jimmy in Taiwan, her desire to continue living was ignited, and she decided to seek alternative treatments in Japan. Therefore, she abruptly left Japan before her condition deteriorated and refused Jimmy's requests to see her in later years while she was hospitalized. Overwhelmed, Jimmy wept as he reached the last page of the sketchbook—a picture of them releasing sky lanterns, symbolizing their promise.
On his journey back, Jimmy wrote the first and last letter to Ami, sharing his life since their separation. He revealed that he became aware of Ami's death after finishing his first game and attempting to contact her. Subsequently, he spiraled into emotional numbness and lost all sense of purpose, which led to his alienation and eventual expulsion from the company. Finally, he expressed his gratitude for Ami's presence in his youthful days and promised to go on a trip without a destination in her honor.
== Cast ==
* [[Greg Hsu]] as Jimmy: a successful video-game developer who had a devastating falling out with his business partners, which prompted him to embark on a soul-searching journey in Japan.<ref name="SCMPReview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/ente...a-kiyohara-play-young-lovers-conventional-yet |title=18×2 Beyond Youthful Days movie review: Greg Hsu, Kaya Kiyohara play young lovers in conventional yet effective romance |date=April 2, 2024 |publisher=[[South China Morning Post]] |last=Marsh |first=James |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...a-kiyohara-play-young-lovers-conventional-yet |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Kaya Kiyohara]] as Ami: a Japanese backpacker who was romantically involved with Jimmy when they worked together at a karaoke bar in Tainan 18 years ago.<ref name="SCMPReview" />
* [[Joseph Chang]] as Liu: a Taiwanese izakaya owner Jimmy encounters in Matsumoto.<ref name="UDNCast">{{Cite web |url=https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7741976 |title=台、日跨國卡司超豪華！許光漢新片《青春18x2》10位大咖明星盤點，黑木瞳、松重豐、張孝全…都來了！ |date=February 9, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401132932/https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123164/7741976 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Shunsuke Michieda]] as Koji: a Japanese young backpacker Jimmy befriends in Nagaoka.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Haru Kuroki]] as Yukiko: an internet café staff member Jimmy acquainted during his stay.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Hitomi Kuroki]] as Yuko: the mother of Ami who resides in Tadami.<ref name="UDNCast" />
* [[Yutaka Matsushige]] as Nakazato: a resident at Tadami who drives Jimmy to Yuko.<ref name="UDNCast" />
Additionally, Toyoharu Kitamura appears as Shimada, the Japanese boss of Karaoke Kobe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/臺日合作的愛情電影-青春18-2-通往有你的旅程-的誕生-002004434.html |title=臺日合作的愛情電影《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》的誕生 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=nippon.com |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |author=稻垣貴俊 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...m/臺日合作的愛情電影-青春18-2-通往有你的旅程-的誕生-002004434.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Co-workers of Jimmy at Karaoke Kobe include [[Buffy Chen]] as Hsiao-ting,<ref name="UDNCast" /> Jane Liao as Shu-yi,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2432201 |title=專訪／廖慧珍親揭許光漢私下真實樣貌 互動曝光：他主動靠在我身上 |date=March 22, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=廖福生 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410203410/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2432201 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Lee Kuan-yi as Wei.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://taiwanpost.net/2024/local/38870 |title=《青春18×2 》首映會 許光漢日語表白清原果耶 攜手放天燈重現浪漫情節 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=The Commons Daily |author=克拉大 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423142335/https://taiwanpost.net/2024/local/38870 |url-status=live }}</ref> Chu Chung Heng and Maggie Lu appear as the parents of Jimmy;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://taiwanpost.net/2024/life/35760 |title=台、日演員夢幻聯動，重榜合作《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 |date=January 26, 2024 |publisher=The Commons Daily |author=克拉大 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423142334/https://taiwanpost.net/2024/life/35760 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Figaro Tseng]] appears as Aaron, the university classmate and co-founder of Jimmy's video game development studio.<ref name="UDNCast" />
== Production ==
=== Development ===
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' is adapted from and based on real-life events recorded in a travelogue titled ''Wandering Journey on Slow Train in Japan'', written by Jimmy Lai under the pseudonym "Blue Fox", a Taiwanese video game developer who embarked on a vacation journey across Japan using the [[Seishun 18 Ticket]], aiming to reminisce about his romantic past with a Japanese backpacker.<ref name="Mirror20242">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight005 |title=【台日浪漫戀情2】真人故事改編原味不變 《青春18x2》忠實保留這些元素 |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411000702/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight005 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewslens.com/article/200351 |title=【影評】《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》：許光漢演出有兩種層次，導演藤井道人成功融合台日獨特氣味 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[The News Lens]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415034057/https://www.thenewslens.com/article/200351 |url-status=live }}</ref> After publishing the travelogue on the Taiwanese blog Backpackers and went viral in 2014, Lai was approached by film production studios interested in purchasing the adaptation rights.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment">{{Cite web |url=https://bluefoxwriting.com/【十年】關於青春18x2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說/ |title=【十年】關於青春18X2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說以及遊戲 |date=January 3, 2024 |publisher=Blue Fox Writing |last=Lai |first=Jimmy |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301190435/https://bluefoxwriting.com/【十年】關於青春18x2的那些事：遊記、電影、小說/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Eventually, producer Roger Huang acquired the rights and began searching for film directors and screenwriters to join the project.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Actor [[Chang Chen]] and director-producer Lin Yu-Hsien became attached to the project in the early stages,<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /> with Chang making his debut as a producer at the invitation of his friend Huang, and he described the experience as a "learning opportunity".<ref name="MarieClaireInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/75357 |title=張震監製《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢手牽清原果耶，獻上橫跨台日18年純愛初戀，大喊：很想見她 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008150944/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/75357 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Lai became dissatisfied with the numerous screenplay drafts, feeling that the filmmakers and production companies were excessively expanding the story length and introducing new elements that deviated from the essence of his travelogue.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /><ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> As script after script was rejected and with Lai's subsequent relocation to the United States, the project was stuck in [[development hell]] for four years.<ref name="BlueFoxOnDevelopment" /><ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> In 2019, during the [[Kaohsiung Film Festival]], Huang met Japanese director Michihito Fujii, who expressed interest in participating in Taiwanese film productions.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Huang invited Fujii to helm the project, and Fujii accepted the role of director and screenwriter shortly after reading the travelogue.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> After Fujii joined the project, Huang rebranded the film from a domestic production with overseas location shoots into a collaborative film between Taiwan and Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /><ref name="MarieClaireApril2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77239 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢手牽清原果耶平溪放天燈，洋溢情竇初開的戀愛小白 |date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217074225/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77239 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fujii initiated negotiations with Japanese production companies and sponsors,<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> including [[CyberAgent]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/news/detail/id=29414 |title=BABEL LABEL監督・脚本 藤井道人“日台合作”初の国際プロジェクト始動、『青春 18×2 君へと続く道』の映画化決定！ |date=October 7, 2023 |publisher=[[CyberAgent]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424190606/https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/news/detail/id=29414 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://screenonline.jp/_ct/17659979 |title=『青春18×2 君へと続く道』2024年5月に公開決定！グレッグ・ハン＆清原果耶らのコメントも到着！ |date=April 25, 2024 |publisher=Screen Online |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref> and [[East Japan Railway Company]], which also permitted the crew to film on the railways with loaned train carriages.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" />
=== Pre-production ===
After attaching to the project in 2019, Michihito Fujii spent four years penning the screenplay.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> He retained several background settings from Jimmy Lai's travelogue, including Lai's occupation as a video game developer and the names of the two main characters, Jimmy and Ami.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /><ref name="TVBS2024">{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2462615 |title=許光漢《青春18x2》Jimmy原型是他！接改編邀約以為詐騙 讚他演得好 |date=April 21, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=徐筠庭 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422130605/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2462615 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he made numerous amendments, such as changing the story's background from [[Chiayi]] to Tainan, the hometown of Fujii's Taiwanese grandfather, as he found an older city more fitting for the film's tone.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ctwant.com/article/324160 |title=電影頻道2／導演藤井道人圓夢來台拍《青春18x2》 關鍵雪景這樣拍 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=Funscreen Weekly |author=粘湘婉 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407185311/https://www.ctwant.com/article/324160 |url-status=live }}</ref> The time period was adjusted from 1996 to 2006, aligning it with Fujii's adolescence and allowing for a better grasp of the social atmosphere.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Fujii also added backstories for Jimmy, detailing his venture into starting his own video game company, and explored the reasons why Ami traveled to Taiwan and her talent for drawing, which further enhanced their character arcs.<ref name="Mirror20242" /> Brian Lee, a real-life friend of Jimmy Lai and a video game developer for SIGONO, also influenced the portrayal of Jimmy's entrepreneurial failure.<ref name="ChinaTimesSIGONO">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240321002686-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢新作「遊戲公司」原型 竟是台灣之光 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=翁紫曦 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042....com/realtimenews/20240321002686-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Opus: Rocket of Whispers]]'' and ''[[Opus: Echo of Starsong]]'', two video games developed by Lee, were featured in the film.<ref name="TVBS2024" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2431904 |title=曾獲最高榮譽！《青春18x2》許光漢角色原型曝光 片中遊戲出自台灣團隊 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=羅子欣 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415023512/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2431904 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The film's production was officially announced under the [[working title]] ''Youth'' (Chinese: 青春) in March 2023, with [[Far EasTone]] as a major sponsor and starring [[Greg Hsu]], [[Kaya Kiyohara]], [[Hitomi Kuroki]], and [[Chang Chen]] in lead roles.<ref name="ChinaTimes2023">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |title=獨／許光漢新片卡司超狂！進軍日本影壇「合作黑木瞳跟張震」 |date=March 7, 2023 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=孫伊萱 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023030....com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> Chang later dropped out of the acting role to focus on his duties as producer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20240315000637-260112?chdtv |title=張震自嘲演學生 回春特效太燒錢 |date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh}}</ref> The casting choices were all proposed by Fujii, and Chang Chen provided advice but did not have a direct role in the casting process.<ref name="ElleInterview" /> Greg Hsu was recommended to Fujii by his friends due to his ability to portray both the 18-year-old and 36-year-old versions of the character, which Fujii described as having "a sense of both youthful and mature".<ref name="MarieClaireApril2024" /> Hsu accepted the role after reading the script and was drawn to the film's robust production crew.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> Kaya Kiyohara, who had previously worked with Fujii on his 2019 film ''Day and Night'' and 2020 film ''The Brightest Roof in the Universe'', readily accepted the role as she was fond of the story and interested in joining an international project.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> Hitomi Kuroki was invited by Chang Chen to make a cameo appearance, following their collaboration as award presenters at the [[59th Golden Horse Awards]], where Chang revealed to her that he was involved in a project with Michihito Fujii, and Kuroki gladly accepted the offer.<ref name="ElleInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/tw/entertainme...nterview-with-michihito-fujii-and-chang-chen/ |title=專訪｜監製張震＆導演藤井道人《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》，讓更多人看見許光漢與「台灣的人情味」 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |last=Cheng |first=Sylvia |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...nterview-with-michihito-fujii-and-chang-chen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.now.com/home/entertainment/player?newsId=510031 |title=傳許光漢赴日拍新片 與張震黑木瞳對戲 |date=March 9, 2023 |publisher=[[Now TV (Hong Kong)|Now TV]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh}}</ref> The production crew consisted of an equal mix of Taiwanese and Japanese members, and Fujii prioritized the employment of crew members who were around 36 years old to better understand Jimmy's character traits in the film.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Hsu was sent to Japan on the film's budget a week prior to filming to learn Japanese.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240313004182-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢異國戀OK心意相通就行 一舉動讓藤井道人印象深刻 |date=March 13, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=李承陽 |author2=陳俊吉 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031....com/realtimenews/20240313004182-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] began in Japan in March 2023.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/tw/entertainment/movies/g45505342/182818/ |title=許光漢＆清原果耶主演純愛日片《青春18×2》8看點！台灣男孩相隔18年、赴日尋找「初戀記憶」 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |last=Hsieh |first=Allie |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023101...com/tw/entertainment/movies/g45505342/182818/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Michihito Fujii chose to film in Japan during March as Japan is undergoing seasonal change in that month, the crew was able to capture both snowfall at the beginning of the month and cherry blossoms at the end.<ref name="MirrorMedia2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight006 |title=【台日浪漫戀情3】跟著許光漢看盡一年四季 從日本雪國、櫻花到南台灣盛夏 |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405132201/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Taiwanese cinematographer Chan Chih-teng was initially attached to the project but had to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict with his wife giving birth.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Keisuke Imamura, a frequent collaborator of Fujii, stepped in as the substitute cinematographer.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Keisuke intentionally included a snowfall scene shot in Japan as a tribute to the 1995 romance film ''[[Love Letter (1995 film)|Love Letter]]''.<ref name="MarieClaireInterview" /> He also established a fixed colour temperature and selected lenses with Fujii prior to filming, aiming to create a contrast between the warm orange tones of Taiwan and the cold blue tones of Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview">{{Cite web |url=https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643 |title=從臺灣到日本，尋找共通的電影語言──專訪《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》製片黃江豐、導演藤井道人 |date=March 23, 2024 |publisher=Funscreen Weekly |author=韋晢 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325132535/https://funscreen.tfai.org.tw/article/38643 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2714136 |title=《青春18x2》搭許光漢愛上台灣！ 清原果耶繁中問候強震「希望平安」 |date=April 5, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411090055/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2714136 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming took place in [[Tokyo]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture]], [[Nagano Prefecture]], [[Niigata Prefecture]], and [[Fukushima Prefecture]], all of which are located on the [[Japan Railways Group|JR]] [[Iiyama Line]] or [[Tadami Line]].<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/tw/life/trips/g60196159/18-2-beyond-youthful-days/ |title=跟著許光漢到日本打卡！開箱《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》8大電影拍攝取景地 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |last=Hsiao |first=Kelly |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031...fe/trips/g60196159/18-2-beyond-youthful-days/ |url-status=live }}</ref> East Japan Railway Company provided assistance for the crew in [[set construction]] while filming in train carriages.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> Several scenes were cinematographed at [[Mori-Miyanohara Station]], [[Nagaoka Station]], and [[Tadami Station]],<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" /> as well as the railway crossing near [[Kamakurakōkōmae Station]], a popular tourist spot due to its feature in the manga ''[[Slam Dunk (manga)|Slam Dunk]]'', which Hsu himself is a fan of.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240308004238-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢親揭「約會調皮撩妹祕技」 合作黑木瞳私下互動超可愛 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=孫伊萱 |author2=粘耿豪 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024030....com/realtimenews/20240308004238-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 25, scenes of Hsu and Haru Kuroki's character releasing sky lanterns were shot at ski resort New Greenpia Tsunan in [[Tsunan]], Niigata.<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2062279 |title=許光漢進軍日本影壇！將合作張震、大咖影星 豪華陣容曝光 |date=March 8, 2023 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=何可妍 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420163719/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2062279 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other filming locations included Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and [[Sumida Park]] in Tokyo, [[Matsumoto Castle]] in Nagano, and [[Yuigahama]] in Kanagawa.<ref name="HarperBazaarJapanFilmingLocation" />
After completing the scenes in Japan, the crew moved to Taiwan and commenced filming in April.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" /> The majority of the filming was completed in [[Tainan]], with occasional shoots in [[Yunlin County]], [[Kaohsiung]], and [[New Taipei City]].<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/78262 |title=揭秘許光漢、清原果耶《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》台灣北到南13大拍攝景點攻略 |date=March 21, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321125216/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/78262 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com.tw/article/青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-拍攝地 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》台灣取景地點大公開！追隨亞洲男神許光漢足跡，探索在地之美 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue Taiwan]] |last=Yu |first=Chara |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319051850/https://www.vogue.com.tw/article/青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-拍攝地 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Tainan, the filming locations included [[Fort Provintia]], Shuei Sian Temple Market, Tiantan Tiangong Temple, Hsinchu East Gate, and Sihcao Boulevard, which served as the dating spots for Hsu and Kiyohara's characters in the film.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" /><ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/tw/li...eyond-youthful-days-taiwan-fliming-locations/ |title=許光漢台灣約會私房景點大公開！細數與清原果耶在《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》中的浪漫足跡 |date=March 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |last=Hsiao |first=Kelly |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...eyond-youthful-days-taiwan-fliming-locations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hsu and Kiyohara spent nine hours filming on a motorcycle, shuttling between these locations.<ref name="WantWeeklyJanuary2024">{{cite news |url=https://www.ctwant.com/article/315346 |title=許光漢騎車載清原果耶浪漫約會 日夜曝曬9小時吃苦頭 |date=January 31, 2024 |publisher=Want Weekly |author=粘湘婉 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024013...nt.com/article/315346|archive-date=2024-01-31}}</ref> Filming then continued at Chuan Mei Theatre, the only Taiwanese theater adorned with hand-painted movie posters, on April 12.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2478651 |title=獨／台南「打卡聖地」驚見野生許光漢！ 一旁還有日本超人氣女星 |date=April 13, 2023 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514050454/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2478651 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also featured Wusheng Night Market,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240206003234-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢新片取景台南武聖夜市引騷動 清原果耶狂讚台便當 |date=February 6, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024020....com/realtimenews/20240206003234-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> where the crew invited local hawkers to participate in the shoot.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4574517 |title=許光漢拍片吸路人圍觀 超人氣讓藤井導演都讚嘆 |date=February 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208042835/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4574517 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other filming locations in Tainan included [[Bao'an railway station]] and [[Port of Anping|Yuguang Island]],<ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation" /> as well as the campus of [[Tainan University of Technology]], which Hsu's character attended.<ref name="MarieClaireFilmingLocations" />
Hsu took a brief hiatus to attend the [[59th Baeksang Arts Awards]] which was held on April 28 in South Korea, before returning to film the scenes depicting Hsu and Kiyohara releasing sky lanterns at [[Shifen railway station]] in [[Pingxi District]], New Taipei City, on April 29.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.setn.com/news/1288892 |title=許光漢老街約會日本女星！「十指緊扣」全被拍 重現《那些年》經典場景 |date=May 3, 2023 |publisher=[[SET News]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424160751/https://star.setn.com/news/1288892 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2112667 |title=許光漢老街煲愛！十指緊扣、浪漫互動遭拍 對象竟是日本女星 |date=May 3, 2023 |publisher=[[TVBS News]] |author=陳昫蓁 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503145328/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/entertainment/2112667 |url-status=live }}</ref> The shooting schedule at Shifen was disrupted by weather conditions, resulting in a delay from nightfall to the following morning.<ref name="ChinaTimes2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240308004443-260404?ctrack=pc_main_rtime_p01&chdtv |title=許光漢自曝私下最像這角色 放天燈也遇蕭怪風「天亮才成功」 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author1=孫伊萱 |author2=粘耿豪 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024030....com/realtimenews/20240308004443-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> The scenes set at Karaoke Kobe, a recurring location in the film where Hsu and Kiyohara's characters worked, were filmed at a spa centre in [[Huwei, Yunlin]].<ref name="HarperBazaarTaiwanFilmingLocation" /> The entire centre underwent renovation to recreate a nostalgic ambience.<ref name="MarieClaireMusic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77875 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢、清原果耶愛情指數飆升，催淚場面哭到鼻涕都有戲 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303143425/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77875 |url-status=live }}</ref> The exterior wall painting of the Karaoke was decorated by Fujii's sister and picture book illustrator Rumi Yoshida.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight009 |title=【台日浪漫戀情番外篇】繪本作家獻藝《青春18x2》 導演：姊姊畫作最對味 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[Mirror Media]] |author=項貽斐 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407074936/https://www.mirrormedia.mg/story/20240321insight009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hsu mentioned that the scenes revolving around the Karaoke were grouped together and filmed intensively, describing those shoots as having "boss-fighting level of difficulty".<ref name="ChinaTimes2024" /> Additionally, Fujii personally selected the observation deck of Mount Dagan in Kaohsiung as a recurring backdrop for the film due to its captivating night view.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77430 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》許光漢、清原果耶台南騎機車談戀愛！用日文與黑木瞳、黑木華、松重豐對戲壓力大 |date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Marie Claire]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416044453/https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/movie/77430 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming ultimately concluded in late May.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" />
=== Post-production ===
Post-production spanned across six months,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |title=獨／許光漢新片卡司超狂！進軍日本影壇「合作黑木瞳跟張震」 |date=March 7, 2023 |publisher=[[China Times]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023030....com/realtimenews/20230307006148-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> and was carried out separately in Taiwan and Japan.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> The respective crews in each country handled the scenes shot within their jurisdiction.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> As the film was set in two separate timelines, Fujii personally drew storyboards for [[continuity editing]] to connect the junctions between scene changes. He also made an effort to group scenes from the same timeline together, minimizing the need for transitions.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> However, he allowed the two crews to employ different styles and pacing during the editing process to better convey the cultural differences between the two countries.<ref name="FunscreenInterview" /> The film was officially announced to be released in Japan on October 27, 2023, with a projected theatrical release date of May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/tw/entertainment/drama/g45660603/seishun182-movie/ |title=許光漢主演、張震監製的日本電影《青春18x2》：與清原果耶寫下「台灣男孩＆日本女孩」錯過18年的愛戀 |date=October 27, 2023 |publisher=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |last=Cheng |first=Sylvia |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...tertainment/drama/g45660603/seishun182-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Taiwan, the film's title was changed to ''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' during the official announcement on October 30, with an expected theatrical release date of March 14, 2024, coinciding with [[White Day]].<ref name="MintTaiwanRD">{{Cite web |url=https://mintnews.tw/Entertainment/Movie/content-37286.html |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》 許光漢+清原果耶談日式純愛，深情告白「很想見她」！白色情人節浪漫上映 |date=October 30, 2023 |publisher=Mint News |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023103...ews.tw/Entertainment/Movie/content-37286.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Music ===
The film is scored by Japanese composer Takashi Ohmama, featuring 32 original soundtracks.<ref name="HK01Review" /> The film's theme song, "Traveller of Memories", is performed by the Japanese band [[Mr. Children]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/570536 |title=Mr.Childrenの書き下ろし主題歌流れる、映画「青春18×2 君へと続く道」スペシャル映像公開 |date=April 23, 2024 |publisher=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423013925/https://natalie.mu/music/news/570536 |url-status=live }}</ref> Production of the theme song began during the scriptwriting stage.<ref name="ETToday2024">{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2686520 |title=許光漢催淚場面「哭到鼻涕都有戲」 天團Mr.Children開金嗓一聽就哭 |date=February 21, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=蕭采薇 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221123554/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2686520 |url-status=live }}</ref> Michihito Fujii is a long-time fan of the band who started listening to their songs in his teenage years and personally invited them to contribute to the film, which he considers a milestone in his career.<ref name="ETToday2024" /> [[Kazutoshi Sakurai]], the lead vocalist of Mr. Children, described their collaboration as an effort to "eliminate all impurities and present the music in its purest form", aligning with the film's theme and emotions.<ref name="MarieClaireMusic" /> Additionally, the film features the Taiwanese band [[Mayday (Taiwanese band)|Mayday]]'s song "Peter and Mary",<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/娛樂/article/20240407/s00016/1712419406867/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |title=【開箱】《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 初戀難忘 初次心疼 |date=April 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Ming Pao]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041.../1712419406867/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |url-status=live }}</ref> recommended by Fujii's Taiwanese assistant, who likened Mayday to the Taiwanese counterpart of Mr. Children.<ref name="ElleInterview" /> The film's score is scheduled to be released as a soundtrack album on May 1, 2024, in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/608298/products/1506786/1/ |title=映画「青春18×2 君へと続く道」オリジナル・サウンドトラック |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151944/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/608298/products/1506786/1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Marketing ==
The Japanese version teaser of the film was released on October 7, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4451572 |title=男神許光漢共演日本透明系女神！台日合拍《青春18x2》首曝預告 |date=October 7, 2023 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223034732/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4451572 |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by the Taiwanese version on October 30, alongside the official promotional poster.<ref name="MintTaiwanRD" /> Both Taiwanese and Japanese versions of the official trailer were released on January 25, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gq.com.tw/article/許光漢-青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-黑木瞳 |title=許光漢主演《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》預告曝光：與黑木瞳、松重豐、張孝全同場飆戲日文超流利！ |date=January 25, 2024 |publisher=[[GQ|GQ Taiwan]] |last=Chen |first=Nancy |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125144017/https://www.gq.com.tw/article/許光漢-青春18x2-通往有你的旅程-黑木瞳 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Taiwanese version of the official trailer was edited by filmmaker [[John Hsu (filmmaker)|John Hsu]], who shared a similar background with the protagonist Jimmy, as they both aspired to become video game developers in their early lives.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.twreporter.org/a/18x2-beyond-youthful-days-directors-interview |title=藤井道人、徐漢強談《青春18×2》：Jimmy，我們變成了這樣的大人 |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=The Reporter |author=張士達 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...18x2-beyond-youthful-days-directors-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> Jump! Boys, the film's production company, launched a marketing campaign in collaboration with the East Japan Railway Company and Klook in March 2024, which introduced a packaged rail pass that included the filming locations of Jimmy's journey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/tw/lifestyle/travel/g60236464/klook-18x2/ |title=跟著許光漢遊台灣！Klook公開「青春18x2通往有你的旅程」8大拍攝景點，放天燈、看夜景、首次相遇的地點全部告訴你！ |date=March 19, 2024 |publisher=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |last=Lin |first=Amber |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...com/tw/lifestyle/travel/g60236464/klook-18x2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123162/7831732 |title=許光漢全新電影《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》朝聖日本八大拍攝地打卡點 |date=March 14, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |author=洪書瑱 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151944/https://woman.udn.com/woman/story/123162/7831732 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, a special collaboration with video game developer SIGONO took place, featuring a crossover poster with SIGONO's game ''[[Opus: Echo of Starsong]]'' released in selected cinemas on March 30 and 31.<ref name="ChinaTimesSIGONO" /> An official guidebook is scheduled for release on May 2 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1192767/ |title=シュー・グァンハン＆清原果耶、舞台裏で交わしたリアルなコミュニケーションを明かす＜青春18×2 君へと続く道＞ |date=April 12, 2024 |publisher=[[Kadokawa Corporation|thetv.jp]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151952/https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1192767/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Release ==
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' had its world premiere at the Ambassador Theatre in [[Taipei]] on February 14, 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4568188 |title=全球第一場就在情人節！許光漢《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》搶先開賣 |date=January 31, 2024 |publisher=[[Liberty Times]] |author=許世穎 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=February 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212170916/https://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4568188 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was released theatrically in Taiwan on March 14.<ref name="CosmopolitanFilming" /> A special screening event took place in [[Tokyo]] on March 27,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2320301/full/ |title=台湾から来日のシュー・グァンハン、黄色い歓声浴びて「めっちゃスゴい」と感動 |date=March 27, 2024 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416075354/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2320301/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with a theatrical release in Japan scheduled for May 3.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/566771 |title=「青春18×2」シュー・グァンハンと清原果耶が日本・台湾を行き来「旅をしているよう」 |date=March 27, 2024 |publisher=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330204747/https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/566771 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the film was selected to be screened at the [[Hong Kong International Film Festival|48th Hong Kong International Film Festival]] on March 29, 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-03-30/第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互/4809150 |title=第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互教對方語言 行程緊密無時間玩 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |access-date=April 25, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...m/2024-03-30/第48屆香港國際電影節丨許光漢清原果耶首次合作互/4809150 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is scheduled for a screening at the [[Far East Film Festival|26th Far East Film Festival]] on April 27.<ref name="ScreenDaily2024">{{Cite web |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/ud...up-zhang-yimou-to-be-honoured/5191922.article |title=Udine’s Far East Film Festival reveals 2024 line-up, Zhang Yimou to be honoured |date=March 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Screen Daily]] |last=Rosser |first=Michael |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032...up-zhang-yimou-to-be-honoured/5191922.article |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fareastfilm.com/eng/film/18x2-beyond-youthful-days/?IDLYT=7505 |title=18X2 BEYOND YOUTHFUL DAYS |publisher=[[Far East Film Festival]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...ng/film/18x2-beyond-youthful-days/?IDLYT=7505 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
''18×2 Beyond Youthful Days'' grossed over NT$7.7 million on its first day of release, directly ascending to the top of the box office in Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202403180094.aspx |title=「青春18×2」首日票房全台稱冠 清原果耶讚台灣劇組團結 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[Central News Agency (Taiwan)|Central News Agency]] |author=王心妤 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408170011/https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202403180094.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240315004294-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢《青春18x2》開片奪票房冠軍 《破墓》全台票房破3000萬 |date=March 15, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=孫伊萱 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024031....com/realtimenews/20240315004294-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of the first weekend, it had accumulated a total gross of NT$28 million, securing the top position in the weekly box office.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240318003065-260404?chdtv |title=許光漢《青春18》票房狂吸2800萬 道枝駿佑留下經典台詞 |date=March 18, 2024 |publisher=[[China Times]] |author=李承陽 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024032....com/realtimenews/20240318003065-260404?chdtv |url-status=live }}</ref> In its second week, the film grossed over NT$45 million, making it the highest-grossing domestic film in Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2707001 |title=電影對白成經典！許光漢《青春18x2》票房破4500萬 |date=March 25, 2024 |publisher=ETToday |author=許逸群 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423162436/https://star.ettoday.net/news/2707001 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film grossed over NT$50 million by the third week,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://style.udn.com/style/story/8065/7867076 |title=與許光漢合體現身香港首映 清原果耶見1幕爆哭直呼：我不行了 |date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |author=陳建嘉 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423162435/https://style.udn.com/style/story/8065/7867076 |url-status=live }}</ref> and surpassed NT$60 million within the fourth week.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/news/20240407/1712424236700/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |title=【開箱】《青春18×2 通往有你的旅程》 初戀難忘 初次心疼 |date=April 7, 2024 |publisher=[[Ming Pao]] |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042.../1712424236700/【開箱】《青春18-2-通往有你的旅程》-初戀難忘-初次心疼 |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached a cumulative gross of over NT$70 million by the fifth weekend.<ref name="TVBS2024" />
=== Critical response ===
Alan Chu, writing for ''[[United Daily News]]'', lauded the film for its nostalgic and romantic elements, blending both Taiwanese and Japanese aesthetics, and its breathtaking cinematography. He also commended Greg Hsu for his versatile performance and Kaya Kiyohara for delivering an emotionally moving portrayal, while acknowledging the star-studded supporting cast that further enhanced the film's appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://reading.udn.com/read/story/7044/7833498 |title=《青春18x2 通往有你的旅程》影評：許太太你們老公的電影來了 |date=March 16, 2024 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |last=Chu |first=Alan |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320130916/https://reading.udn.com/read/story/7044/7833498 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[CommonWealth Magazine]]'''s Sumi Chen shared a similar opinion, praising director Michihito Fujii's meticulous attention to detail, the authentic performances of the actors, and the film's skillful exploration of love, nostalgia, and cultural differences, ultimately considering it a compelling cinematic experience.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://opinion.cw.com.tw/blog/profile/57/article/14630 |title=電影《青春18x2》，勾起我的兩地鄉愁 |date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=[[CommonWealth Magazine (Taiwan)|CommonWealth Magazine]] |last=Chen |first=Sumi |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315081601/https://opinion.cw.com.tw/blog/profile/57/article/14630 |url-status=live }}</ref> Conversely, James Marsh of ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', while expressing compliments on the film as refreshingly conventional and surprisingly effective, noted that the film's formulaic story and Hsu's portrayal of the younger Jimmy lack emotional maturity.<ref name="SCMPReview" />
Writing for ''[[HK01]]'', Keith Ho focused on the aesthetics of the film, highlighting its capture of picturesque landscapes in Taiwan and Japan, which contributed to the film's portrayal of a poignant and beautiful love story set in 2024 Japan and 2006 Taiwan.<ref name="HK01Review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hk01.com/藝文/1011200/青春18-2通往有你的旅程-台式文青結合日式純愛-何故專欄 |title=《青春18×2通往有你的旅程》台式文青結合日式純愛｜何故專欄 |date=April 21, 2024 |publisher=[[HK01]] |author=何故 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042....com/藝文/1011200/青春18-2通往有你的旅程-台式文青結合日式純愛-何故專欄 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ying Jou Chien, reviewing for ''[[Yahoo! News|Yahoo! Lifestyle]]'', highlighted the film as a heartfelt love story that paid homage to classic youth films, particularly those by Japanese director [[Shunji Iwai]], and captured the essence of youth and creates a new classic in the genre of youth romance, with the nature and realistic performances of the lead actors Hsu and Kiyohara.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/青春18x2-135716309.html |title=許光漢電影《青春18x2》影評：低迴青春之光、在心裡為形而上愛情按下快門 |date=March 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News|Yahoo! Lifestyle]] |last=Chien |first=Ying Jou |access-date=April 23, 2024 |language=zh |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320130831/https://tw.news.yahoo.com/青春18x2-135716309.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Nominee
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| 2024
| [[Far East Film Festival|26th Far East Film Festival]]
| Golden Mulberry
| {{n/a}}
| {{pending}}
| <ref name="ScreenDaily2024" />
|}
== References ==
{{RefList}}
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|31039829}}
[[Category:2024 films]]
[[Category:2024 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Taiwanese romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Japanese romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tainan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kanagawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Nagano Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films set in Niigata Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Fukushima Prefecture]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Films about interracial romance]]
Okumaya devam et...