About the film

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"The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan" is a gripping and emotional exploration of the silent challenges faced by single mothers in one of the world's most advanced yet tradition-bound societies, showing a very different side of Japan that the world how come to know.

Despite being an advanced nation and the world's 4th largest economy, 1 in 7 children in Japan, or 13.5%, are living in poverty. This critically acclaimed documentary has won numerous awards at film festivals both in Japan and around the world for its honest portrayal of the plight of single mothers and the issue of child poverty in Japan. It reveals the untold stories of women raising children alone, battling systemic barriers, cultural stigma, and crushing financial pressures.

Through raw, intimate interviews and striking visuals, the film captures the resilience of these mothers as they navigate an unforgiving social landscape. It confronts the societal norms that marginalize them, examines Japan's limited support systems, and asks the hard questions: How can a nation so focused on progress continue to leave so many women and children behind?

Whether you're drawn to social justice, fascinated by Japanese culture, or simply seeking powerful storytelling, "The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan" is a must-watch. It’s not just a film—it’s a call to action, challenging viewers to rethink the meaning of family, support, and equality in modern society.

Join the conversation. Support The Ones Left Behind and discover the untold stories of courage and determination that demand to be heard.

About the director

Rionne (pronounced Rye-Own) McAvoy is an Australian born Tokyo-based documentary filmmaker, a professional wrestler under the ring name of Rionne Fujiwara, and a lifelong martial artist who has dedicated his life to storytelling either in the ring or behind the lens. A resident of Japan for over 22 years, Rionne’s unique journey intertwines creative pursuits and deep cultural immersion, reflecting his commitment to shedding light on social issues often left in the shadows.

Born with a love for the big screen, Rionne initially pursued acting, as his early childhood dream was to became a Hollywood aciton star (as well as a professional wrestler) but found his true calling behind the camera as a director. Rionne's documentaries focus on societal issues, and his critically acclaimed documentary, The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan, has been selected for 41 film festivals around the world, winning best documentary on 17 occasions.

For Rionne, the art of storytelling began with the lens of a video camera. His first experiences behind the camera came in a deeply personal setting—filming his father’s aikido classes and gradings when he was still in primary school. This early immersion into the visual storytelling of martial arts laid the foundation for his later work. When Rionne joined Wrestling New Classic (WNC), his first professional wrestling company, he again found himself behind the camera, this time as the company’s official cameraman as well as a full-time professional wrestler, juggling both duties. Filming the action in the ring allowed him to merge his love for martial arts and wrestling with his growing passion for videography.

In many ways, McAvoy’s journey behind the camera mirrors his time in the ring and the dojo—a path that demands dedication, resilience, and a willingness to push boundaries. Today, his ability to combine these worlds not only shapes his artistry but also allows him to connect deeply with his subjects and audiences alike.