Locarno: Japanese film director Sho Miyake's "Tabi to Hibi" (Two Seasons, Two Strangers) has won the top prize in the international competition division at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on Saturday. Miyake, 41, was awarded the Pardo d'Oro, or Golden Leopard, prize at the ceremony in Locarno, southern Switzerland.

According to Philippines News Agency, this marks the first time a Japanese movie has received the prestigious award since 2007, when "Ai no Yokan" (The Rebirth), directed by Masahito Kobayashi, won the prize. "Tabi to Hibi" tells the story of a playwright who takes a fresh look at her life following an encounter during a trip, with South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung playing the lead role. The film also features Japanese actor Shinichi Tsutsumi and actress Yumi Kawai.

The film is set to premiere in Japan in November. In his acceptance speech, Miyake expressed pride in the collaborative effort of the cast and crew, stating that they did a really beautiful job.

Additionally, "Massugu na Kubi" (A Very Straight Neck), directed by Neo Sora and starring Japanese actress Sakura Ando, was recognized as the best short film at the festival. Historically, three other Japanese movies have claimed the top prize at Locarno: Teinosuke Kinugasa's "Jigokumon" (Gate of Hell) in 1954, Kon Ichikawa's "Nobi" (Fires on the Plain) in 1961, and Akio Jissoji's "Mujo" (This Transient Life) in 1970.