A wave of excitement swept through Tokyo on November 13, as the premiere event for the Netflix series Sayonara no Tsuzuki took place at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills. Star-studded and filled with emotion, the event featured the lead actors Kasumi Arimura and Kentaro Sakaguchi, alongside co-stars Tomoharu Ikuta, Yuri Nakamura, and Toshiro Mifune, as well as the creative team behind the show, including scriptwriter Keiwa Okada and director Hiroshi Kurosaki.
At the heart of Sayonara no Tsuzuki lies a poignant romantic narrative: it tells the story of Saeko Sugawara (played by Arimura), who struggles with the pain of losing her fiancé Yusuke Nakamachi (Ikuta) due to a tragic accident. Meanwhile, Norimasa Naruse (Sakaguchi), the university staff member who receives Yusuke's heart through transplant surgery, experiences haunting memories of Yusuke. This complex intertwining of lives raises questions about love, loss, and the very essence of connection.
Principle photography for the series took place last year, with Arimura noting how much the characters and story consumed her thoughts throughout the process. "I’m incredibly happy to reach this day with everyone here," she expressed during the emotional gathering. Director Kurosaki reflected on the creative labor behind the series, asserting, "We’ve worked hard together, pouring our all every single day. This moment is remarkable for everyone involved." Scriptwriter Okada highlighted the show's aspirations, aiming for viewers to desire to see more after watching the first two episodes.
Arimura recounted her experience when she first saw the completed show, particularly during the Busan International Film Festival where she shed tears as the audience reacted emotionally with her character's moments of grief. "Every word, every emotion hit painfully deep," she shared. Sakaguchi chimed in, acknowledging the shared familiarity with loss many viewers could relate to, stating, “I hope this story acts as support for those who’ve experienced similar feelings of missing someone.”
Ikuta, reflecting on his role as Yusuke, expressed the significant responsibility he felt, stressing how important it was for audiences to carry forward the essence of his character's joyful spirit throughout the series. He revealed the intensive preparation involved, stating, "I spent over six months practicing the piano scenes, starting from knowing nothing about the instrument. My seventy-fifth lesson was all about pinpointing the note ‘do’, which was quite the experience for novices!" His commitment underlined the dedication involved, as Okada requested authenticity and real involvement from the cast.
Nakamura, who portrays Norimasa's supportive wife, Mikiko, mentioned reading accounts from families of heart transplant recipients to prepare for her role. She plans to share this compelling series with others to evoke deep emotional connections. Meanwhile, Mifune, playing Hiro, the protector and supporter of Saeko, vehemently praised the storytelling, expressing how the script's nuanced representation of women captivated him so much he lost track of time watching. “The themes are soul-stirring, especially the strength and grace of the female characters,” he remarked.
Sayonara no Tsuzuki is not only remarkable for its story and acting; it is also beautifully shot, capturing breathtaking locales from Hokkaido to Hawaii, showcasing the exotic and poignant backdrop of the characters' emotional journeys. Each promotional material resonates with sentimentality and visual storytelling, painting why many attended the premiere.
Set to stream worldwide from November 14, Netflix's Sayonara no Tsuzuki promises to be more than just another series—it's positioned as an emotional exploration of love held against the bittersweet backdrop of heartache and healing. The anticipation surrounding the show is palpable as cast and crew wish to inspire audiences by inviting them to reflect on their connections and the love they hold for their loved ones. The series also features the original song “Azalea” by renowned artist Kenshi Yonezu, which emphasizes and engrains its emotional depth.
This series arrives at the perfect time as audiences seek genuine storytelling amid modern distractions. By intertwining relatable experiences with compelling characters, Netflix aims to strike chords with viewers worldwide.
The event concluded with heartfelt remarks from the crew, emphasizing the importance of the messages carried forth by their artistic endeavors and inviting fans to join them on this emotional ride when Sayonara no Tsuzuki becomes available for streaming.
