Ishihara Yūsuke recently took to the stage at the Nostalgic 2days 2025 event, sharing intriguing stories drawn from his experiences filming the iconic Japanese drama "Seibu Keisatsu," known for its thrilling car chases and intense action.
During his talk at Pacifico Yokohama, Ishihara took the audience on a trip down memory lane, recalling how some of the series' most exhilarating moments were captured right where they stood. “This area (around the venue) was probably the Nissan factory. Just after it finished and became vacant, we shot the gunfight here (laugh),” he revealed, igniting laughter from the crowd.
He elaborated on one memorable shooting sequence: “The RS (the Nissan Skyline-based RS-2 driven by Ishihara's character) chased and we had the gunfight around here.” His vivid recollections of dramatic stunts and on-location antics captivated the nostalgia-filled audience, reminding everyone of the excitement the show once promised.
Not only did Ishihara share tales from the sets, but he also discussed the vehicles used during the series. He noted some amusing aspects about the cars’ legal requirements back then. “The RS-1 was roadworthy, but some vehicles like the Fairlady we used didn't pass inspection and were considered modified vehicles, so we transported them for shoots. It was thrilling to travel with the signs identifying us as from 'Seibu Keisatsu,' much like having a circus arrive in town,” he laughed.
Ishihara's nostalgic storytelling did not stop there. He also described the overwhelming fanfare they experienced during exterior filming, particularly during locations like Kagawa Prefecture. “I’ll never forget the day we arrived by ferry. When the ramp opened, there were 50,000 people waiting; it was packed with fans,” he said, underlining the series’ massive popularity at the time.
The actor reflected on the impact of such moments: “After we finished shooting, we couldn't return to our hotel like normal. A typical five-minute drive turned to one or two hours because people flocked just to catch glimpses of us.” This connection with the fans reveals the essence of the show's cultural importance.
The grandeur reached such heights at times, Ishihara jokingly stated, “We had to step onto the hotel terrace and introduce ourselves individually—‘I’m Ishihara Yūjiro,’ ‘I’m Watanabe Tetsuya’—to calm the crowd and let them know we were back for filming.” His candidness about such remarkable events draws parallels to modern-day celebrity encounters.
MC Hiroki Ando, who moderated the session, remarked on the spectacle, comparing it to “the January public audience with the Emperor,” capturing the gravity of the excitement surrounding the Ishihara Productions team during their peak years.
Nostalgic 2days 2025 is not just about storytelling but celebrates Japan’s automotive heritage. Organized by Geibunsha, it serves as one of the country’s largest classic car shows, prominently showcasing Japanese classic cars alongside various established shops and parts manufacturers.
Attendees marvel at the display of rare vehicles and immerse themselves in the restoration, showcasing the revival of the automotive treasures Japan has to offer. Such events not only preserve history but also stir fond memories among the participants.
For many fans of "Seibu Keisatsu," coming together at events like Nostalgic 2days goes beyond just cars; it’s about revisiting the magic and nostalgia of their favorite show and the camaraderie it built over years of dedicated fandom. Ishihara’s reflections serve as reminders of the beloved series' place within pop culture, bridging generations of viewers.