With much anticipation building around the upcoming release of the film First Kiss, starring Matsutaka Tori and Matsuoka Kento, the team recently shared insights during a promotional event. Set to hit theaters on February 7, 2025, this romantic tale dives deep beyond the surface of love, capturing the essence of time travel intertwined with heartfelt loss and nostalgia.
Directed by Ayuko Tsukahara, known for her signature storytelling techniques, and produced by Kenji Yamada, First Kiss narrates the poignant story of Kanna, played by Matsutaka Tori. Following the tragic death of her husband Kakeru, portrayed by Matsuoka Kento, Kanna unexpectedly finds herself traveling back fifteen years to change the future and prevent the heart-wrenching accident.
At the event held by Toho, Tsukahara expressed her initial trepidation upon tackling the script written by Yuji Sakimoto, recalling, "I felt the pressure of capturing every word of the script accurately, as I was always inspired by Sakimoto’s works as a child." Her attention to detail and respect for the script's integrity reflect her commitment to storytelling.
Producer Kenji Yamada added, "This film might be considered the Japanese film with the most emphasis on sound," highlighting the significance of auditory elements woven throughout the film. The environmental soundscapes work to immerse viewers, capturing the intricacies of daily life alongside the emotional journeys of the characters.
The film's narrative not only focuses on the comedic aspects of Kanna's time-traveling escapades but also emphasizes the emotional weight of revisiting her relationship with Kakeru. Tsukahara delves deep, explaining, "This story is about moments when something feels missing after losing someone, and it aims to fill those voids." This sentiment resonates throughout the dialogues crafted by Sakimoto, known for his mastery of conversational writing.
A key moment shared during the event included insights on the costume design. The producers and director collaborated closely to craft Kanna’s visually meaningful attire, including her iconic “dorky” T-shirt with illustrations of shaved ice. Tsukahara mentioned, "It was important for Kanna’s clothing to visually express her character’s personality and struggles throughout her narrative arc."
One of the remarkable aspects of the film is its integration of sound, where Tsukahara made unique decisions about sound design to keep the atmosphere engaging. She noted, "I wanted to minimize heavy background music to allow the audience to fully engage with the dialogues and the emotional scenes.” This decision adds layers of realism to the film, allowing for genuine connections to form as the story progresses.
While chatting with the audience, Tsukahara also addressed the casting dynamics. Providing insights about Matsutaka and Matsuoka, she remarked on their chemistry, noting, "Their performances transformed the script from written words to tangible emotions on screen." Tsukahara recounted the moments of collaboration when they shaped their characters, imparting their own flair and depth to the roles.
On the subject of filming locations, Shizuoka plays a pivotal role. During the Q&A, Matsutaka expressed appreciation for the setting, highlighting her love for the area. "Kento introduced us to local flavors like the full fruit sandwiches. It was lovely to combine work and enjoyment during our time there," she said. Matsutaka’s remarks captured the camaraderie and joy inside what could have been yet another tense production process.
Behind the camera, Yamada reflected on the challenges posed during production and how they overcame them through teamwork. He emphasized how pivotal team dynamics are, stating, "We faced numerous obstacles but had each other’s backs throughout." This sense of unity bolstered the project, making the film even more compelling.
Both Matsutaka and Matsuoka appear excited about audiences experiencing the finished product. Sharing their hopes for the film, Matsutaka noted, “I believe our film will resonate with people who have faced loss, and seeing our characters navigate similar paths will inspire empathy.” Matsuoka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the relatability of love showcased across timelines.
The heightened anticipation for First Kiss has caught the attention of film aficionados across Japan, with many eager to see how the complex themes of love and loss materialize on the big screen. With exemplary casting, creative storytelling, and innovative sound design coupled with dazzling cinematography, the film promises to leave lasting impressions on viewers.
Organizers noted the event was not just about dying to see the film’s premiere; it was also about building excitement among fans, demonstrated by engaging them with social media campaigns like #映画ファーストキスに会いに行こう, pushing the boundaries of conventional film promotion. This combination of heartfelt storytelling with enthusiastic marketing strategies sets the stage for what could be one of the most memorable romantic films of the year.