Japanese actress Nana Hiramoto, aged 26, is poised to make a significant mark in the film industry with her latest role in the much-anticipated movie "Nemubaaka," set to hit theaters on March 20, 2025. The film, directed by Yugo Sakamoto, is an adaptation of Masakazu Ishiguro's comic of the same name and is already generating buzz following the success of Sakamoto's previous work, "Baby Waltz."
In "Nemubaaka," Hiramoto takes on the character of Ruka, a young woman aspiring to form her own indie band and achieve success in music. The film delves into the daily lives of university students, exploring themes of friendship and the struggle to transition into adulthood. Hiramoto was inspired to participate in the project after watching "Baby Waltz" during a business trip in Fukuoka. She described the experience as a revelation, feeling as if she had been given a glimpse into a world she longed to be part of.
"When I saw 'Baby Waltz,' I was captivated by the atmosphere and the genuine conversations between the two female leads," Hiramoto said. "It felt like I was peering into their lives, and I thought, 'This is the kind of world I’ve wanted to create!' The director is incredibly talented, and I was thrilled when the chance to work with him arose."
Hiramoto's preparation for the role included a dramatic visual transformation—dyeing her hair blonde and adopting a rocker image to suit Ruka's character. To authentically portray Ruka's laid-back demeanor, especially when she’s not performing, Hiramoto consciously altered her vocal tone. "In live performances, I am high-energy, but in acting, I’ve worked on lowering that down to capture Ruka's more relaxed side," she noted, explaining that she aimed for a more subdued, everyday tone in her dialogue.
The dedication to her craft extended to how she performed in the film. Notably, she chose to perform her own songs in live scenes rather than relying on a voice double, which was a first for her. She spent several months practicing the guitar and mastering the songs, an endeavor she found both challenging and rewarding. "Singing and playing the guitar were brand new for me, so I struggled a lot in the beginning. But this effort mirrored Ruka’s own journey to improve, which made it all the more meaningful for me," Hiramoto explained.
In terms of character development, Hiramoto emphasized the importance of capturing the authenticity of her character’s interactions. She and her co-star, Hisari Kubo, who plays the role of Yumi, underwent extensive rehearsals to refresh the dialogues and chemistry between their characters. The original script contained lines closely mirroring the comic, including expressions of frustration, which Hiramoto and Sakamoto adjusted during their rehearsals to enhance the comedic effect. "We practiced many times to ensure the tones and the dialogues felt organic and relatable to the audience," she remembered.
The film is characterized by its relatable themes and comedic undertones, offering viewers a unique lens into the life of contemporary university students. "This film captures the essence of youth and the challenges faced by young adults today. I hope it resonates with viewers, inspiring them to feel encouraged about moving forward in their lives," Hiramoto said. Her heartfelt approach to embodying Ruka ensures that audiences will connect deeply with her character's journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Hiramoto expressed a profound sense of fulfillment upon viewing the final cut of "Nemubaaka." "While I acted in it, watching it felt surreal, as if Ruka was someone entirely different from me," she commented, alluding to the emotional depth she brought to the role. The collaboration with Sakamoto has given her immense satisfaction, and she is optimistic about how the film will impact viewers.
"With Sakamoto’s unique style and portrayal of day-to-day student life, I believe 'Nemubaaka' will resonate with everyone, providing them with a nostalgic reminder of their youth and motivating them for tomorrow," Hiramoto concluded.
