The premiere of the much-anticipated film "Lonely Gourmet" took place on January 10 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, featuring key contributions from its director, writer, and lead actor, Matsushige Yutaka, alongside cast members Uchida Yūya, Isomura Yūto, Murata Yūhō, and Odagiri Joe. Special guest Yoo Jae-myung also graced the event, creating excitement among attendees.
Based on the beloved hard-boiled gourmet manga created by Kusumi Masayuki and illustrated by Taniguchi Jiro, the film acts as the cinematic extension of the hit drama series first aired by TV Tokyo back in 2012. The narrative revolves around the character Goro, played by Matsushige, who is depicted wandering through different locales, sampling culinary delights from varied eateries, reflecting the series' unique charm and engaging story.
Matsushige, reflecting on his long tenure portraying Goro, expressed gratitude during the event, stating, "I never thought I would stand here for the movie after playing Goro for 13 years. It’s been remarkable to show you all this today with such wonderful cast members." He humorous added, "Are you all hungry?" inviting laughter from the audience, highlighting the film's intent to whet appetites.
Co-stars, including Murata, shared their excitement about being part of the film project, which he's been involved with for 13 years. "I'm blessed to still be connected to this project with such talented individuals," said Murata, reflecting on his character, Takiyama, and their history together.
The event also unveiled the inclusion of Enishi, played by Endo Kenichi, whose role was kept under wraps until the premiere. Matsushige couldn't help but recount their history of sharing roles, saying, "It's been fun working with Endo; often, when I couldn't do it, he would step up and vice versa." This collaboration added layers of familiarity and nostalgia to the film.
Odagiri Joe, who portrays the owner of the Chinese restaurant "Sanselite," said he thoroughly enjoyed the filming experience, reinforcing the positive atmosphere on set. He mentioned, "I had such rich moments during filming alongside great talent like Endo. There's something immensely soul-stirring about sharing the screen with him."
The presence of Yoo Jae-myung added another layer of excitement. Known for his roles, including the chairman Jung Tae-hee on the popular drama “Itaewon Class,” Yoo surprised the audience with his unexpected appearance. Matsushige commented, "We wanted to create nuanced communication scenes without relying solely on dialogue." Yoo echoed these sentiments, sharing, "It was poignant how we connected without words. The feelings shared during filming were genuine and heartening. It has left me with amazing memories."
Uchida Yūki, who played Shihō, had similar reflections about her experience. "Having the two of them performing unscripted moments during scenes created outstanding moments of chemistry and connection. It was extraordinary to experience the flow between them on screen and off."
Both Odagiri and Uchida also approached their characters, each reflecting their past experiences through their scenes. Uchida noted how filming one sunset scene enhanced her portrayal, contributing significantly to her character's depth. "Seeing the sunset whilst reflecting on him gave me happiness and clarity about Shihō's relationship with the restaurant owner," Uchida said.
The camaraderie among the cast was evident. Matsushige spoke fondly of his time alongside Yoo, mentioning their humorous back and forth during filming, contributing to the film’s creativity. Matsushige joked, "When I arrived at press tours, some reporters proclaimed to me, 'You are more famous than Ohtani Sohei within Korean territories.' It arches my ego, not gonna lie!"
The film is expected to make waves not only within Japan but also with planned screenings across South Korea, where Matsushige has garnered attention. He stated his eagerness to attend promotional events, emotions high from the anticipation of seeing how the film resonates with international audiences.
Overall, the film is not just about meals; it is about the essence of shared moments and the friendships nurtured along the way. With its heartfelt narrative and delightful character portrayals, it promises to keep viewers eager for more culinary adventures.