Days before the highly anticipated release of the romantic film 'First Kiss 1ST KISS,' leading stars Matsutaka Takako and Hokuto Matsukura of the popular idol group SixTONES took to Tokyo on January 28, 2025, for a promotional event filled with insights and interactions aimed at stirring excitement among fans.
The film showcases the interconnected fate of Kan-na, played by Matsutaka, who, after losing her husband Kakeru, portrayed by Matsukura, embarks on a time-traveling adventure back to when they first met. This soul-stirring premise weaves together elements of love, loss, and second chances, which the cast shared enthusiastically during the event. Matsutaka expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to play such an engaging role, emphasizing, "I didn't expect to be so active on the set. It felt engaging, truly engaging!" This lighthearted reflection hints at the film's deep emotional core alongside its captivating narrative.
Meanwhile, Matsukura, who hails from Shizuoka, elaborated on his motivation behind participating and promoting Shizuoka, declaring, "I want to do my best to make Shizuoka more uplifting." His hometown pride shone through as he recounted delicious fruit sandwiches he brought to his co-star mat alongside. It was touching for Matsutaka, who remarked, "He provided so much fruit sandwiches, and I enjoyed them immensely," referring to the local delicacy which symbolizes the region’s culinary charm.
Both actors discussed the differing dynamics brought about by their considerable age gap of 18 years, with Matsukura being 29 and Matsutaka at 47. They seamlessly navigated this disparity throughout filming, which was underscored by their mutual respect and camaraderie. Matsutaka noted, "I just flowed with the image created by the director and cast, and I think it worked out well. I just acted as I wanted to during the filming process without holding back at all." Conversely, Matsukura expressed his admiration for Matsutaka's dynamic presence. "Portraying her husband challenged me tremendously, but she facilitated the experience and set the tone for ease," he remarked with gratitude.
During the event, Matsukura also took the opportunity to reflect on his experiences at the recent Academy Awards, where he received accolades including Best New Actor. Despite this honor, he humorously disclosed his embarrassment over his acceptance speech. "I regretted saying 'sorry' during my Academy Awards speech; if only I had ended with gratitude instead," he shared with the audience as laughter erupted. This moment not only broke the ice but also revealed Matsukura's candid nature as he connected with fans by sharing relatable vulnerabilities.
'First Kiss 1ST KISS' is not only compelling due to its unique plot premise but also by the emotional performances of its lead actors. The film, shot primarily around the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, is aiming for release on February 7, 2025. Matsutaka noted the planning the crew had to undertake, sharply anchoring the core scenes of time travel and emotional leaps around these majestic surroundings, stating, "I think the symbolism of Mount Fuji allows for expressions of revival and connections; it’s perfectly metaphoric for the restorative themes of the film."
Fans across the nation were treated to live broadcasts, where enthusiastic feedback streamed through post-it notes showcased on stage at the event. Touching messages like “I found Matsukura-kun’s acting to be the best!” highlighted the audience's engagement and excitement moments before the film's release. Both actors appeared genuinely affected by the affection and encouragement from their audience. Matsukura remarked, "I'm so glad to hear such uplifting feedback—thank you for your kind words!"
With close to 16,000 viewers engaging with the event nationwide, the interest surrounding 'First Kiss 1ST KISS' is palpable, portraying heightened anticipation as it approaches its theatrical release. The film's stirring message, coupled with captivating performances from Matsutaka and Matsukura, promises to spark emotional discussions about love—both lost and rekindled. This movie, blending engaging storytelling with poignant reflections, is set to be a memorable cinematic experience for audiences everywhere.