On March 16, 2025, Snow Man's Tatsuya Watanabe and actress Yuiko Kote, among others, graced the production presentation for the highly anticipated horror film 'Accident Property: Terrifying Room', directed by Hideo Nakata. Set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, this film continues the eerie legacy established by its predecessor, which became a massive success upon its release.
Watanabe takes on the lead role of Yahiro, the accident property resident entertainer, positioning himself at the forefront of the terrifying tales spun within the narrative, which is based on the true-life experiences of Tanishi Matsubara. His on-screen romantic partner, Kote, portrays Kasuga Hanane, Yahiro’s love interest. Notably, this marks Kote's first foray with Nakata, often cited as a master of horror.
Kote recounted her experience filming, excitedly stating, "The shooting went too smoothly, and I was able to go home early every day." Watanabe humorously seized on this, reflecting, "I thought, 'Actresses leave quickly, don't they?'" This fun banter highlighted the friendly rapport between the cast members, with Kote quickly dismissing the claim, insisting her departures were filled with bittersweet emotions.
During the press conference, Watanabe shared some quirky insights about his co-star. He commented, "Every day, I saw her bringing shampoo and treatment bottles to the set. I found it intriguing!" Kote chuckled at her co-star's bewilderment, stating he carried the products because he preferred visiting the bathhouse rather than going home directly after shooting.
Keitaro Yoshida, who plays Kiyoshi Fujiyoshi, the president of Yahiro's entertainment agency, also chimed in with reflections on Kote’s performance. He remembered their first scene together, which was particularly important yet filled with tension. "I felt pretty uncomfortable, and she seemed aloof. It was as if there was another person today," Yoshida jested. His comments drew laughter, with Watanabe chiming in, "I totally get it. Actresses are scary!" This camaraderie and light-hearted teasing created an engaging atmosphere at the event.
Reflecting on the film's reasons behind its creation, Nakata explained the significance of the characters’ emotional journeys, remarking, "Today, they might be smiling and tomorrow they might seem cold—each day brings something different to the performance." Kote stressed her intention to portray Hanane authentically, stating, "I’m not difficult at all; I was just a bit shy!" This comedic exchange illustrated the distinct personality dynamics among the cast.
With the eve of the film's release looming near, its array of engaging narratives and chilling atmospheres stirs excitement among eager fans. The anticipation peaking with the promising performances of Watanabe and Kote assures audiences of a captivating addition to the horror genre.
'Accident Property: Terrifying Room' taps deep-rooted psychological fears, aiming to re-immerse viewers in the unsettling world of haunted properties, mirroring its predecessor's successful execution which grossed over 2.34 billion yen. With both returning and new elements, this film promises to deliver yet another ghastly yet enthralling cinematic experience.
Overall, the press conference aligned perfectly with the film’s theme, contrasting light-hearted moments with the grave terror awaiting audiences. With the film's national release set for July, both Kote and Watanabe are described as exemplary, enhancing the chilling narrative crafted by master director Nakata.