The recent promotional activities surrounding Ueda Ouka's much-anticipated film, 366 Days, released on January 10, 2025, are capturing significant attention as the lead actors, Akaso Eiji and Kamishiraishi Moka, share their experiences both on social media and during interviews. The film, inspired by Okinawan band HY’s hit song titled 366 Days, intertwines narrative elements of young love with broader themes of familial affection, making it relatable to many viewers.
On the same day the film came out, Kamishiraishi took to Instagram, excitedly sharing, "Moka got the 'Mokapon'!" to promote her collaboration which features the movie’s branding on specially labeled ponzu sauce. This social media post quickly garnered responses from her fans, who were charmed by the concept. They flooded her comments with questions such as, "Where can I buy the Mokapon?" and affirming the fun idea with playful remarks like, "Let's eat hot pot with Mokapon tonight!" This light-hearted interaction between the actress and her supporters provides insight not just about her film, but also about her connection to the audience, which is becoming increasingly evident during these promotional efforts.
The excitement didn't stop at social media. Akaso Eiji also opened up about his experiences on TBS's A-Studio+ where he discussed the challenges he faced during filming, particularly during the kissing scenes with Kamishiraishi. Reflecting on the filming dynamics, he said, "It was super embarrassing. Having to kiss someone you know well can be awkward, especially when you start out as just friends." This acknowledgment of the unique scenario they faced certainly adds depth to his on-screen portrayal of first love.
The actors had previously established camaraderie throughout their filming on both 366 Days and the TBS drama Penduting Train, creating chemistry as they transitioned from friends to romantic partners on screen. Akaso mentioned, “It’s really hard to handle the feelings of suddenly being lovers after being friends… at first, it felt really strange.” Their candid reflections offer fans both amusement and empathy, showcasing the vulnerability involved with their roles and how they navigated their feelings throughout the filming process.
Fujigaya Taisuke, another actor involved, added levity to the conversation about intimate scenes, asserting, "Isn’t it just like action?" He explained how kissing on screen requires delivering moments with beauty, ensuring the portrayal of affection is far from trivial, echoing Akaso's sentiment about the weight of their performances. This perspective frames acting not merely as romantic exchanges but as deeply choreographed interactions, building emotional connections with the audience.
Kamishiraishi's reflections during her social media presence also highlighted how her character, Tamaki Miumi, experiences complex emotions throughout the narrative. “This film tells more than just a love story; it dives deep, exploring parent-child relationships and various forms of love,” she emphasized, underscoring the film's broader narrative arch. The actress expressed her gratitude: “I hope this heartfelt film reaches everyone,” capturing the essence of the film’s message. Her commentary resonates with viewers longing for both romantic and familial storytelling.
Fans responded positively, sharing remarks like, “This is such positive sharing of memories!” alongside excitement about the film's beautifully captured narratives filmed partly on the picturesque settings of Okinawa. Kamishiraishi’s posts included stunning sunset shots, offering glimpses of the film's aesthetic and emotional ambiance.
Ueda Ouka's film 366 Days isn’t just about young love; it resonates with timeless themes of affection woven through the journeys of its characters. Both Akaso and Kamishiraishi offer engaging insights, fostering relationships through their shared experiences and touching the hearts of fans as they explore the beauty of love, both new and enduring.