Today : Mar 31, 2025
Arts & Culture
28 March 2025

Star-Studded Event Celebrates Robbie Williams' BETTER MAN

Comedian Nagano, skater Oda, and influencer Ojyas promote the film's emotional depth and themes of resilience.

In a lively pre-release event for the much-anticipated film BETTER MAN, held on March 27, 2025, at TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi, a trio of notable personalities took center stage to share their excitement and insights about the movie. The event featured comedian Nagano, professional figure skater Nobunari Oda, and popular TikTok creator Ojyas, each expressing their admiration for the film and its star, Robbie Williams.

Nagano, a self-proclaimed fan of Williams, opened the event with an enthusiastic presentation, stating, "This is the most moving work since the beginning of this year." His passion was evident as he reflected on the film's emotional depth, urging attendees to connect with its universal themes. He highlighted Williams' impressive career, noting that the pop star has achieved 15 number-one albums in the UK and sold over 8.5 million albums worldwide. Nagano also mentioned the record-breaking attendance of 375,000 fans at Knebworth over three days in 2003 and the Guinness World Record for selling approximately 1.6 million tickets in a single day during the Close Encounters Tour.

As the event unfolded, Nobunari Oda, who recently retired from competitive figure skating, took the stage in a dramatic fashion, performing a series of spins to the tune of Williams' iconic song, "Angels." Oda shared his personal connection to the song, explaining that he had skated to it during his final performance program. "I really enjoyed using 'Angels' for two years because I wanted to find a song that no one else had used in figure skating," he remarked, adding that the film moved him to tears. "The last few minutes are a tearjerker. It's a wonderful piece of work," he emphasized, further detailing three emotional highlights from the film: the protagonist's light and shadow, the impactful last scene, and the portrayal of a bond with a grandmother.

Ojyas, dressed in a stunning pink outfit, brought a youthful exuberance to the event. He expressed his enthusiasm for the film, stating, "This work is full of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, and depicts the ups and downs of life. Dancing is also a highlight." His vibrant personality shone through as he discussed the film's emotional range and the captivating musical numbers, including a scene featuring the song "She's The One." Ojyas' comments resonated with the audience, as he reflected on how the film inspires viewers to move forward in their lives.

During the event, a surprising revelation emerged when Oda and Ojyas discovered their shared hometown and high school background. Oda expressed his astonishment, stating, "I’ve lived here for about 30 years, but I’ve never seen someone like Ojyas before." This unexpected connection added a personal touch to the event, much to the delight of the audience.

In a lighthearted moment, Ojyas revealed that his striking pink hair was actually a wig, humorously referring to it as "business pink." This confession elicited laughter from the crowd, prompting Oda to jokingly mention that his wife currently has pink hair, further emphasizing the fun atmosphere of the event.

As the presentations concluded, the trio reunited on stage for a lively dance performance to Williams' hit song "Rock DJ." Their energetic display captivated the audience, showcasing their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the film. The event ended on a high note, with Nagano declaring, "This is not just a tear-jerker; it’s a masterpiece that reveals the entirety of the human experience," while Oda noted, "The film allows viewers to see themselves in every scene, making it a remarkable piece of storytelling." Ojyas added, "For those who have never seen a musical, this film is enjoyable from start to finish, leaving you feeling as if candy is falling from the sky!"

The film BETTER MAN, directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, explores the life of Robbie Williams, depicting his rise to fame, struggles, and rebirth through a vibrant narrative filled with music and emotion. With its official release set for March 28, 2025, the film promises to resonate with audiences both familiar with Williams and those new to his story.

As anticipation builds for the film's release, the insights shared by Nagano, Oda, and Ojyas at the pre-release event have undoubtedly heightened interest. Their heartfelt presentations and lively interactions showcased not only their admiration for Robbie Williams but also the universal themes of resilience and the human experience that the film encapsulates.