The much-anticipated premiere of the film 'Yuki no Hana - Tomoni Arite' took place on January 24, 2025, at Marunouchi Piccadilly, featuring actors Matsuzaka Tori, Yaguchi Kyoko, and veteran actor Yakushio Koji. The film, directed by Koizumi Takashi, is set during the turbulent late Edo period of Japan and depicts the real-life endeavors of town doctor Kasahara Ryosaku, portrayed by Matsuzaka, who fights tirelessly against the ravages of smallpox during a period when the disease generated widespread fear.
During the event, Matsuzaka expressed his gratitude to fans, saying, "Thank you so much for choosing to see this film among many new releases. It's been about six years since I worked on a period drama, and I truly realized how wonderful this genre is." His words were heartfelt, and his enthusiasm was palpable.
Notably, this marks the fifth collaboration between Matsuzaka and Yakushio, who plays the role of Western physician Hino Teiya. Yakushio's praise for Matsuzaka was both effusive and humorous. He remarked, "This role of Ryosaku suits Matsuzaka-kun perfectly due to his earnest spirit and his unwavering resolve to pursue his goals. I'm not sure if he's such a good person outside of acting, but he is undeniably the right choice for this role! I could easily fall for him!" The light-hearted jest drew laughter from the audience and added to the celebratory atmosphere of the premiere.
Matsuzaka, with modesty, responded to Yakushio's compliments, stating, "Today, I think I'll be able to sleep peacefully knowing such encouraging words from my senior." His reaction reflected the warmth and camaraderie shared among the cast, which was palpable throughout the event.
The film explores deep themes, focusing on the selflessness and dedication of those who strive to save lives amid devastating challenges. Matsuzaka reflected on the emotional connection he felt with his character, noting, "Hearing Ryosaku's lines during scenes, I felt as if they were speaking directly to me. Each interaction with Yakushio’s character was unique, leaving me with deep impressions and experiences unlike anything I’ve felt before." This acknowledgment highlighted the impactful creative partnership they share.
Yakushio also added, "I believe Matsuzaka-kun is truly irreplaceable for this role; there’s no one else who fits it as well as he does." His sincere compliments solidified the solidified bond between the two actors over their years of working together. The supportive environment created by Yakushio allowed for both actors to flourish and bring out their best performances.
The event wasn’t devoid of lighter moments; the premiere kicked off with a humorous incident where Kyoko’s earrings fell off twice, eliciting laughter and relaxed engagement from the cast and audience. Indeed, the ability to create laughs amid serious discussions reflects the dedication and passion shared by the team involved.
Filmed under the expert direction of Koizumi Takashi, who has previously collaborated with legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, 'Yuki no Hana' pays tribute to the late cameraman Ueda Masaharu, who recently passed away. Koizumi shared, "We concluded his funeral just yesterday. He was such a brilliant cameraman. It's tragic to lose someone of his caliber, especially since this film is not only my tribute to him but also his final work. The beauty and essence he captured will resonate best on the screen. His presence on set brought immense energy and professionalism, and the cast and crew were fortunate to work beside someone so talented."
Koizumi's sentiments about Ueda underscored the film’s dedication to its collaborators and highlighted the importance of every team member’s contribution. The passion and dedication shared by the makers of 'Yuki no Hana' hopefully resonate with audiences, urging them to safeguard not only this film but preserving memories of the insightful and talented professionals who contributed to it.
Through heartfelt exchanges and reflections during the stage greeting, the audience was offered glimpses not only of the film’s narrative but also the strong relationships formed behind the camera, which undoubtedly translated to the richness of the film. 'Yuki no Hana - Tomoni Arite' is now showing nationwide, encouraging viewers to engage with the artistry and emotion presented within its story.