Suzu Hirose, the prominent Japanese actress, recently attended the premiere of her new film "Yukite Kaeranu" alongside her co-stars Masaki Okada and Daisei Kido. The event celebrated the launch of this highly anticipated movie, which explores the lives of the real-life actress Yasuko Hasegawa and poet Chūya Nakahara during the Taisho and early Showa eras.
Hirose, who plays the leading role of Hasegawa, expressed her excitement about the film's release, remarking, "I’m so happy to finally be here after two years since we shot this film. I’m eager to hear how audiences will react to it." Her comment captured the anticipation swirling around the movie as it opened nationwide.
During the premiere, Hirose shared her thoughts on Kido’s performance portraying Nakahara, calling it "pure and fresh, like freshly harvested vegetables." Okada chimed in, playfully emphasizing Kido's youthful demeanor, saying, "Isn’t he exceptionally straightforward for someone his age?" This camaraderie among the cast members highlighted their mutual respect and admiration for one another’s talents.
Echoing her sentiments, Hirose noted Kido's unique presence during filming, likening it to having "lots of moisture" and described him as embodying the essence of everything fresh and vibrant. Okada elaborated on this, adding, "He has this wonderful freshness about him, almost like he’s been continuously rejuvenated with water!"
Reflecting on the casting of Kido, Hirose mentioned the extensive search for the right actor to play Nakahara, commenting, "It took considerable time, but everyone celebrated when Kido was finally chosen. His intensity was captivating, as if he dove right at the director with his performance. It was incredible—truly the embodiment of Nakahara!"
The film addresses complex themes of youth, love, and ambition during a transformative period for Japan. Hirose's character confronts relationships rife with affection and rivalry, creating compelling drama throughout the narrative. The director, Yoshitaro Negishi, acknowledged the hard work and patience involved over the years leading to this premiere, stating, "After being involved for such a long time, to see the film come to life today feels like a dream."
During the discussions, Hirose also reminisced about her early career experiences, recounting her first leading role where she had to learn extensive dialogues. She recalled, "I was just 16. There were episodes packed with more than ten pages of script, and I would spend hours preparing with the producers. One time, I had to figure it all out on my own, which led to some intense disagreements with the producer—an unforgettable part of my youth!"
The atmosphere at the premiere buzzed with excitement and nostalgia, as Hirose interacted warmly with the audience. She asked attendees directly for feedback on the film, eager to understand their perspectives and experiences. Seeing the audience's positive reactions and applause reinforced her belief in the movie's impact and emotional resonance.
She addressed the attendees, expressing her hope: "I think everyone will interpret this film differently. I can’t wait to hear how it resonates with you!"
Hirose's reflections extended beyond her role, as she tied her experiences to the film's narrative. She mentioned the themes of youthful passion, reflecting, "Our characters embody such fervent desires and intense emotions. It’s powerful to have storylines intertwined with personal growth, respect, and jealousy."
During the event, the cast participated in light-hearted storytelling, sharing humorous memories from their earlier days. Okada recalled his own youthful challenges, mentioning, "There was this moment I was involved with a band, and I just couldn’t keep up during our big performance. I ended up cramped and unable to play!"
Kido, adding to the humor, shared his misadventures with online gaming where he said, "I recently played with some younger kids and apparently cost them the game! I got quite the stern talking to from them!"
These anecdotes allowed the trio to bond with the audience, showcasing their playful personalities outside of their dramatic roles. They created an atmosphere filled with laughter and connection, reminding everyone present why they admired these actors.
The premiere's success lies not only in Hirose's presence but the team's overall chemistry and shared passion for the storytelling. They have seamlessly translated historical figures and themes to modern audiences, potentially captivating new fans eager to explore Japan’s artistic heritage.
Hirose’s interplay with her co-stars and the attending fans punctuated the premiere, with themes of friendship and artistic growth taking center stage. She concluded the event saying, "This film is not just about history; it’s also about our human experiences. I hope everyone feels touched by it."