On March 14, 2025, actor Takao Osawa received the Best Supporting Actor award at the 48th Japan Academy Film Awards held at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, Tokyo. This marked Osawa's first win for his role as Wang Qi, the iconic general, in the blockbuster film 'Kingdom: Return of the Great General'. The movie is the fourth installment of the popular 'Kingdom' series, adapted from the hit manga by Yasuhisa Hara.
Osawa, who gained approximately 20 kilograms for the role, expressed immense gratitude during his acceptance speech. He reflected on the seven years he spent preparing for the character and remarked, "I have been thinking about how to uplift the lead actor, Kento Yamazaki, throughout this time. I realized I was supported by many, including the cast and staff who are here today and those who couldn’t make it." His heartfelt words conveyed the importance of teamwork and collaboration, celebrating not just his achievement, but the collective effort behind the film.
The ceremony was attended by various notable figures, including Kento Yamazaki, who won the Best Actor award for the same project. Yamazaki's performance has been praised highly, setting expectations for the entire cast to deliver exceptional action sequences. Osawa acknowledged this, noting the pressure of matching the lead actor's high performance levels, saying, "The pressure was there to surpass what Yamazaki-kun was doing, as he was performing at such a high level. Everyone on set had the determination, and for this, I can only express my gratitude."
During the event, Osawa’s transformation and commitment to the role captured the audience's attention. His physical changes, especially the weight gain, reflected the depth of his dedication to portraying Wang Qi, whom fans hold dear.
Winning this award resonates with Osawa's long career, where he has previously been nominated multiple times. He mentioned, "I didn’t prepare any words for this moment, but I truly feel happy to receive this honor. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone who supported me, including the staff and the numerous fans who came to theaters." His ability to articulate feelings of gratitude points to the humility often seen among successful artists.
Osawa’s praise didn't stop there; he highlighted the astounding work of his fellow nominees. He thanked the audience inside and outside the venue, emphasizing the role every viewer plays by choosing to support cinematic arts. The nature of gratitude expressed during acceptance speeches is significant, shedding light on the appreciation actors have for their careers and the audiences supporting them.
The awards night also featured several other accolades, with the film 'Kingdom: Return of the Great General' garnering significant attention across multiple categories. The film achieved remarkable box office success, raking in over 8.03 billion yen, ranking as the third highest-grossing film of 2024, showcasing the compelling nature of the Kingdom series.
Aside from Osawa, the Best Supporting Actor nominees included Seiyo Uechi for 'Hakkenden', Masaki Okada for 'Last Mile', Jiro Sato for 'Anno Koto', and Takayuki Yamada for 'Shoutai'. This strong competition adds to the achievement of Osawa, marking his first win out of two nominations for supporting roles, emphasizing the importance of tonight’s recognition.
Following the ceremony, Osawa was interviewed, and he admitted, "I didn’t expect to win; I had no words prepared!" This candidness reflects the shock many winners feel upon receiving prestigious honors, adding to the human aspect of these award events. Comments shared by Osawa during interviews highlight the rigorous nature of filming where physical demands can lead to intense experiences on set. He humorously mentioned, "The smell of pain relief spray was always nearby due to the arduous action scenes we had to perform on set!"
Overall, the evening was a reflection of the Japanese film industry's enduring talent and dedication. The combination of success, hard work, and shared enjoyment among filmmakers, actors, and the audience celebrate the industry’s vibrant culture. Osawa’s heartfelt speech and victorious moment will likely linger, marking it as an impactful highlight of his illustrious career.