■ “It feels strange to see a work I shot a year ago being released to the public for the first time, but I’m happy that everyone has seen it.” (Sakurazaka46, Fujiyoshi Karin)
The film “Shinmai Kisha Torokko: If I Don’t Do It, Who Will?”, which teams up with Sakurazaka46 member Fujiyoshi Karin, who is starring in her first film, and director Kobayashi Keiichi, who directed “Love is Light” (22), was released nationwide on August 9th.
A stage greeting was held to commemorate the release on August 10th. On the day, six students appeared on stage: Fujiyoshi Karin, who plays the main character Tokoro Yui, who struggles as a rookie reporter “Torokko”, Takaishi Akari, who plays Sugihara Kasane, the unconventional newspaper club president who manipulates Yui, Kumada Rinka, who plays Saionji Mari, the star of the school and president of the literature club, Nakai Tomo, who plays Onda Haruna, the vice-president of the newspaper club, and Tsuna Keito, who plays Matsuyama Aki, a mysterious former member of the literature club. In addition, director Kobayashi Keiichi, who directed the film, also appeared.
The audience was thrilled as the panelists expressed their joy at the film’s final release, and in keeping with the title “Reporter,” each of them shared their recent scoops and new challenges they wanted to tackle. They also answered questions submitted by the public on Official X.
[Event Report]
A stage greeting to commemorate the release of the film “Shinmai Kisha Torokko: If I don’t do it, who will?” was held at Theater Shinjuku on August 10th, with the participation of lead actress Fujiyoshi Karin (Sakurazaka46), co-stars Takaishi Akari, Kumada Rinka, Nakai Tomo, Tsuna Keito, and director Kobayashi Keiichi.
Fujiyoshi, who plays the role of Yui Tokoro, a rookie reporter in the newspaper club, is making her first film appearance and first lead role. In front of a packed house with tickets immediately sold out, she honestly expressed her feelings, saying, “It feels strange to see a film I shot a year ago being released to the public for the first time, but I’m happy that everyone has seen it.”
When asked about the most memorable scene, she said, “It was the scene where I said goodbye to Kasane (Takaishi). I didn’t know what I was feeling at the time, but there was a moment when I felt like I was going to cry.” Takaishi, who plays the role of Sugihara Kasane, the president of the newspaper club, nodded in agreement, saying, “It was a moment that gave me goosebumps.”
Kumada, who plays the role of the literary club’s captain, Saionji Mari, commented behind the scenes, “This was a character I had never played before, so I had many sessions with the director to create it.”
Nakai, who plays the role of the vice-president of the newspaper club, Onda Haruna, recalled how she created the role, saying, “Unlike the other characters, she is the most normal girl. As Kasane and Yui accelerate, I wanted to play Haruna as someone who can slow them down.” Fujiyoshi expressed his respect for his co-stars, saying, “I thought it was cool how everyone was so manly and composed.”
Tsuna, who plays Matsuyama Aki, a former member of the literature club who is involved behind the scenes of the club, said, “I’ve had many opportunities to play jokey guys, so this time I wanted to play a character who is carrying something inside, so it was fun.” He commented on the finished film, saying, “This movie has a charm that is unique to it, and I felt that it offered youth entertainment that could only be experienced in this movie.”
At the recent preview screening, a letter from the director, who was absent that day, was read out. Tsuna expressed his gratitude, saying, “In the letter, I was glad that it was you, Tsuna.” Director Kobayashi replied with a smile, “I’d like to go out for a drink again!”
Nakai also said, “The director communicated clearly with me through words even during filming, so I had no worries or regrets. I was happy to know that the director felt the same way.” Kumada said, “It felt like we were creating it together with the director, so it was a really enjoyable shoot.” Takaishi reflected, “The director told me I could do whatever I wanted during filming, so I was able to live as Kasane. I’m grateful to the director for creating such a set.”
Fujiyoshi said, “During filming, there were many things I experienced for the first time, and it felt like I was in a dark room, but now that filming is over and time has passed, I look back and realize that it was a precious, happy time and I felt things I’d never felt before. I was happy when Director Kobayashi called me his ‘comrade in arms’ in the letter I received.” Director Kobayashi also spoke of his extraordinary resolve, saying, “We were filming with the intention of committing suicide together.”
In keeping with the contents of the movie, a close scoop was introduced in the style of a news headline. Kumada, who is 164cm tall, made a surprising self-declaration, saying, “My height has now made it onto my official profile! I’ve grown taller! This is my report.”
Tsuna, who was asked about his body modification, laughed shyly and said, “I had two moles removed and my body is now beautiful and smooth.”
Director Kobayashi reported, “I bought a guitar while I was drunk,” and Nakai, who asked, “What solution has he found to overcome his poor self-control?”, revealed that he is currently struggling to prevent himself from losing his house keys, saying, “I wanted to do something about my habit of losing them, so I bought five key chains to attach to my keys.”
Takaishi said, “Is this my workplace? I’m eating a ton of popcorn while I’m working,” and added embarrassed, “When I visit movie theaters for stage greetings or other occasions, I end up eating the popcorn that’s prepared in the dressing room.”
Fujiyoshi, who said he was “making his debut in XX,” revealed, “I bought a record player. But I’m not very good at operating it, so the sound is always buzzing and I can’t use it to its full potential.”
In keeping with the “Rookie” title, when asked what they would like to try, they answered “watching sports” (Tsuna), “sports” (Kumada), “bungee jumping” (Nakai), and “guitar” (Director Kobayashi).
Takaishi, who loves rice, announced, “I’m taking on the ‘new rice’ challenge! I’m trying out different kinds of rice.”
Fujiyoshi, who says he is a furniture maker, expressed an interest in DIY, saying, “I’m so into furniture that I went to a nearby antique shop and carried a desk home with me. So I’d like to try making it myself.” However, Takaishi was surprised when he revealed that he “carried the desk home, which took about 15 minutes,” asking, “Fujiyoshi Karin carried a desk home with her? That means someone saw you do that, right?” Fujiyoshi was embarrassed and said, “It was quite noticeable…”
Finally, Director Kobayashi expressed his expectations with a touch of humor, saying, “We all consulted together and worked hard to create this film. I would be happy if you could spread the word about your honest opinions of praise.”
The lead actor, Fujiyoshi, concluded by saying, “I’m happy that people have been able to see this film, which I made with the involvement of so many people.If you like it, I’d be happy if you would watch it at least once more,” and the audience erupted in warm applause.
Movie Information
“Shinmai Kisha Torokko: If I don’t do it, who will?”
Released on August 9th (Friday) at Theater Shinjuku, Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro, and other locations
Cast: Fujiyoshi Karin (Sakurazaka46)
Akari Takaishi, Rinka Kumada, Tomo Nakai, Keito Tsuna
Nene Sotohara Yutaro Hibiki Yagi Miwako Kakei
Saburo Ishikura / Masahiro Takashima
Director: Keiichi Kobayashi
Screenplay: Daisuke Ohno
Original story: Shotaro Miyagawa
Music/Theme song: “Rebellion” by Clenazm
Distribution and promotion: Toei Video, SPOTTED PRODUCTIONS
(C) 2024 “If I don’t do it, who will?” Production Committee
Official website for the movie “If I don’t do it, who will?”
torokko-movie.jp
