Director Kazuya Shiraishi’s Journey into Historical Dramas and the Prideful Aesthetic

Was the encounter with actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, whom Director Shiraishi praises so highly, indeed significant?

“Of course. If Kusanagi-san hadn’t wanted to do a period drama, I might not have made this film. He was indispensable; I couldn’t imagine anyone else.”

This film boasts an impressive lineup including Kiyohara Kaya, Nakagawa Taishi, Ichimura Masachika, Saito Takumi, Koizumi Kyoko, Kunimura Jun, and others, but what did Director Shiraishi expect from the cast, including Kusanagi?

“In this story, there’s a sense of living with pride as a human being, such as sacrificing one’s life for others, going to Yoshiwara for the sake of family, or even saying, ‘If you’re going to behead someone, only do it to me.’ I wanted them to convey that aspect.”

Regardless of the genre, Shiraishi’s works seem to be guided by a certain aesthetic.

“I realized that living in difficult everyday circumstances is the same whether in a period drama or in any other world. Especially in period dramas, issues confronted within the feudal and warrior societies are more pronounced. I felt that I could portray it in a simple manner.”

A slightly strange question: Can a Go board really be cut with a Japanese sword?

“Even for a master, that might be quite difficult (laughs). However, there are historical records of images depicting cutting the corners of Go boards. So, there might have been people who were able to cut or chip them to some extent. Or, if conditions aligned, such as matching the grain of the wood.”

Dreams can be quite expansive.

While already eager for the next project, one can’t help but anticipate the second period drama by Shiraishi. Upon mentioning this,

“Well, actually, I’ve already started shooting it.”

!!!

“I haven’t made an official announcement yet, but it’s a period drama.”

He chuckled mischievously.

“When the time comes, please interview me again (laughs).”