Masami Nagasawa, Shizuka Ishibashi & Tasuku Emoto Spotted Filming New Movie in Early Morning Tokyo Shoot

Three people with an extraordinary aura

A beautiful woman standing in front of a crosswalk and another beside her, with a tall man standing behind them. The three of them were radiating an extraordinary presence that overwhelmed the surrounding atmosphere—so much so that it was no surprise.

The two women were actors Masami Nagasawa (38) and Shizuka Ishibashi (31). The man was Tasuku Emoto (39).

In fact, on this day, filming was taking place in a corner of the city for the film “Kono Goni Oyande Ai Nado”, scheduled for release on November 27, which had just been announced.

“A work with an original screenplay by director Nanako Hirose (38), a protégé of director Hirokazu Kore-eda (63), known for the 2019 film ‘Yoake’. The film explores polyamory and questions new forms of family. Cinematography is handled by Taiwanese cinematographer Yao Hong-yi, making it a Japan–Taiwan co-production.

Nagasawa plays Uta, a picture book author who is selfish, cunning, yet lovable. Emoto plays her husband Morio, who is torn between his eccentric wife’s wishes and an ordinary family life, while Ishibashi plays Junna, Uta’s lover and her editor-in-charge. The released teaser visual shows the three of them—Nagasawa in the center, with Ishibashi and Emoto leaning in close, smiling together,” said a film magazine reporter.

This site witnessed the filming of the work in the early morning of October last year. A large crew had gathered, including several staff members holding handheld cameras. Before filming began, the actors were waiting under a JR railway overpass. After a while, Nagasawa appeared wearing a white dress decorated with colorful watercolor-like patterns, followed by Ishibashi wearing a black shirt printed with many English letters. Behind them stood Emoto, a head taller than the two.

They appeared to be receiving instructions from the staff, but all three already seemed fully in character, wearing serious expressions. When the signal to start was given, extras around them began walking, and Nagasawa and Ishibashi also started walking along the sidewalk.

After filming ended and they returned to the starting point, Nagasawa and Ishibashi were seen smiling and chatting cheerfully with the staff.

Nagasawa said, “I was helped by love.”

Three months after this shoot, on New Year’s Day this year, Nagasawa announced her marriage to film director Sōji Fukunaga (43). Although there were also reports saying she was suspending her activities, filming apparently continued smoothly afterward. After completing her work on the film, Nagasawa commented:

“Wandering through, searching, and being carried along in a swirling way through a world known only to the director, together with Shizuka and Tasuku, and still, we were naturally able to be there. I felt that I was helped by love. That’s how it felt.” (from the official film website)

Meanwhile, Ishibashi will play the heroine in the NHK morning drama “Blossom,” which begins airing this fall. As of October last year, filming had already begun, and she was extremely busy working on both the film and the morning drama at the same time. Regarding working with the two actors, she reflected:

“Acting alongside Masami-san and Tasuku-san was very reassuring, and it was a very comfortable time.” (from the official film website)

This collaboration between a highly anticipated female director in Japanese cinema and three actors leading the Japanese film industry is a project full of expectations.

※ “FRIDAY Digital” is accepting information and tips from readers. Please send any information via the submission form below or the official X account.

Information form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit