Kentaro Ito shows a smile of relief in his “return to starring in a film after a two-year absence

Gazing intently at the packed auditorium, actor Kentaro Ito (24) opened his mouth to say, “I’m glad to be here and to see this view. I am happy to be here and to be able to see this scenery. I have nothing but gratitude,” he said, his eyes moistening as he looked up to the heavens.

On May 17, the completion announcement screening of the film “Winter Rose” was held in Tokyo. Ito was arrested in October 2008 on suspicion of violating the Automobile Driving Punishment Law and the Road Traffic Law after causing a hit-and-run accident in Tokyo. Although the charges were dropped, he cancelled all work and disappeared from the public stage. After the event, Ito came out of the backstage entrance and looked relaxed, perhaps having lost some of his nervousness, and his expression seemed softer than before, if not quite heartwarming.

It was her return to the field after a two-year absence, but it appears that it has not been smooth sailing yet. There are still harsh comments on social networking sites about his resumption of activities, and he is not yet able to appear in terrestrial TV dramas or variety shows.

He is still not able to appear in terrestrial TV dramas or variety shows. “If director Junji Sakamoto (63) had not offered him a job, he would not have been able to make this comeback,” he said. Also, as co-stars, Kaoru Kobayashi (70), Kimiko Yo (66), and other senior actors lent their skin to his cause. This film is one that all film lovers will want to visit. There will be people who criticize him in the future, but there are also people who see his plays and think they are good. A steady stream of great work can change the winds,” said columnist Takahiko Kageyama.

At the screening, Ito said he was prepared for the pros and cons of his return. Despite the burden, he has begun a new step forward in his entertainment career.

From the June 10, 2022 issue of FRIDAY