Hitomi Satō Reprises Her Role as Masami Kurahashi 20 Years Later in new ‘Ring’ Film ‘Sadako’

15.March.2019 | FASHION / MOVIE

The original Ring film was released in Japan in 1998 and was directed by Hideo Nakata. It is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s horror novel of the same name about a cursed video that when watched kills the viewer seven days after watching. The next entry to the famous horror series will be Sadako hitting Japanese cinemas on May 24, 2019.

 

Japanese actress Hitomi Satō played the part of Masami Kurahashi in the original 1998 movie who, despite encountering Sadako―the haunting antagonist of the film franchise―miraculously survived. She reprised her role again in the 1999 sequel, Ring 2.

 

It has been announced that Satō will once again play her character in the new film―20 years later.

Elaiza Ikeda plays the main character Mayu Akigawa, a psychology counsellor working at a mental hospital. She becomes interested in one of her female patients who seems very peculiar.

 

The film’s director Hideo Nakata has described her having an innate disposition when it comes to acting, and so it will be interesting to see how Hitomi Satō’s role will play out as a survivor of Sadako.

Speaking about this, Nakata commented: “She played the part magnificently, bringing together that distinct tension born from a mix of horror and everyday life.” Satō herself also remarked, “It’s not a blur for [Nakata] at all. It’s exactly like it was back then (laughs)[when filming the original]. He’s always talking about it (laughs).”

 

Their mutual trust in each other only propels the excitement to seeing her role reprised. What will happen when she encounters Sadako once more, after having crawled out alive from the curse?

Below are the full statements from both Hitomi Satō and Hideo Nakata.

 

Hitomi Satō (Masami Kurahashi): ‘I was taken aback when I received the offer. I remembered, “Oh yeah, I survived!!” and felt really happy and wondered to myself how interesting it would be if I was to return after having survived 20 years ago. I hope everybody looks forward to seeing how [Masami] is 20 years on. The films Nakata makes really are scary… Rather than having fun I want you to be scared out of your pants (laughs).’

 

Hitomi Satō (Director): ‘When Satō finished filming her part in the first Rings equence, I was really happy for her to bring to my attention that she wanted to be in it longer. And so in Ring 2, I had her play a very important role―an eyewitness and survivor of Sadako. In this film, although 20 years have passed, Satō is still able to vividly convey Sadako’s image to Elaiza. We had countless auditions for Ring, but the moment I saw Satō, who was then a teenager, and her innate disposition for acting, I said “she’s the one!” I have seen her playing vital parts in recent dramas and scenes too, so I requested she come on board a third time. She played the part magnificently, bringing together that distinct tension born from a mix of horror and everyday life, something which Elaiza also now has.’

 

The film will star Elaiza Ikeda as the main character Mayu Akigawa, a psychology counsellor who gets involved in an incident with Yusuke Ishida, played by Takashi Tsukamoto, who will try to fix it. Hiroya Shimizu will play the part of Mayu’s younger brother Kazuma Akigawa who becomes a YouTuber to try and awaken Sadako’s curse. Himeka Himejima will play Jinko, a mysterious girl who lost her memory and is taken in at the hospital Mayu works at. Renn Kiriyama will play Mayu’s colleague Minori Fujii.

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Utano Aoi to Star in Upcoming Film ‘Boku no Naka ni Saku Hanabi’

    31.August.2023 | MOVIE

    Actress Utano Aoi will star in the film Boku no Naka ni Saku Hanabi (The Fireworks That Blossom Within Me).

     

    The film is directed by Yuto Shimizu, who won the Best J. Horror Award at the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles 2022 at the young age of 20 for The Soloist. Set in his hometown of Gifu Prefecture, he penned the screenplay after being inspired by his own life experiences. This marks his first feature film as a director.

     

    After a painful incident, protagonist Minoru slowly begins to open up to his family and friends and gradually starts to accept his fear of death, deciding to live entirely in the present. The film focuses on the finite amount of time we have on this earth and Minoru’s knowing that even that nature around him will someday disappear, which is all the more reason to show love while you can. The heroine, Jyuri Mizuishi, is played by Utano Aoi.

     

    Crowdfunding for the film is currently underway.

    <Comment from Utano Aoi (Jyuri Mizuishi)>

    “Strength and weakness, harshness and gentleness…we must juggle these extremes in order to learn how to live in the midst of unfathomable loneliness and despair. I hope to show all sides of Akari with subtlety. I want to feel the sights, smells, people, and emotions of the city. At the moment, I can already feel the power that the cast and crew are bringing to the filmmaking process. I’m also looking forward to the emotional location. I’m so excited. Please look forward to the film!”

  • Nagomi Stars in tiit tokyo’s Short Film ‘ESCAPE’

    15.August.2023 | FASHION

    On August 10, the apparel brand tiit tokyo released a short film titled ESCAPE starring model and talent Nagomi.

     

    The film comes prior to tiit tokyo’s first solo pop-up shop at Shibuya PARCO, scheduled to open on August 24. The final scene of the film was filmed at Shibuya PARCO and features the location’s classic symbol–a neon ‘P.’

     

    The story follows a woman who lives a strictly controlled life who, after witnessing an incredible scene, begins planning her escape and a new beginning. Nagomi plays the main character, a female vampire.

    ESCAPE was written and directed by fashion event director and filmmaker Hajime Tsuda, who previously worked on the film Daughters. The creative director for tiit tokyo, Sho Iwata, served as fashion director.

     

     

    ESCAPE (Part One)

    *Part Two will be released on August 22

     

     

  • Sora Nomoto to Star in Upcoming Film ‘Fanfare’

    27.July.2023 | MOVIE

    Actress Sora Nomoto will star in the film Fanfare, set to premiere on November 17, 2023.

     

    The film tells an emotionally-charged story as two women who have graduated from an idol group struggle to pursue new careers. Sora Nomoto will play the role of Rei Sudo, the former center of the idol group Fun☆Fare who left the group to pursue a career in fashion.

     

    The film will be directed by Ryohei Yoshino, whose works include Spring Has Come (2015) and Eternally Younger Than Those Idiots(2021). The idol music, costumes, and choreography are all original to the film.

     

    Crowdfunding is also underway to support the film’s nationwide release.

  • Haruhi Ito to Appear in Rune Cinema’s Fourth Production ‘Matatakimade’

    14.July.2023 | MOVIE

    Actress Haruhi Ito will star in the upcoming film Matatakimade, which will be screened at Ikebukuro’s cinema rosa for one week only starting August 5.

     

    The film is the fourth from the independent film production company Rune Cinema and follows Kazoku Awase, which received record attendance in 2019 despite its late-night run at cinema rosa. The company’s film Arano no Hate won three awards at the Kadoma International Film Festival in 2020, including Best Film, while Tooi Raimei appeared at numerous domestic and international film festivals and won Best Director at the 2022 Asian Film Festival. Matatakimade tells the story of a family through the events that take place in a single room in an apartment.

     

    Ito will play the role of Chiho Matsui, a childhood friend of the main character Ami Tokita, a popular novelist.

     

    <Comment from Haruhi Ito (Chiho Matsui)>

    “What is family? I’ve been thinking about that question since I read Matatakimade. Is it something ambiguous? Something solid, or corrupt, or something that’s warm and occasionally cold? I’ve thought about it so much, yet I haven’t found a complete answer. When you glimpse a family through a single telescope or a single book, I hope you’ll search for the answer too.”

     

     

    [Summary]


    Ami Tokita (Hitomi Maki), a popular novelist, is in the middle of dealing with a divorce settlement over custody of her only child, an elementary school student. One day, a mysterious man (Ryo Ikeda) appears at the apartment where she works, asking to rent a room for the night. Despite pushback from her editor, Reiko Iijima (Karin Nishina), Ami agrees to the man’s request out of curiosity. Strangely, the mysterious man intends to look through a telescope at the apartment building across the street. The next morning, Reiko casually peeks through the telescope left in her room, only to see a small child being abused. Ami’s best-selling novel, titled Snow, Moon and Flowers, tells the story of a young girl who was abused by her mother. Is what happened in the apartment across the street a coincidence? Or was it inevitable?

  • Gai Ueno to Star in Upcoming Film ‘Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu!’

    12.May.2023 | MOVIE

    On July 7, the film Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu!, starring Gai Ueno, will open in theaters.

     

    The coming-of-age battle and horror film focuses on the unlikely relationship between an urban legend and a group of high school punks. After three punks steal a motorcycle, they realize that the owner of the bike is none other than a Kuchisake-onna–in Japanese folklore, this is an evil woman with her mouth slit from ear to ear. Gai Ueno plays the role of F1, a member of the high school gang and a hotwiring genius.

    <Comment from Gai Ueno (F1)>

    “I’m Gai Ueno, and I play the role of F1. Sensei! Kuchisake-onna desu! is truly a film that I want everyone to see. The characters are somehow cute and you’ll immediately love them–I’m confident that this is the cutest-ever Japanese film focused on high school delinquents. Even now, I wonder if I can personally get fired up and serious about the smallest things. Working on this movie reminded me to have the power to believe in myself. Please enjoy the movie and take the time to think back to your high school days! I’ll be waiting for you at the theater.”

     

    <Comment from Director Yuu Nakamoto>

    “I guess it’s been about 10 years since I lived in Hiroshima, where I grew up. I’m really interested in motorcycles, and one day, I was just mindlessly driving along the country roads at night. Then, from the other side of the road, I heard a noise…and suddenly, there was a woman wearing a mask walking nearby. I had this intuition…I thought “she’s not from this world,” and in that moment, I lost consciousness. Before I knew it, I was here, directing this film. Hmm…strange, isn’t it?”

     

    【STORY】

    High school students Takeshi (Taisei Kido) and F1 (Gai Ueno) work part-time stealing motorcycles and selling them to a gang of delinquents for cash. One day, Ayaka (Reina Kurosaki) decides to join after transferring to the boy’s school, and business booms. While trying to steal a bike parked at a deserted apartment, the group is discovered by a masked woman who seems to be the motorcycle’s owner. In a panic, Takeshi and his friends rush to escape but are quickly overtaken by the woman, who seems to have unbelievable physical abilities far beyond any other human. This woman running 100 meters in 6 seconds is actually the Kuchisake-onna, her mouth slit from ear to ear! What will happen to the group of high schoolers?! And just who is this Kuchisaka-onna?!

  • Fans Asked to Name Blimp Inspired by the Upcoming Film ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia’

    20.January.2023 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE

    The film Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia will be released on March 3, 2023. The 42nd Doraemon movie follows Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends as they venture off to find Utopia, a perfect land in the sky where everyone lines in joy and happiness. They do so using an airship with a time warp function on their adventure, and to commemorate the film’s release, the Flying Doraemon Project began on January 14. A real-life 17-meter-long Doraemon blimp will soon appear in the sky, and fans are being asked to decide on a name for the craft.

     

    The blimp, inspired by the Doraemon movie, will feature popular characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Gian. The blimp is the largest unmanned airship in Japan.

    The message of the Flying Doraemon Project is to convey the feeling that in this day and age, children and adults alike can once again look upward and move forward toward their hopes and dreams.

     

    Fans are asked to contribute ideas for the blimps name during the application period. Check the website for more details!

  • Natsume Mito to Appear in Upcoming Film ‘Kono Chiisana Te’

    18.January.2023 | MOVIE

    Natsume Mito will star in the upcoming film Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands). The film will debut in theaters on April 8.

    The movie is an adaptation of the manga series by Mamora Goda, also known for his works Kira Kira Hikaru and Mori no Asagao. The story follows a father who never cared for his daughter and a daughter who has forgotten her father.

     

    This is the feature-length debut of director Hiroyuki Nakada, who previously worked as an assistant director on films such as Love is Light and Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna.

     

    <Comment from Director Hiroyuki Nakada>

    “What is a father?

    This question came to me as I was watching my newborn son sleep.
    Does supporting a family financially make a good father?
    Can a man be a father in some other way? Can he do something else?
    While I was pondering this, I came across Kono Chiisana Te.
    I really wanted to find the answer to my question, so I decided to work on plans for this live-action film.

    I hope that everyone who sees this film will take some time to think about their families in this fast-paced world.”

     

    <Story>
    Kazuma, an illustrator, lives with his wife Sayuri and their three-year-old daughter Hina.

    One night, while Kazuma is drinking with his work buddies, Sayuri gets into an accident and is hospitalized while out shopping.

    Kazuma falls asleep at the bar and Hina wakes up alone the next day. She is rescued by the police and placed in an orphanage.

    Given his actions, Kazuma can’t take Hina home. Having done nothing to help raise her, he’s decidedly unfit to parent. Sayuri doesn’t wake up, and time continues to pass.

    Desperate, Kazuma gradually realizes that there are people who care for him and want the best for his life. Determined, he sets out to repair his bond with his daughter.

    When Kazuma visits, however, all Hina can do is cry. Has she forgotten her father’s face?

    (C)映画「この小さな手」製作委員会

  • SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Bonuses Revealed

    17.January.2023 | ANIME&GAME

    Based on the Tsuburaya Productions Gridman live-action tokusatsu series from 1993, the
    SSSS.GRIDMAN anime series aired in October 2018. A sequel, SSSS.DYNAZENON, followed in April 2021.

     

    Ahead of the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE, an all-new anime film coming in March, both SSSS.GRIDMAN and SSSS.DYNAZENON will be getting compilation films. Each will only be
    in theaters for two weeks.

     

    劇場総集編『SSSS.GRIDMAN』

    The SSSS.GRIDMAN film will be in theaters starting January 20. Those buying tickets will
    receive a special illustration card with a voice drama created by Akira Amemiya, the director of the SSSS series, while supplies last. The title of the drama is Hinekuremono Demo (Even if You’re Cynical) starring Soma Saito (Sho Utsumi) and Hass (Akari Kito).

     

    The newly-revealed illustration card’s design features Yuta Hibiki, Sho Utsumi, Rikka
    Takarada, and Akane Shinjo happily snapping photos.

     

    SSSS.DYNAZENON will be released for two weeks starting March 10, and those buying
    tickets will also get an illustration card and a special voice drama written by Akira Amemiya.

     

    The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under his new direction. Both compilation films will include extra footage leading
    up to the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE on March 24, 2023.

     

    ©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲/「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会

  • New 90-Second Trailer, Key Visual Released for DEEMO: Memorial Keys

    21.January.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE

    DEEMO: Memorial Keys is scheduled to release in select locations nationwide on February 25, 2022, and a new key visual and 90-second trailer filled with brand-new footage just dropped!

     

    The key visual was created by Mebachi, a popular illustrator known for creating the character designs for both DEEMO and the ending animation of Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club.

     

    Against the backdrop of the castle where Deemo lives, a spiral staircase made of piano keys leads guests to a mysterious world. Alice, the main heroine, and Deemo, the masked girl, along with other characters are seen gazing up at the sky. Cherry blossom petals and light pour down from above in this emotional key visual that perfectly encapsulates the story’s world.

     

    DEEMO tells the story of a girl who falls from the sky. She has no memories and finds herself traversing a strange castle. The sound of piano rings out, and the girl must discover the truth of who she is, and where she finds herself.

     

    DEEMO: Memorial Keys Trailer

     

    Based on the popular DEEMO mobile game, many famous tracks from the title will appear in the movie, so fans shouldn’t miss it!

     

    ⓒRayark Inc./「DEEMO THE MOVIE」製作委員会

  • Boat Race Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture to Screen Popular Films at Drive-in Theater

    26.October.2021 | MOVIE / SPOT

    The Boat Race track at BOATRACE Tokonome will be home to a 3-day Drive-in Theater event on November 19, 20, and 21. The vast west parking lot will welcome guests to enjoy three films from the safety and privacy of their vehicles. In past years, the Hamanako, Tokuyama, Naruto, and Mikuni locations have participated. Now, it’s Tokoname’s turn!

     

    Selected Films

     

    La La Land (with subtitles) – November 19, 2021

    © 2017 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

     

     

    The Secret Life of Pets 2 (dubbed) – November 20, 2021

    © 2019 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

     

     

    A Whisker Away – November 21, 2021

    © 2020「泣きたい私は猫をかぶる」製作委員会

     

    This lineup of films can be enjoyed by families, lovers, and friends. The final film, A Whisker Away, is a coming-of-age fantasy set in the city of Tokoname. Visitors can enjoy these films on one of the largest air screens in Japan, at 722 inches. Don’t miss some additional boat race content that even beginners can enjoy!

  • Japanese Art Director Collaborates With Marc Jacobs To Promote New Line

    25.March.2021 | FASHION

    The Japanese art director Hideyuki Tanaka has directed a special movie to promote the 2nd season of Marc Jacob’s new line “Heaven by Marc Jacobs” as a contributor of this season.

     

    ROBOT GIRL BABY TEE ¥14,300 (tax included) / ROBOT GIRL PILLOW ¥12,100 (tax included)

     

    Special Movie:https://www.marcjacobs.jp/contents/heaven.php

     

    The original graphic robot, Heaven is pop and cute, yet her poisonous ambience with Chinese character “Heaven” on her forehead is iconic. Heaven’s motto is to protect Double-headed Teddy. To celebrate the collaboration, Marc Jacobs launches a compact baby T-shirt decorated with a playful three-dimensional patchwork and a pillow cushion featuring Heaven with scribbles as a print. Don’t miss out the exclusive items and special movie of Heaven by Marc Jacobs.

  • My Film Recommendation: Pulled Into the Story by Minami Hamabe’s Character in Let Me Eat Your Pancreas

    29.September.2020 | FEATURES / MOVIE

    ASOBINEXT is a new project launched by event management and talent agency ASOBISYSTEM, which is known for managing artists like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The project aims to create next generation icons who will promote their unique personalities and outlooks to the world using social media and in turn bring about new forms of culture.

    As part of ASOBINEXT, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON will be publishing content from each talent that is tied to ASOBINEXT in the form of their favourite and recommended things. Today, we are joined by ASOBINEXT’s Haruna Tamura, an actor and YouTuber, whose film recommendation in this edition is the live-action adaptation of Let Me Eat Your Pancreas.


    Synopsis

    The story is centred on two individuals who, at the start of their relationship had never really spoken about anything in particular… initially. “Me,” the male protagonist in the film, comes across a diary in a hospital waiting room and discovers it belongs to his classmate Sakura Yamauchi. He learns in the diary that she has a pancreatic illness.

    Sakura is a very popular girl in Me’s class, and he never thought she would be suffering from such a fatal illness. She had kept it a secret, with only the people in her family knowing about it. And so begins a bittersweet love story between the plain and simple Me and Sakura, his complete opposite who is the popular one of the class.

    Cast 

    There are different cast members in Let Me Eat Your Pancreas for playing both the present and past selves of the characters.

     

    The characters of the past, 12 years ago, are played by the following: Minami Hamabe as Sakura Yamauchi, Takumi Kitamura as Me/Haruki Shiga, Karen Otomo as Kyoko, and Yuma Yamoto as Gamu-kun.

     

    This film marked the first time Minami and Takumi had starred in film together, and it was a huge success amongst viewers who shed tears at the relationship between the ill-stricken girl, and the boy who found her diary that details her experiences of living with said illness.

     

    Playing the characters of the present is: Shun Oguri as Haruki Shiga, Keiko Kitagawa as Kyoko, and Yusuke Kamiji as Gamu-kun. Comments from viewers who have watched the film often pointed towards how Shun and Yusuke gave authentic performances of Haruki and Gamu-kun grown-up together, and how they Keiko Kitagawa’s dress was spot on. I was drawn in by how they all knew each other at school.

    My Favourite Part

    The highlight of the film for me which I want to point out to everyone is Minami Hamabe’s portrayal of Sakura Yamauchi. She purposely puts energy into her performance, and that really left an impression on me. The world of the movie and the real world are two completely different things. Of course, this character doesn’t really exist, but when I watched the performance I felt I understood her. There was a real affinity there. As the story progresses, so too does the illness grow more serious, so what I want is for people to pay attention to her facial expressions, her demeanour, and such, as that happens.

     

    Wrapping Up

    I first watched this film when I was a 3rd year high school student. Since the film is set in the same school year, the story had an even greater impact on me. I was able to learn the bittersweet-ness of romance as well as the preciousness of life. To this day, I think it remains my favourite film.

     

    I was captured by the array of emotions that Minami Hamabe portrays in particular. There are a lot of parts that I can relate to from being a student to becoming an adult. It’s a very easy story to get behind, so if you’re reading this, I’d love it if you checked it out.

     

    Minami Hamabe and Takumi Kitamura are also starring in the film Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare which is showing now too. I want to go and see it for myself to see how they have both grown.

     

    Haruna Tamura

    Actor and YouTuber. He has played major roles in drama series and films and has over 1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. He is working towards appearing at Fun Fest. He’s skilled at baseball and his hobbies include watching movies and playing games.

RANKING

  • DAILY
  • MONTHLY

FOLLOW US