Hiroko Yakushimaru, Hiroshi Abe Join Cast of SUKIYAKI: Ue o Muite Arukou
The casting of Yakushimaru and Abe, both established stars, signals the film's ambition to attract a broad audience to a period drama about the creation of Japan's most internationally recognized pop song.
Reporting from 2 sources: Eiga Natalie, Cinema Today.
The upcoming film SUKIYAKI: Ue o Muite Arukou has added six new cast members, including Hiroko Yakushimaru as Kyu Sakamoto's mother and Hiroshi Abe as a record producer. Directed by Takahisa Zeze, the film dramatizes the creation of the global hit song "Ue o Muite Arukou" (known internationally as "Sukiyaki") by composer Hachidai Nakamura, lyricist Rokusuke Ei, and singer Kyu Sakamoto, collectively called the "689 Trio." Junichi Okada plays Nakamura, Tori Matsuzaka plays Ei, and Taiga Nakano plays Sakamoto. Yakushimaru portrays Iku Oshima, who warmly supports her son's path to stardom. Abe plays Nabeyama, a producer who challenges Nakamura to write popular songs. Junki Totsuka plays a television director working with Ei, and Rikako Yagi plays a female student involved in the Anpo protests. Kai Inowaki plays Nakamura's manager, and Maho Yamada plays a mother whose son loves the song. The film is scheduled for a December 25 release nationwide.
Hiroko Yakushimaru, who previously co-starred with Taiga Nakano in the drama "The Man Who Was Picked Up," said she was "really looking forward to reuniting" with the actor playing Kyu Sakamoto. She described her character, Iku Oshima, as "hardworking and deeply loving toward her children" and said she was "moved by her presence."
Hiroshi Abe, who has worked with director Takahisa Zeze on the films "In the Wake" and "Tombi," plays the fictional producer Nabeyama. Abe said he based his performance on Susumu Watanabe, "who built the foundation of today's music industry and entertainment world." He added that he performed "with deep respect for his tremendous efforts, business ability, and the achievements left by our predecessors."
Junki Totsuka plays a television director who works alongside lyricist Rokusuke Ei. Totsuka said director Zeze's set was "fun, with the excitement of the work expanding, such as instantly reflecting words that came to mind during shooting into lines." Rikako Yagi, cast as a female student involved in the Anpo protests, called it "a truly passionate set where everyone united to create something good." She said she entrusted herself to "the gentle and soft atmosphere" of co-star Tori Matsuzaka.
Kai Inowaki plays Nakamura's manager, described as his "only musical confidant" as he moves from jazz into popular music. Maho Yamada plays the mother of a boy who loves the song. The screenplay is by Takehiko Minato. The previously announced cast includes Nana Seino, Mone Kamishiraishi, Riko Yoshida, Riisa Naka, and Tao Tsuchiya.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Eiga Natalie 薬師丸ひろ子「SUKIYAKI」で坂本九の母役、阿部寛・戸塚純貴・八木莉可子ら5名も参加
- Cinema Today 『SUKIYAKI 上を向いて歩こう』新キャストに薬師丸ひろ子、阿部寛、戸塚純貴、八木莉可子ら