Riho Yoshioka, Tomoya Maeno, Koken Join 'SUKIYAKI' Cast as TV Legends
The casting of actors as three iconic Japanese television personalities from the Showa era grounds the film's music-industry story in the broader context of early TV variety culture, a connection the sources emphasize through the 'Yume de Aimashou' show.
Reporting from 3 sources: Eiga Natalie, Cinema Today, Magmix.
Three additional cast members have been announced for the film 'SUKIYAKI: Ue o Muite Arukou,' starring Junichi Okada. Riho Yoshioka will play Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, Tomoya Maeno will play Kiyoshi Atsumi, and Koken will play Norihiko Miki. The film tells the story behind the creation of the song 'SUKIYAKI (Ue o Muite Arukou)' by composer Hachidai Nakamura, lyricist Rokuro Niki, and singer Kyu Sakamoto, known as the '689 Trio.' Okada plays Nakamura, Tori Matsuzaka plays Niki, and Taiga Nakano plays Sakamoto. The newly announced cast members portray allies of the trio who were part of the legendary variety show 'Yume de Aimashou.' Yoshioka said she studied Kuroyanagi's unique vocalization and wanted to portray her as a person who lived through that era. Maeno noted the pressure of playing Atsumi, having been told he resembles him. Koken described the film as a full-fledged music film comparable to 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' Nagiko Tsuji will play Sumiko Sakamoto, and Hiroki Sano will play an original character, Director Sato. Directed by Takahisa Zeze and written by Takehiko Minato, the film is scheduled for a nationwide release on December 25.
Yoshioka said she studied footage of Kuroyanagi from the era and focused on her "unique vocalization" rather than imitation. "As a fan, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and although I was nervous, I felt a sense of mission that I had to do it," Yoshioka said.
Maeno said he had been told by people around him that he resembled Atsumi and had secretly wished to play him. "Once it was decided, the pressure was considerable," he said. He said he reviewed Atsumi's works but focused on "the aspect of 'the creative workplace'" and worked to make Atsumi come alive in his relationships with the 689 Trio and Kuroyanagi.
Koken described Miki as the "Showa-era comedy king." He said the film is a full-fledged music film "that could be called the Japanese version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody.'" He added that learning about the lives of Hachidai Nakamura and the others behind the famous song will change the viewer's impression of the song. "Above all, the singing scenes are sure to be exciting, so please pay attention! Oh my god!" Koken said.
Kuroyanagi herself recalled the "Yume de Aimashou" era, saying, "There were indeed many talented people. I think it was the starting point of today's TV variety shows. Above all, it brings back memories."
Nagiko Tsuji will play Sumiko Sakamoto, who also appeared on "Yume de Aimashou." Hiroki Sano will play the original character Director Sato.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.