Takumi Saitō Narrates Pufferfish Documentary 'GUN FISH' Opening September 4
A documentary film exploring Japan's pufferfish food culture, titled 'GUN FISH: The World of Pufferfish You Don't Know,' will open nationwide on September 4 at Theatre Shinjuku in Tokyo and other locations. Actor Takumi Saitō provides narration. The film follows Yukari Nameki, a young chef taking the Tokyo pufferfish cooking license exam in 2017, and profiles chefs, researchers, fishermen, and distributors. It also examines the debate over legalizing pufferfish liver consumption, which is currently banned in Japan. Recent research shows that pufferfish fed non-toxic food do not become toxic, fueling a movement to allow liver sales. Opponents argue that wild and farmed livers cannot be distinguished and that accidents would be fatal. Director Wataru Uno, who obtained a pufferfish handling registration in Osaka during production, said he aimed to create a one-of-a-kind film that people will associate with pufferfish. The trailer and key visual have been released, with the catchphrase 'Because it's poisonous, it's interesting.' Distributed by KeyHolder Pictures.