Hiroko Yakushimaru, Hiroshi Abe Join Cast of SUKIYAKI: Ue o Muite Arukou
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.