Actor Oda Yuji appeared at the Japan premiere of the TV drama "Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden" held in Tokyo on February 9th.
Filming took about eight months, and when asked about the hardships, Oda earnestly said, "Summer is too hot for people to work outside! I think it should be banned by law." He continued, "The filming never ended. Each person was very particular. Even something as simple as a fishing rod was made by a craftsman in Kyoto (laughs)," reflecting on the uncompromising nature of the production.
He then appealed, "It was a really difficult project. I hope everyone will watch it and join us in creating 'Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden.' If you're interested, please stay with us until the end."
The original work is the monumental historical epic novel "Suikoden" series (19 volumes, Shueisha Bunko) by Kitakata Kenzo. It is a reconstruction of "Suikoden," considered one of the three great Chinese classics, and has sold over 11.6 million copies. It is the first of the "Great Suikoden" trilogy, which will be followed by "Yang Lingden" and "Yue Feiden."
The story is set in China at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty (early 12th century). The story is about the rebellion of "outcasts" who, troubled by the corruption of the world, seek justice even if it means breaking the law. It depicts the "will to resist unreasonable power" and "bonds with friends" in a grand ensemble drama that is relevant even today. The cast includes Song Jiang (played by Oda), Chao Gai (played by Takashi Sorimachi), Lin Chong (played by Kazuya Kamenashi), Yang Zhi (played by Shinnosuke Mitsushima), and his wife, Ji Renmei (played by Haru).
