Character designs, including hair and makeup, costumes, and props, have been revealed for the drama series "Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden" (WOWOW/Lemino, Sundays at 10pm), starring actor Oda Yuji.
The drama is based on the monumental historical epic novel "Suikoden" series (19 volumes, Shueisha Bunko) by Kitakata Kenzo. Set in China at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty (early 12th century), the story tells of the rebellion of "outcasts" who gather at "Liangshanpo" along with Song Jiang (played by Oda), who rises up in despair over the rampant corruption of the world.
Since the film is based on a novel and there was no common visual image for each character, many of the characters had to be created from scratch. The exhibit also includes meticulous hair and makeup design drawings of Song Jiang, played by Oda, as well as Chao Gai, Lin Chong, Yang Zhi, and Li Fu, depicting their facial expressions, beards, and birthmarks; prop design drawings, such as Song Jiang's shoes, which exude a simple elegance, and Chao Gai's mask, which exudes strength; and costume design drawings, which were created using materials sourced by the staff in China and based on historical research.
Regarding the hair and makeup design drawings, WOWOW producer Ohara Yasuaki commented, "We asked hair and makeup designer Sakai Keisuke to imagine what each character would look like from the neck up, including whether they would have beards, what hairstyle they would have, where their scars would be, etc." Director Wakamatsu Setsuro said, "It was important to convey to the audience how cool and beautiful the costumes would be for the (Japanese) actors playing Chinese characters, and also because the clothes were original this time. That's an important element in making the film recognized as entertainment."
"Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden" is broadcast and streamed on WOWOW and Lemino every Sunday from 10:00 p.m.
