It has been revealed that "The Comedy That Changed My Life" (Wani Books), a semi-autobiographical novel by Seiya of the comedy duo "Shimofuri Myojo," will be made into a film starring Kazuya Ohashi of the popular group " Naniwa Danshi, " and will be released on December 18th.
The story is based on Seiya's own experience: the protagonist, whose youth was almost stolen from him by bullying that suddenly began in the spring when he entered high school, reclaims his true self and his life by dedicating everything to his beloved comedy on the big stage of the school's biggest event, the Literary Drama Festival. The film is directed by Hayato Kawai, known for the "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" series and "Secrets That Cannot Be Told," and the screenplay is written by Tamio Hayashi, who has worked on films such as "The Eternal Zero" and "From the Gulag with Love." This is the third collaboration between the two, following "Cheer☆Dan: The True Story of High School Girls Who Conquered the US with Cheerleading" and "Handover of Driver's License!?".
Seiya, who wrote the original story, commented, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime dream to have a book I wrote by hand made into a movie, become such a big project, and have Ohashi-kun in the lead role." Ohashi, who plays the main character Ishikawa, said, "I cried so much when I read the original story and the script... Seiya's way of turning his wounded heart into positive feelings resonates with my own way of life. I want to help Seiya fulfill his dream."
◇Comment from the original author, Seiya of "Shimofuri Myojo"
-- How did you feel when it was decided that the film would be made?
Wow, I'm so happy. "The Comedy That Changed My Life" is a story I wrote based on my experiences when I was in high school. I've wanted to turn it into a book ever since, and I've actually secretly dreamed of it being made into a film as well.
--How did you feel when you heard that Ohashi-san would be the lead?
It's fantastic. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens when Ohashi breathes life into my work and brings it to life on screen. "The Comedy That Changed My Life" has some really touching scenes and is a story about the bond between parent and child, so I'm really excited to see Ohashi's acting in that regard.
-- Impressions of Ohashi-san
He's a rare idol who doesn't try to act cool. I think he's really cute. I've worked with him on a regular show before, and he's like a younger brother that everyone loves. I was so happy when I found out that Ohashi-kun would be the lead. It was a casting choice that exceeded my expectations as the original author, and I was like, "Ohashi-kun is going to do it!?" It's the best.
-- Your enthusiasm for the photoshoot
My handwritten book has been made into a movie, and it's become such a huge project, with Ohashi-kun in the lead role. It's a once-in-a-lifetime dream, and I'm thrilled. I'm also involved in the script and the comedy scenes, so I feel like I'm creating it together with everyone. I want Ohashi-kun to pour his heart and soul into the role and have fun.
◇Starring as Ishikawa: Kazuya Naniwa Danshi Kazuya Ohashi
-- How did you feel when you were cast as the lead?
I am honored to be able to play the main character in a book written by Seiya-san. I cried a lot when I read the original work and the script. This story depicts scenes I saw when I was a student, and Seiya-san's way of transforming his wounded heart into positive feelings resonates with my own way of life. I am also looking forward to acting in the Kansai dialect.
-- Your impression of Seiya
Everyone around Seiya is always smiling. The atmosphere he creates and the words he speaks are positive and his humor never puts anyone down. He has a lot to teach us, not only as a professional comedian but also as a person.
-- Your enthusiasm for the photoshoot
I want to help Seiya fulfill his dream, which he's had since he was a student. I love working on dramas and movies, and I find the content interesting and relatable, so I hope this movie will touch the hearts of those who watch it and reach a lot of people!
◇Producer: Tsuyoshi Matsushita
My encounter with this story came about when the sixth-grade son of a fellow producer on this project recommended the novel to me, saying it "gave him courage."
After reading this book, which recounts Seiya's harrowing experiences and his incredible comeback, I felt a strong desire to share this story with as many people as possible. It shows that sticking to what you "love" and cherishing those who share the same "love" gives you courage and creates allies and a place where you belong. The magnificent comeback in the climax will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply moved.
I worked with Ohashi-san on the movie and drama "Kimi ga Tokubetsu," and I witnessed his incredibly bright and cheerful personality, his lovable cuteness, and at the same time, his sincere dedication to acting, dancing, and singing. I was struck by the strong positive range of his personality. At the same time, I wanted to see the darker side of him. This film is a comedy about a life-changing event, meaning the audience watches the movie knowing that there will be a major reversal. Therefore, I felt that the range of light and dark in Ohashi-san's character would represent the magnitude of the story's range, and I wanted to take a gamble on that.
The main character, Ishikawa, is of course Seiya from his high school days, but at the same time, he is also the high school version of ourselves that everyone experiences/has experienced. I hope that the audience will experience Ishikawa through Ohashi's body and cry and laugh.
