Actor Kento Yamazaki attended the world premiere of the fifth film in the "Kingdom" series, "Kingdom: The Soulful Battle" (directed by Shinsuke Sato, opening July 17), held in Tokyo on June 2. He spoke about his feelings towards the series in which he plays the lead role.
The movie "Kingdom" is based on the historical manga by Yasuhisa Hara (Shueisha), set in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China, and depicts the exploits of Shin, who aims to become a great general of the world, and Ei Sei, who would later become Qin Shi Huang. This film is a live-action adaptation of the "Coalition Army Arc," one of the most popular episodes in the original manga, and depicts the great battle for the survival of the state of Qin when it is attacked by the "Coalition Army" of the six states of Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi, which have joined forces.
Yamazaki smiled and said, "I'm so happy, I'm overjoyed. Up until the previous film, 'Kingdom: The Return of the Great General,' so many people watched it, loved it, and we were able to get excited together. With this fifth film, including new cast members, the scale and power have been increased, and I'm really excited to be able to deliver something new."
Approximately eight years have passed since the filming of the first installment. Yamazaki reflected, "I am truly happy that over these eight years I have been able to portray the character of Shin as if it were another life of mine, alongside my own growth." He added, "While inheriting the spirit of General Ouki, played by Takao Osawa, I filmed each day with the belief that even without General Ouki, this team can create the most amazing 'Kingdom'."
The event was attended by Ryo Yoshizawa, Kanna Hashimoto , Fuju Kamio, Aju Makita , Yuki Yamada Mizuki Yamashita , Kenji Sakaguchi, Etsushi Toyokawa, Jun Kaname, Etsushi Toyokawa Sakuma, Koichi Sato, Shun Oguri , and director Hiroshi Tamaki Sato. On this day, 4,200 people were selected by lottery from a total of 36,000 applicants and flocked to the venue.
