It has been revealed that professional figure skater Shizuka Arakawa will appear in the film "hinata," directed and written by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. This will be Arakawa's first film appearance, and she will play Hinata Okimura, a key character who holds the key to the story. This casting came about after a passionate offer from director Tsutsumi.
The film is a major project that began with a roundtable discussion between director Tsutsumi and up-and-coming actors. Director Tsutsumi was so moved by the passionate interaction with the actors that he decided he wanted to make a film with them, and production started from there, with Yusuke Moriguchi writing the screenplay.
The film is set at the funeral of the late Hinata Okimura. The 20 men and women gathered there are informed by the master of ceremonies that, according to the deceased's wishes, all 20 of them will read a eulogy. From the eulogies read by these people with various relationships, a figure of "Hinata Okimura" emerges that is completely different, not only in terms of personality but even in whether she is male or female. In the room of the funeral hall, which is thrown into chaos, an unprecedented story unfolds surrounding the true identity of "Hinata Okimura"...
◇Comment from Shizuka Arakawa
I was very surprised to be offered the important role of Hinata, but I decided to take on the role because I wanted to entrust myself to Director Tsutsumi and take on a new challenge. On set, I was moved by the passion of all the filmmaking professionals, and I feel honored to have been a part of it. What kind of person is Hinata...? It's a mysterious film that you'll want to watch again and again, and your feelings will change depending on your current situation. I would be delighted if you could come to the theater.
◇Comments from Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi
I decided to make the film "hinata" with "my future colleagues," but then I wondered, what to do about the actor who makes the most mysterious appearance towards the end of the film? I agonized over it until, in an instant, the image of Shizuka Arakawa skating with an overwhelming presence on the ice at Yokohama Arena sparked in my mind. It was a large-scale stage production I had directed just before, but I never imagined that it and this would be connected! Was it a "divine revelation," or a transcendent being descending into the film! Just go and see it! You'll understand when you see it! Thank you!
