"THE DAYS" Super Luxury World Premiere Stage Greeting

2023.05.31

Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award winner Koji Yakusho makes his first appearance on stage since returning to Japan!
Yutaka Takenouchi, Fumiyo Kohinata, Kaoru Kobayashi, Kenichi Endo, Yuriko Ishida
A gathering of nine of Japan's most representative cast and staff members

The video streaming service Netflix has produced the original drama "THE DAYS," a stunningly realistic portrayal of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that occurred in 2011. The Netflix series, starring Koji Yakusho, will be released worldwide on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
This eight-part series is based on meticulous research and is an extreme suspense drama that captures the accident in detail from three different perspectives: the government, the company, and those inside the nuclear plant. What happened that day, in that place? Each of the perspectives of those confronting the accident is depicted.
Ahead of the film's global release, a speech was given on stage at the Japan premiere by a group of some of Japan's most talented and impressive actors, including lead actor Koji Yakusho, who had just returned from the Cannes Film Festival where "PERFECT DAYS" was shown.

■ Hiroshi Yakusho (Director of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant)

When I first heard about the project from producer Masumoto, I was hesitant about whether it was okay to film the nuclear accident and the people who lost their lives.
However, after hearing Masumoto's thoughts that "we need to convey what happened at that time and place," I decided I wanted to participate.
It is extremely significant that the nuclear accident that occurred in Japan will reach 190 regions around the world. I hope that this will be an opportunity for each and every citizen to think about and make decisions about energy issues around the world.
I hope that everyone who watches "THE DAYS" will spread the word about the appeal of this work.

■ Yutaka Takenouchi (Central Control Room Shift Supervisor)

Although 12 years have passed since the nuclear accident, we must not forget the facts. I hope that the footage will give viewers a sense of this fact and give them an opportunity to think about it.
In portraying what actually happened, I tried to respect the feelings of the workers at the time. The mental state of the workers in such extreme conditions is immeasurable.
Even during filming, there were many scenes where I asked myself questions but couldn't find the answers, but in the scenes where I co-starred with Yakusho, I was drawn in just by his voice, and I feel that he helped me.

■ Mr. Fumiyo Kohinata (Prime Minister)

First of all, I'm excited about the first experience of people all over the world being able to see the film. I hope that with Yakusho-san winning an award at the Cannes Film Festival, this film will gain even more attention and be seen by more people.
When the nuclear accident occurred, I was in the middle of a play, playing a married couple with Ishida. At the time, I was desperate to be on stage. But when I read the script for this production, I was reminded of just how terrible the situation was at the scene. I was also interested in how the Prime Minister at the time actually responded, and I wanted to try acting in that role.

■ Kaoru Kobayashi (veteran driver)

I was the only one in the cast who was always covered in full protective clothing and a mask, so no one knew who was playing me. During each shoot, the director repeatedly called out to me, "It's okay, I can see you just fine" (laughs).
What I felt while acting was that the workers were proud of their work and were willing to risk their lives for the sake of their families and those close to them. I felt that it was thanks to the workers on site that the accident did not turn out to be a more tragic situation.

■Kenichi Endo (father of the young driver who went missing)

I play the role of a father who is at the scene of the accident and prays for the safety of his missing son. Filming was heavy and difficult, but having Ishida Yuriko, who plays my wife, there made me feel happy in between takes. I feel bad for Ishida because I don't think she'll be happy if she sees my face (laughs).
By playing the role of a parent, I was able to realize once again that accidents involve not only the victims who appear in public, but also the anxiety and suffering of many more people behind the scenes, such as family members.

■ Yuriko Ishida (mother of the young driver who went missing)

After the work was completed, I watched all eight episodes in one go and thought, "I've just seen something amazing." I felt a power through the footage that can't be conveyed by just reading the script, and although it is difficult and takes courage to record the facts in a tangible form, I was convinced that it is meaningful.
My character barely has any lines, but I think that means there are a lot of words in my heart. I went into filming with a deep, unspoken prayer in my heart.

■ Director Masaki Nishiura

I am very happy that we are finally able to show this video. It is a record of the days we spent together at that time. I think if you can enter the video and watch it with the feeling that you are there, you will find some hints.

■Director Hideo Nakata

I directed episodes 4 and 5. I usually make horror and suspense films, and this was my first time working on a film based on historical facts. However, I had made a documentary about the tsunami myself, so it was a very moving experience.

■ Producer Jun Masumoto

In fact, we first proposed this project to the local government in 2018. However, we were forced to suspend it due to the impact of COVID-19, and we were worried that the project itself would be scrapped.
But thanks to all the cast and staff saying, "Let's get together again," we were able to make this happen after five years. All episodes will be released worldwide from June 1st, so I hope that people will share their thoughts with their family and friends and that as many people as possible will watch it.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on May 30, 2023 by Minami Yoshikawa, a fourth-year student at Sophia University

<Work information>
Title: "THE DAYS"　

Starring: Koji Yakusho
Yutaka Takenouchi, Fumiyo Kohinata, Kaoru Kobayashi
Takuma Otoo, Ken Mitsuishi, Kenichi Endo, Yuriko Ishida

Planning, scriptwriting and production: Jun Masumoto
Director: Masaki Nishiura, Hideo Nakata
Original story: Takamasa Kadota, "The Man Who Saw the Edge of Death: Masao Yoshida and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant" (Kadokawa Bunko)
Executive Producer: Masami Takahashi, Shinichi Takahashi
Producers: Daisuke Sekiguchi, Tomoki Masuko, Ryohei Takada
Produced by: Warner Bros. Pictures Produced by: Lioness

Netflix product page:https://www.netflix.com/title/81233755
(Official website:https://warnerbros.co.jp/tv/thedays/ ）