Stage greeting for the film "Witch's Perfume"

The movie "Witch's PerfumeOn June 8th, a premiere screening was held to commemorate the release of the film, with lead actress Kuroki Hitomi, co-stars Sakurai Hinako, Hiraoka Yuta, Kawasaki Takaya, director Miyatake Yui, and production supervisor Sugawara Tomomi taking to the stage.
The film depicts the growth of a woman through the theme of perfume. The perfumes created by a woman known as "the Witch," played by Kuroki Hitomi, guide those who have lost hope to a bright future through scents and words. There are many words that give the viewer the courage to carve out their own destiny, pushing them forward. During the event, which was held in a cheerful atmosphere from start to finish, we asked about the highlights of the film and what went on behind the scenes of filming.

■ Director and Screenwriter: Yui Miyatake
Fragrance was a difficult theme, but I decided to take on the challenge of making a film about it. The perfumes owned by the subjects are very valuable, and in the film, I wanted to faithfully portray them, so some of the most expensive perfumes that appear are worth 100 million yen each. A lot of care goes into the vintage bottles, so I hope the viewer will pay attention to that as well.
I believe the words that the witch conveys along with the scent in the film will definitely apply to everyone. Everyone has potential, and if you find the talent within you and live with passion, you will surely be able to carve out a bright future for yourself. I hope that watching the film will give you the energy to live your life from tomorrow onwards.

■Production Supervisor Tomomi Sugawara
This film was born from the desire to support women. It is a work that not only women but also men can empathize with. I would be very happy if this film can encourage the feelings of those who watch it.
Nine different perfumes created by the witch appear in the film. Each scent carries a message, and the power of the scents changes Ema's feelings, her actions, and even her life, leading to success. After watching the film, you'll surely want to smell those scents again. Therefore, we will be releasing four scents related to the movie's keywords in theaters and online shops. We hope that everyone will remember the encouraging feelings they had when they watched the film and the words contained in the scents.

■Hitomi Kuroki
I played a witch who casts spells not using magic but the power of perfume, and it was my first time playing the role of a witch.
I was particularly conscious of my appearance when playing this role. I think wearing a white wig created a mysterious atmosphere and brought me closer to the director's image of a witch.
Also, the character I played, Shiraishi Yayoi, was in her 70s, but in flashback scenes I sometimes played her in her 30s, so I think that not letting her age show is also a kind of witch-like quality (laughs).
I am very happy to have been able to create a piece that can change the thoughts and lifestyles that lie dormant within you through the power of perfume. I hope that this piece will change everyone's tomorrow, even if just a little.

■ Hinako Sakurai
In the scenes with Yayoi, played by Kuroki Hitomi, there were many wonderful lines that gave me the encouragement I needed.
The one that made the biggest impression on me was, "There's no point in hating society; the only person who can change is yourself."
This is one of the words that I have always held dear, and I believe it applies to real life as well.
That's why I think this line struck me so deeply. Also, before and after the scenes with Ren, I was wearing the same osmanthus perfume that Ren always wears. I felt like Ren's osmanthus scent was also catching on to Emma. That's a little behind-the-scenes story from the filming (laughs).

■Yuta Hiraoka
The character I played, Yokoyama Ren, was a business manager. Business managers never show their weaknesses, so I tried to act in a way that made me appear nice on the outside.
However, I believe that everyone has their weaknesses, and while I was aware of this, I tried to act with fortitude as the company president.
There are many encouraging quotes in this film, and I sincerely hope that these quotes and the film itself will have a positive influence on people who are about to start something new.

■Takaya Kawasaki
This was my first time trying acting. There were many things I didn't understand and I was unfamiliar with, but thanks to the support of the other members, I was able to have a lot of fun and act naturally.
I got involved in this production after receiving an offer to sing the theme song, and then the director asked me if I wanted to try acting as well. I thought I would only be able to appear for a short part, but when I read the script I was surprised to see that there were so many lines.
The theme song, "Orange," is inspired by the image of osmanthus. I wanted to compose the song while feeling Sakurai-san's acting and the atmosphere on set, so I brought my guitar with me on the second day of filming and composed the song, which I have a lot of feeling for!

Interviewers: Narina Ogata, third-year student at Rikkyo University / Waka Watanabe, first-year student at International Christian University

movies"Witch's Perfume"

The mysterious power of scent

The most beautiful fragrance-themed
The most amazing movie was born.

Starring Hitomi Kuroki, Hinako Sakurai, Yuta Hiraoka
Director/Screenplay: Yui Miyatake
Production Supervisor: Tomomi Sugawara
Now showing at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other theaters nationwide　
Distributor: Arc Entertainment　
(C) 2023 "Witch's Perfume" Film Production Committee