Kazuya Ohashi, leader of the popular seven-member group Naniwa Danshi, stars in the upcoming film “Jinsei wo Kaeta Konto” (人生を変えたコント), which premieres on December 18 in Japan. The story is based on a semi-autobiographical novel written by Seiya of the comedy duo Shimofuri Myojo, who drew from his own experiences.
Kazuya, who has built an impressive acting career featuring leading roles in television, film and stage productions, portrays Ishikawa, a high school student who endures bullying. Driven by his cheerful personality and his passion for comedy, he gradually gains allies despite his difficult circumstances.
The cast also includes Hiyori Sakurada, Oshiro Maeda, Yoshi Iwase, and Kaito Sakurai.
Synopsis
Ishikawa had been popular through middle school thanks to his sense of humor, but at the start of high school, he struggled to fit in and lost his place of belonging. One morning, he arrived at school to find his desk turned upside down. Now subjected to bullying, he finds his youth on the verge of being taken away. No matter how painful things become, he puts on a brave face in front of his homeroom teacher, declaring, “They’re not laughing at me. I’m making them laugh.” Although he is intimidated by Kurokawa (Kaito Sakurai) and overwhelmed by despair at school, Ishikawa enjoys warm, happy moments with his family at home.
Moved by Ishikawa‘s determination as he struggles on his own, as well as by the script he has worked so desperately on, his classmates Yamai (Oshiro Maeda), Moriki (Yoji Iwase), and Komori (Hiyori Sakurada) join him. Together, they take on the school’s biggest event, the Bungekisai (an inter-class arts festival), which will determine the course of Ishikawa‘s future. As they deepen their bonds despite occasionally clashing with one another, they work together to create an original comedy sketch play titled “Real Momotaro.”
During his high school years, the original author drew emotional support from the rock band Ulfuls‘ “Waraereba” (“If we can smile”) (笑えれば) as a source of inspiration, which is featured in “Jinsei wo Kaeta Konto.” With its powerful message and musical lineage reminiscent of that track, the one and only Masaki Suda created “Kimi ga warau made” (“Until You Smile”) (君が笑うまで) as the movie’s official theme song, with the intention of making it an answer to “Waraereba.” Ulfuls member Tortoise Matsumoto, who appears in the film as Ishikawa‘s homeroom teacher, also participates as a guest chorus vocalist on this new composition.
In the teaser visual, Ishikawa is shown wearing his school uniform and vigorously riding a bicycle, leaning forward with his head held high and a determined expression, as if he was trying to motivate himself to reclaim the youth that was taken from him. The dynamic, energetic image captures Ishikawa’s character as he refuses to give in to adversity and tries to keep moving forward with his naturally cheerful outlook.
Comments from the cast
Kazuya Ohashi
“When I first heard about this project, I couldn’t believe something like this was actually happening!
When I was allowed to listen to the song, the moment I first heard Masaki Suda’s voice, I thought, ‘This is insane!’ Then Tortoise Matsumoto’s harmonies came in almost immediately.
The excitement and exhilaration I felt were so overwhelming that I wondered whether people hearing it for the first time would even be able to handle it! (laughs)
I certainly couldn’t! (laughs)
Once I finish listening to ‘Kimi ga warau made,’ I immediately want to listen to ‘Waraereba.’ And once ‘Waraereba’ finishes, I want to listen to ‘Kimi ga warau made’ again. It’s an endless loop!
If you watch the film and then listen to ‘Kimi ga warau made,’ I guarantee you’ll experience emotions unlike anything you’ve felt before!
Please look forward to it!”
Hiyori Sakurada
“When I first read the script, I was overwhelmed by the boundless energy of the students, led by Ishikawa. During the pivotal scenes, I could feel my heart gradually growing warmer.
The character I play, Komori, has a distinctive presence that sets her apart from the other students in her class. She is an appealing girl who continues to take on challenges wholeheartedly.
I don’t often get the opportunity to act alongside people of my own generation, so I hope we can challenge and inspire one another while enjoying the filming process together. I want us to have fun bringing this work, filled with both laughter and tears, to life, just as its original author, Seiya, envisioned.”
Oshiro Maeda
“How can you make people laugh? I have tremendous respect and admiration for comedians, whose profession revolves entirely around pursuing that one question.
This story is about a comedy monster who believes in comedy and uses it to bring smiles not only to others but also to his family and even himself.
The character I play, Yamai, is a young man who finds courage through this comedy monster, Ishikawa, and grows as a person.
Together with the cast and crew, including Ohashi, who plays Ishikawa, I hope we can create a work filled with just as much energy as the original novel.”
Yoshi Iwase
“After reading the original novel, I was reminded that people can find the courage to move forward when someone acknowledges them, and that even a small opportunity can sometimes change a person’s life.
By the time I finished reading, I felt very warm inside. I think this is a work that leaves you with a gentle, heartwarming feeling.
The character I play, Moriki, is Ishikawa’s classmate. He is a boy who belongs to the broadcasting club and loves music. He plays an important role in the story, from obtaining evidence of a certain incident to handling the sound effects for Ishikawa’s comedy sketch, ‘Real Momotaro.’
I want to approach each scene carefully while respecting the atmosphere and world of the story. I’m really looking forward to filming. I hope you’ll look forward to the film’s release!”
Kaito Sakurai
“As someone who loves comedy, I’m incredibly happy to have the opportunity to be involved in a project based on Seiya’s work. When I read the original novel and the screenplay, I was deeply drawn into the way relationships between people and their lives gradually change through the power of laughter.
I’ve never encountered a villain quite like Kurokawa before, even as an actor, so I intend to fully embrace the role of the antagonist and make him as thoroughly unpleasant as possible.
I’m also really looking forward to working alongside Kazuya Ohashi, and I’m excited to see what kind of atmosphere we’ll have on set. I’ll also be taking on the challenge of speaking Kansai dialect for the first time. Since many of the cast members are from the Kansai region, I’ll practice as hard as I can to make sure my pronunciation doesn’t sound out of place.
I hope you’ll look forward to the film’s release!”
