"Asakusa Kid" Theatrical Company Solo Director The story of Beat Takeshi and his master who has been longing for is made into a movie with his own script [Director's Interview Vol.168]

`` Asakusa Kid '' is a timeless youth novel depicting the interaction between Beat Takeshi and his master, the legendary Asakusa comedian Senzaburo Fukami. More than 30 years after its publication, the book is still being read and has even been made into a TV drama. For Takeshi fans, this work can truly be called a bible. This masterpiece has now been made into a movie by the comedian/troupe Hitori.

Professing his admiration for Beat Takeshi, he chose an entertainment hall in Asakusa as the stage for his previous work, `` Blue Sky '' (14). Being such a believer in Takeshi, he cast Hiroshi Oizumi to play the role of Sensaburo Fukami, one of the main characters in this work. If you are a fan of the original work, you may feel uncomfortable with this cast. As for me, ``Asakusa Kid'' has been a favorite book for many years, and to be honest, I was a little worried, wondering if it would be okay.

However, after watching the work, I felt ashamed of my own ignorance. Hiroshi Oizumi brilliantly played the role of the legendary comedian, and thanks to Hitori Gekidan's unique casting philosophy and research that utilized his network as a comedian, the film was brought to life in such a perfect way that it couldn't have been better. We asked Hitori Gekidan, who wrote and directed the movie, to tell us a lot about what goes on behind the scenes.

Index

• Filmed as a representative of “Takeshi believers”
• The movie was made into a movie thanks to the passion of director Hitori Gekidan.
• Characters of the legendary comedian Sensaburo Fukami
• A strange casting that is different from the image
• Reproducing the deserted Asakusa
• The sex appeal of Hiroshi Oizumi who played Master Fukami

Filmed as a representative of “Takeshi believers”

Q: The story of Beat Takeshi, who I have always admired, has finally been made into a movie. It will be distributed worldwide from now on, how are you feeling now? (*Interview recorded in late November)

Hitori: To be honest, I just want to watch it with my family and call it a day (lol). Since it hasn't been streamed yet, only the staff members watch the work and their close friends praise it, saying things like, ``You did a great job!'' and ``Wow, that was fun.'' (laughs) After all, that's when your feelings peak. For me, it's a work that I'm really satisfied with, so I can send it off with pride, but I'm afraid that I'm going to get some harsh opinions from now on.

For me, Takeshi has always been someone I admire, but of course it's not just me, there are many comedians who worship Beat Takeshi like a god. Moreover, I think there are many people, not just comedians, who have been influenced by Takeshi. I feel that I was given the opportunity to film ``Asakusa Kid'' on behalf of those ``Takeshi believers,'' so I'm really worried about whether they'll be satisfied with this work.

Netflix movie “Asakusa Kid” will be distributed exclusively worldwide from December 9th (Thursday)

Q: Since it will be distributed on Netflix, I think there will be more opportunities for people who don't usually go to movie theaters to experience the film.

Personal: I really like Netflix, but if you ask me if ``Asakusa Kid'' is a Netflix-like work, I don't think so. It's not a death The Game, and there are no terrorists or Dawn of the Dead(lol). In that sense, I'm not sure if it's a work that suits Netflix users. However, since it has a different tone from other works, I take a positive view of it, thinking that it might be viewed with a fresh feeling.

Q: There was a Netflix lineup presentation (Netflix Festival Japan 2021) in November, where various works including "Asakusa Kid" were announced, and performers and creators gathered together. How was your participation?

Alone: ​​We're already at each other's throats, behind the scenes (lol). This season, we're competing against each other, so it's like, ``We're the best!'' Well, everyone was smiling and talking, but I got the feeling that they were going to lose.

“Netflix Festival Japan 2021” group special photo

The movie was made into a movie thanks to the passion of director Hitori Gekidan.