"The Birds Sing at Night" Director Hideo Shirosada I have no choice but to do what I can [Director's Interview Vol.268]

Yuki Yamada who organized the children

Q: Child actor Yurita Mori was also very good and wonderful. How is it directed to children?

Josada: Normally, I take things step by step, but this time Mori-kun was already a good kid and completely understood everything. When I tell them what I'm thinking, they're like, ``Oh, this is what you mean?'' (laughs) Mori-kun is only about 7 or 8 years old, but he was the best out of the many people we auditioned.

“The Birds sing at night” © 2022 Clockworks

Q: I also liked the scene in “Dharma-san ga Fallen” where a lot of children appear.

Josada: Those children are not child actors, but local children gathered at the filming location. Well, they don't listen to me at all (lol). That scene might have been the most difficult. Everyone wants to be a demon because they want to stand out, and they don't run away even if you touch them. I get bored easily (lol). During this time, Mr. Yamada was able to work well with the children, which was helpful.

Q: Tomoko Fujita, who played the role of the neighbor, also had a small appearance, but she was impressive.

Josada: Originally, I only had a few appearances in that role, and I was just there to say hello. However, Mr. Fujita was going to appear in it, so I expanded it considerably. The setting of the landlord has been changed to that of the neighbor, and her personal relationships have also been added.

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