"Under Ninja" (directed by Fukuda Yuichi), a live-action film adaptation of a manga by Hanazawa Kengo, known for "I Am a Hero" and other works, starring actor Kento Yamazaki, was released on January 24th. Set in a world where ninjas, believed to have disappeared after the war, are still operating in the shadows today, the story follows a low-ranking ninja, Kumogakure Kuro (Yamazaki), who lives a life practically unemployed, as he throws himself into an important "ninja mission." Actor Mai Shiraishi Mai plays Suzuki, a skilled female ninja who belongs to the same ninja organization "NIN" as Kuro. Shiraishi took on a full-scale action role in this film, trying to portray Suzuki as "simply strong." We asked her about the thoughts she put into the film.
◇Aspiring to be a strong kunoichi - Check out this perfect spin kick!
Suzuki, played by Shiraishi, is a skilled female ninja with blonde hair. She usually works as an editor for a historical novelist, and when it comes to ninja duties, she is adept at using shuriken and batons with built-in tasers. Shiraishi said of her impression of Suzuki, "She's a very strong character, with no weaknesses," and added, "I thought that I couldn't let Suzuki's strengths be half-hearted, so I approached the filming so that I would make sure that the action scenes were perfect."
Like Suzuki, she is a "serious type," but she seems to have admired her, saying, "I'm not as strong-willed as Suzuki (laughs). She's a really dignified and cool kunoichi, so while I was playing the role I thought she was a really wonderful character."
Although Shiraishi has experience in action scenes as an actor, this was his first time taking on a full-scale action role. He practiced for about a month before filming.
"The backflip scene was done by a professional, but I did everything else myself. For the fight scene with Okayama (Amane), who plays Saruta, I practiced with her many times, checking the number of moves. There were also several other techniques, such as spin kicks and throwing shuriken, so I made sure to practice them thoroughly. When I actually got to the set, the costume, hair and makeup were all Suzuki-like. Of course, I gave it 100% during practice, but when I got to the set dressed as Suzuki, I felt twice as strong as I did during practice."
Among the various action scenes, the one that Shiraishi felt was the most satisfying was the scene early on in the film where Suzuki delivers a roundhouse kick that sends a shoe flying.
"I'm naturally quite stiff, so at first I had a hard time lifting my legs, but I did stretches at home and prepared thoroughly. The spin kick scene is the first highlight of the movie, so I practiced it many times until I was satisfied, and it was the scene I was most motivated in."
Suzuki is cool and strong when he is a ninja, but when he is in front of his beloved author, Yoshida Showa, he shows a cute side, which is also attractive. The film also depicts the comical exchanges between Suzuki and Yoshida, and Suzuki recalls that filming with Sato Jiro, who plays Yoshida, was "fun."
"Anyway, I was prepared not to laugh too much. But I was right there with Jiro receiving requests from Director Fukuda like, 'Sing this song while you sing it...' and that alone was funny. I was pretty nervous about how Jiro would respond, so I almost laughed at the beginning, but I was really happy to be able to see up close the comedic acting that only Jiro can do."
◇Even in my 30s, "I can still move!" I want to look my best
Shiraishi said that Director Fukuda had told her, "Anyway, Suzuki is strong, so I want to show that strength well," and she tried to express Suzuki with "more than 100% of her feelings." Although she had aspirations to do full-scale action, she was also very anxious.
"After all, I was over 30 and had a gap since graduating (from Nogizaka46), so I was worried, wondering if I could keep up with the speed and whether I really couldn't do it. But I learned the movements well and was able to move nimbly after putting in some power, so I made a new discovery within myself, thinking, 'Ah, I can still do it. I'm glad!' At first the action scenes were difficult, but by the end I felt like it was fun, so if I have the chance again, I'd definitely like to try it. I want to do it while I can still move (laughs)."
When asked "Will we see the strongest Shiraishi ever in "Under Ninja?" she smiled and said, "That's certainly true. I'd say she's the coolest, including her action. That's why I want my fans to see it."
Shiraishi says her goals for 2025 are to "maintain her health" and "make her body stronger." This year, we want to keep an eye on the "strong Mai Shiraishi," as well as "Under Ninja."
