It was announced on April 10 that the Taiwan edition of WOWOW's movie information program " Kento Nakajima Movie Traveler," hosted by Kento Nakajima , will be broadcast and streamed in two parts, in May and June. Nakajima will attend classes at the National Taipei University of the Arts, which has produced many Taiwanese filmmakers, and will interview one of Taiwan's leading hitmakers, director Chen Yu-hsun.
Taiwanese films are now a part of Taiwanese culture. The Taiwan New Cinema movement that took place in the 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point in the development of film. Unlike commercial filmmaking, films with themes that delved deeper into Taiwanese society were produced, and directors such as Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang became highly acclaimed around the world. In addition to Japanese casts appearing in Taiwanese films, the Taiwanese-Japanese co-production film "Youth 18x2: The Road to You" (directed by Michihito Fujii) became a hit in 2024.
In the program, Nakajima, who visited the National Taipei University of the Arts, meets Toyoharu Kitamura, who is studying at the university's graduate school and is active as a director and actor based in Taiwan. Nakajima and Kitamura join a workshop for aspiring actors and directors in the film department. There is also a scene where Nakajima sheds tears.
We will also interview director Chen Yu-hsun, one of Taiwan's top hit makers, whose works include "Tropical Fish," which won the Blue Leopard Award at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland in 1995, and "A Girl Away," which won five awards including Best Picture at the 57th Golden Horse Awards in 2020 and was remade in Japan in 2023.
The tour will also visit the popular tourist spot Jiufen, the local morning market Shuanglian Morning Market, and one of the most famous temples in Taipei, Longshan Temple, and introduce some delicious Taiwanese food.
The Taiwan edition of "Kento Nakajima 's Movie Traveler" will be broadcast and streamed as episodes 7 and 8. Episode 7 will be streamed first on WOWOW On Demand at midnight on May 1st. It will be broadcast on WOWOW Prime from midnight on May 11th. Episode 8 will be streamed first on WOWOW On Demand at midnight on June 1st. It will be broadcast on WOWOW Prime from midnight on June 8th.
In addition, from noon on May 1st, "To celebrate the start of the Taiwan edition! All six episodes of the India and Thailand editions will be broadcast at once" will be broadcast and streamed on WOWOW Prime and WOWOW On Demand.
◇Comment from Kento Nakajima
--Regarding "Taiwan x Movies," what were your impressions before and after visiting Taiwan?
I had a flashy image of Taiwanese films, but when I went there, I found that it was the exact opposite: they make films with a delicate and detailed approach. I think that delicacy and detail are what express the kindness of Taiwanese films.
--What was it like filming at Taipei National University of the Arts?
I believe this was the best acting experience I've had in the history of "Film Travelers."
-What was your interview with director Chen Yu-shun like?
I thought he would be an intimidating person since he has shot many masterpieces such as "Chef's Banquet" and "My Girlfriend Ahead," but he was very kind and polite, and I think we had a great time talking, being able to communicate with each other not only through words but also through gestures.
--Please tell us what the highlights of the Taiwan episode are and your message to the viewers.
Filming on location in Taiwan reminded me of the fun of acting. I hope everyone will enjoy Kento Nakajima, and I think this episode will allow you to experience the kindness of all the people involved in filmmaking in Taiwan.
