It has been revealed that actor Masami Nagasawa will star in the film "Oi, Oui" (released October 17th), which depicts Katsushika Oui, the daughter of the Edo period ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. This will be a reunion with director Omori Tatsushi, who won numerous awards for his role in "MOTHER," in which Nagasawa played a "toxic parent." Nagasawa said, "Director Omori is a man of strong passion. He not only helped me to focus on my acting, but also gave me time to reflect on myself."
Oui, who spent decades with Hokusai as both his disciple and his daughter, was also active as an artist herself. In the Edo period, art, including ukiyo-e, was a man's world, and despite her circumstances as Hokusai's daughter, she made a name for herself as one of the few female artists. She was a charming character with such talent that even Hokusai himself acknowledged that "no one can match her in painting beautiful women," as well as a short-tempered, strong-willed, and bold personality that couldn't quit smoking.
The released teaser visual is an impressive one in which Oui, played by Nagasawa, holds a brush in her hand and stares intently at the viewer. Combined with the memorable catchphrase "Sorry, I'm Hokusai's daughter," the layout makes us excited for the life of Oui that will be depicted in this film.
Nagasawa said, "Oei has the boldness of a child and lives freely without worrying about what others think. Her appearance is cool and exudes the aura of a modern woman. The more I get to know her, the more I realize she is a deep character, and I would like to actually meet and see her." Looking back on the filming, she said, "I played the role with a sense of admiration for all of that. I hope people will look with warm eyes at the story of a father and daughter who lived their lives with tremendous passion. I think it's a film like that."
Director Omori commented, "The image of Masami Nagasawa's character Oei standing in the dilapidated tenement house is still burned into my mind. I think Nagasawa was there not as Nagasawa or as Oei, but just as someone else, a large woman living in an Edo tenement house who loves pipes, dogs and paintings." He showed confidence in the film, saying, "Masami Nagasawa is always a great actress. But Masami Nagasawa in this film may be the best."
