Actor Sayuri Yoshinaga attended the press conference for the film "You are there, beyond the top" (to be released on October 31, directed by Junji Sakamoto) held in Tokyo on May 13. Yoshinaga, now 80 years old, revealed that she had her ears pierced for the filming.
The film is based on the true story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. After achieving this glorious feat, she was given a prognosis for her life in her later years, but she continued to challenge the summit with a cheerful smile, drawing in her family, friends and those around her. It tells the story of this female climber and her family.
Since Tabei, the model for the role, had her ears pierced, director Ban revealed, "Yoshinaga has also had her ears pierced," to which Yoshinaga responded to the press, "I was given the real earrings that Tabei wore. I'm wearing them today as well."
She continued, "What was difficult was that I was told I couldn't swim for a month, and not being able to swim was very hard for me." Even so, she said, "At this age, I might not get offers to appear in period dramas, so I thought I'd give it a go. I feel liberated, and I have a good feeling."
This marks his 124th film appearance and, reflecting on his career in show business, he commented, "I guess I'm about at the eighth station (if I were to compare it to Mount Fuji). I don't know if I can make it to the summit, but I'd like to keep taking it one step at a time as long as I can."
