Additional cast members for the movie "Strawberry Moon" (directed by Mai Sakai, to be released on October 17th), starring actress Ami Touma, have been announced. A special video has also been released.
The newly announced cast members are Yusuke Santamaria as Sakurai Kosuke, the father of the main character Sakurai Moe (Touma), who strives to grant all of his daughter's wishes, and Tanaka Rena as Sakurai Miyoko, Moe's mother who gently and tenderly supports her. In addition, Ikehata Anji, a 17-year-old who has attracted attention in commercials for Pocari Sweat and Zexy, will play Takato Urara, who becomes Moe's best friend, during her high school days. The other nine cast members announced include Kodai Kurosaki, Yoshizawa Kaname, Ito Kentaro, Izumisawa Yuki, Ikezu Sachiko, and Jun Hashimoto.
This film is a live-action adaptation of Akutagawa Nao's novel of the same name (Subarusha), which became a hot topic on TikTok as "the most tear-jerking film of the Reiwa era." The story follows Sakurai Moe (Touma), who is told she has only six months to live, and in the spring of her first year of high school, she falls in love with Hinata (Jun Saito) for the rest of her life. Hinata 13 years later is played by Yosuke Sugino, and Ayami Nakajo. The script was written by Okada Yoshikazu, who has worked on numerous films such as "10 Years to Live" and "Be With You." The film will be directed by up-and-coming director Sakai, known for "Beautiful Him ~Eternal~" and others.
Moe, who has been sickly and stayed at home since she was a child, decides to go to high school. On the day of the entrance ceremony, Moe suddenly confesses her feelings to Sato Hinata, who she meets for the first time and is in the same class as him, and they begin dating after a fierce approach. On June 4th, Moe's birthday, they decide to go see the Strawberry Moon, a full moon that Moe has always longed to see, and which is said to bind the person she loves to eternal life if they see it together. However, from that day onwards, Moe disappears from school, and Hinata is no longer able to contact her. The reason for Moe's disappearance, and the truth that is revealed 13 years later... is this the story.
The special video, which was released at the same time, begins with Moe asking, "Do you know what a strawberry moon is?" Moe and Hinata look up at the beautiful June full moon, bearing in mind the legend that "if you see it with the person you love, you will be bound together forever, and it will grant your love." The video impressively depicts a sad scene of youth as they yearn for the special moon known as the "strawberry moon."
The newly announced cast members' comments are as follows:
◇Comment from Yusuke Santamaria (role of Kosuke Sakurai)
Is "Strawberry Moon" a cute title? I don't really care if I'm worthy of this title... (laughs). I spent every day of the hottest period last year thinking about how I could become a part of a family full of love. Tanaka Rena's strength helped me. Everyone, including Ami-chan and Jun-kun, is so wonderful. I hope this work will remain in everyone's hearts forever... And lastly, the director!! ...I love you!! (laughs)
◇Comment from Rena Tanaka (role of Miyoko Sakurai)
I was very happy when I heard about the role. From the title "Strawberry Moon," I already had a feeling that it would be a wonderful work. I was touched not just by the fact that the main character only had six months to live, but by the way she lived her life with a pure and straightforward attitude, saying, "If that's the case, then I'll do what I want to do!" The presence of her parents and friends who supported her was also well-drawn, and I feel very happy to be a part of the work. In fact, the leading actress, Ami Touma, overlaps with the main character Moe in a cute and warm-hearted way, but she was also a charming girl who seemed to have a strong sense of self. I am very grateful that she made me a mother just by being by my side. The main character is a high school student, but I think people of my generation can also sympathize with this work. I also recommend a movie theater date for parents and children. I hope Strawberry Moon reaches many people.
◇Comment from Anji Ikebata (role of Takato Ryo)
I am really happy to have been involved in this production. I still think back on the filming, it was such an intense time. The time I spent as Uruha was truly happy, and I was able to get through it thanks to all the help I received from the cast and staff. I had a lot of fun getting the chance to act with people my age. At the same time, I was inspired and each day of filming made me want to try harder. I think it's a production that is filled with the feeling of loving people with sincerity. I hope as many people as possible will see it!
