Tao Tsuchiya will appear in the film "Sunflowers on the Board" as the protagonist's ex-fiancee

It was revealed on June 20th that actress Tao Tsuchiya will play Natsuko, an original character who does not appear in the original work and is the protagonist's ex-fiancee who holds the key to the story, in the film "Sunflowers on the Board" (directed by Naoto Kumazawa, scheduled for release on October 31st).

The film is based on the novel of the same name (Chuokoron-Shinsha) by Yuzuki Yuko, known for works such as "The Blood of Wolves." A skeleton is discovered in the mountains. The clue is a set of shogi pieces, of which only seven remain in the world. The suspect is Kamijo Keisuke (Sakaguchi Kentaro), a genius who suddenly appeared in the world of shogi, overwhelmed other players, and became a celebrity overnight. During the investigation, the existence of Higashimei Chongqing (Ken Watanabe), a man who lived in the underworld of gambling shogi, comes to light. Eventually, Keisuke's mysterious upbringing is revealed. It was an unimaginably harsh one... This is a human mystery. Director Kumazawa also wrote the screenplay. The theme song is "Kureyuku Machi no Futari" by Southern All Stars.

Detectives investigating Katsusuke's past arrive at a lush farm in Yamanashi Prefecture. Before making his debut as a professional shogi player, Katsusuke worked at this farm. He was engaged to the farm's only daughter, Natsuko, and spent a happy time there, but an event occurred that changed the fate of the couple. Natsuko was the only one who noticed the footsteps of an ominous fate approaching Katsusuke... The role of Natsuko was entrusted to Tao Tsuchiya, who plays an important role as the only person who has contact with a person who holds the key to the story.

Newly released stills show Natsuko working in an orchard, her gaze wavering with anxiety as she senses the footsteps of fate approaching her loved one.

The full comments from Tsuchiya and original author Yuzuki are as follows:

◇Comment from Tao Tsuchiya

-What are your thoughts on this film?

Is it happiness to encounter a world that is so fascinating that if you lose it, you lose the meaning of life? This question has been on my mind ever since the shoot. It was a time when I was keenly aware that things break because we want to hold on to them.

--About Sakaguchi Kentaro.

When she was acting, she had an indescribable transience, as if her soul was drifting far away along with her character, but after filming was over, she communicated a lot with the staff and was a really fun person. It was a very hot summer, but I think her smile was like a sunflower, leading the team.

--About Ken Watanabe.

I can't tell you how many times I have watched Ken Watanabe's work!!! It's a private feeling, but I couldn't help but express my feelings to him. He responded to such topics with a smile, and was also considerate of my situation after my life stage changed. He was a truly generous and wonderful person. Naturally, the time we spent acting together will be a treasured memory for the rest of my life!

◇Comment from the original author, Yuko Yuzutsuki

-- About the film adaptation and Kentaro Sakaguchi and Ken Watanabe.

I was very happy. My works have been adapted into films in the past, but I think that novels, manga, and films all have their own unique appeal, so I was looking forward to both the visuals and the acting, and left everything to the director.

Sakaguchi's Keisuke was a tough character who was suffering, cornered, and forced to make a difficult decision, and he was very emotional, and Ken Watanabe was just there. He didn't say anything and just changed his facial expression a little to express Tomei, and I thought actors are amazing.

-About the role of Natsuko, played by Tao Tsuchiya, which was adapted for the movie.

I think she is probably the character that is closest to the hearts of the movie's viewers. She wants to help Keisuke, she wants him to be happy, but she can't do anything. Both Natsuko and Keisuke care for each other, but they can't take a step forward. Even though she doesn't say much, her interactions with Keisuke (played by Sakaguchi) are incredibly heartbreaking, and just standing there in the silence strongly appeals to the sadness. She has an atmosphere that only Tao Tsuchiya could create, and I think she is the original Natsuko that only Tsuchiya could have created.

--Your thoughts and message to the audience.

I couldn't hold back the tears, I can't put it into words. It was interesting, fascinating. And thought-provoking. A variety of emotions welled up in my heart, and I saw something wonderful. I thought it was a movie that contained something very important. I think that after seeing it, you will definitely be able to take something important home with you. The magnificent sunflower fields and beautiful scenery, and the charm of the characters who struggle and try to move forward there. I hope you will see it on the big screen.