It was announced on April 17th that actress Haruna Kawaguchi will be starring in a film for the first time in seven years, in "Even If Mom Is No Longer in This World, My Life Diary" (directed by Yuki Yamato, opening October 2nd). Kawaguchi will play Nodoka Endo, who was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 21 and died at the age of 24. In order to realistically portray the suffering caused by cancer, Kawaguchi lost 10 kilograms during the approximately two-month filming period, which was shot in chronological order.
The film is based on Kazu's bestselling memoir, which was featured in the "Wedding Journey" segment of the Nippon Television variety show "100 Million People's Big Questions!? Laugh and Endure!" and resonated with people all across Japan as a heart-wrenching true story.
In 2018, in Aomori Prefecture, 21-year-old Kazu was diagnosed with colon cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 13%. Yet, what she never let go of was her love for her husband, Shoichi, and their unborn child. With Shoichi's words, "We'll never part," in her heart, she defied her cruel fate and lived each moment to the fullest until the day she passed away at the age of 24. This is the love story woven by such a couple.
The film is directed by Yamato, known for works such as "Drowning Love" (2016), and stars Mahiro Takasugi as the husband, Shoichi.
Furthermore, a teaser visual with the caption "I want to be with you every minute, every second" and a special Teaser trailer showing Kazu earnestly asking "Can I have a child even if I have cancer?" were also released.
◇Comment from Haruna Kawaguchi
I myself learned about this story on television and was a fan who was inspired by Kazu-san. I struggled with whether I could really play the role in my current state, but after many conversations with Director Yamato, I strongly felt that I wanted to leave a record of Kazu-san's life through my own body, and I approached the role with the resolve to dedicate everything to it, both physically and mentally.
During filming, I experienced doubts, worries, and anguish, but having Takasugi-san as someone I could place immense trust and reassurance in, and fighting alongside me, was incredibly encouraging. This is a heartwarming film filled with the souls of the director, cast, and staff. I hope that as many people as possible will see the evidence of Kazu's life and the overflowing love and kindness of the family that supported her.
◇Comment from Mahiro Takasugi
Watching Kawaguchi-san's enthusiasm, kindness, and consideration for those around him as he embraced Kazu-san's feelings and tackled the challenging role with all his heart and soul, I also spent time alongside him, supporting him and trying to become the same Shoichi-san was to Kazu-san. I myself was exploring how to approach the story of these two as we filmed, but I made sure to cherish the feelings of Kazu-san and those around him, and I put my all into every scene, day by day.
Director Yamato, the staff, and the entire cast—everyone involved in this project refused to compromise and poured their passionate feelings into making this film the best it could be. I can't wait to see how this gentle and heartwarming story will resonate with everyone.
◇Comment from Shoichi Endo, husband of Kazu Endo
We were first approached about making a film adaptation three years ago. Even during the two years we spent reading through the script, and when we were surprised to hear that Mr. Kawaguchi and Mr. Takasugi would be playing the roles, and even when we visited the set, it still didn't feel real, and to be honest, it didn't feel like it was happening to us.
But the finished film truly captured the essence of everyone from that time. Loving, connecting lives, simply getting along. I hope that viewers, even if it's just for a small reason, will feel a sense of being alive in the present. Kazuo Endo. To show that there were people like him too.
