Sakura DVD & Bluray

by Nill Newt, posted in Cinema

Based on Kanako Nishi‘s successful novel of the same name (2005), Sakura, directed by Hitoshi Yazaki (Strawberry Short Cakes, Sweet Little Lies…) hit Japanese theaters on November 13 last year. It was released on DVD and Bluray on May 12 this year.

Plot: An ordinary and happy middle class family that consists of parents and their 3 children: Hajime (Ryo Yoshizawa), Kaoru (Takumi Kitamura) and Miki (Nana Komatsu). Hajime is the eldest son, a handsome and very popular guy at school, he is also a fine baseball player. His younger brother Kaoru is a reserved and somewhat moody person. Miki is the young sister: stubborn, childish, careless yet sensitive, her feelings for Hajime go beyond simple admiration. They have a cute little dog, Sakura. One day, Hajime has a terrible car accident and as the family falls into despair, much will be revealed.

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Art of Glass

by Nill Newt, posted in Fashion, Magazines

Photo session with actress and model Komatsu Nana for the Chinese edition of UK based magazine Glass. For the Spring Issue of the magazine (Glass China issue #2), director and photographer Gen Yoshida (aka Yuann) was in charge.

On their Instagram account Glass Mag quoted the actress: “Whether it’s acting a different kind of role or trying something new in life, I’m always open. I want to climb Mount Fuji and visit a lot of places in Japan before hitting 30.” Stylist: Aya Kaendo, Make up artist: Kanako Yoshida.

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Moonlight Shadow

by Nill Newt, posted in Cinema

The last that ever she saw him carried away by a moonlight shadow…Banana Yoshimoto‘s famous novel published in 1986 was indeed inspired by Mike Oldfield‘s most emblematic song (1983). The main character, Satsuki, is a young woman “coming to terms with the death of her boyfriend, Hitoshi, in a car accident and her friendship with her boyfriend’s brother, Hiiragi, whose girlfriend, Yumiko, also died in the same accident. With Japanese cultural and surrealistic themes, it is an example of Yoshimoto’s clean writing style that portrays the emotions of grief, loss, and hope.” (from Wikipedia)

Actress Komatsu Nana is Satsuki thus taking the lead in the novel’s adaptation by Singapore born Malaysian director Edmund Yeo (We, The Dead – Malu…). Set for release next fall.

Moonlight Shadow Official Links: Film Site – Twitter – Instagram
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Just Like This

by Nill Newt, posted in Music Clips

‘Something just like this’, a song collaboration between American duo The Chainsmokers and British band Cold Play, was a worldwide hit that went #1 in 70 countries including Japan. The official video for the track was basically a lyrics clip with few visuals. Director, writer and producer Genki Kawamura decided to make a special one for Japan.

Kawamura set up a dream team: dance artist Kento Mori was in charge of the choreography, Chuya Koyama (widely known for Space Brothers) designed the characters, renowned cinematographer Keisuke Imamura was behind the camera helped by Yuki Nakamura for the lighting. Shingo Abe dealt with the CG effects under the direction of Yasuhiro Aoki as the clip was a mix of live action and animation sequences.

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Vogue Makes It Playful

by Nill Newt, posted in Fashion, Magazines

28 April 2021, Vogue x Chanel special page: clips and photoshoot with actress and model Komatsu Nana. Photos and video by Akinori Ito, Stylist: Rena Semba, Hair: Yusuke Morioka, Makeup by Nao Yoshida at VOW-WOW. Check the original page and its beautiful design: Make It Playful.

More to come in the June edition of Vogue. Komatsu Nana was selected by Vogue Japan as one of the Women of the Year 2020.

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