Who, then, might embody Audi's appeal and image? In the realm of creativity, the actor Masatoshi Nagase immediately comes to mind. Perhaps "challenger" is a more fitting description.


He is not merely a handsome actor; he has left behind a string of memorable films with his powerful performances. From Jim Jarmusch's "Mystery Train" (1989) to Kazuo Kuroki's "The Glorious Testament of Paper Moon" (2006), he has starred in numerous films by directors with vastly different styles, yet each feels complete because Masatoshi Nagase was in it.

A Person Whose Very Existence Embodies the Challenger

He is a charismatic figure for the younger generation, with wide-ranging connections in the fashion world and beyond. Yet, he also fits perfectly into the role of a samurai in Yoji Yamada's "The Hidden Blade" (2004). His image is not fixed. There has been no actor quite like Masatoshi Nagase before him. His very existence embodies the challenger.

Recently, in "Gelatin Silver Love" (directed by Kazumi Kurigami), he played a photographer who falls in love with a female assassin, demonstrating a presence that could draw viewers into the silver screen.

" 'Gelatin Silver Love' is the first film directed by Kurigami-san, who has been active on the front lines as a photographer for 40 years. His excitement and passion were infectious and incredibly enjoyable. Sharing that was a great reward. However, I don't impose my own interpretation of a character. I believe there can be a hundred different interpretations for a hundred viewers. My hope is that when people leave the cinema, they have their own unique interpretation of the film."

Cars Are Not Just for Transportation, But for Enjoyment

Masatoshi Nagase's mind is not solely focused on acting. He holds intriguing theories about the future of cinema.

"In the future of cinema, I hope the distinctions between Japanese and Western films will gradually fade. I'd like to see films made without regard to nationality, with Western actors appearing naturally in films by Japanese directors – a more global approach. Even more so, I think artists could become directors, a great painter could handle the art direction, or a talented photographer could shoot the posters. Furthermore, even high school students have the potential to make great films. Imagine everyone coming together to create something new. Wouldn't that be amazing?"

A Car with a Striking Presence

In that sense, Audi piques his interest. The A4 1.8 TFSI, released last year and praised as a new generation of enjoyable Audis, offers a driving experience distinct from its German rivals. There's a term used to describe automotive steering: "the ability to modulate with millimeter precision." The steering accuracy of the A4 enables precisely such subtle movements. Hasn't Audi's "challenge" also led to elevating the performance of sedans to this level?

Meanwhile, Masatoshi Nagase meticulously examined the finer details.

"The design of the headlamps really stands out. I think it's a car with a striking presence. For me, the most important aspect of a car is its presence – the design of the front mask. I feel that Audi's unique appeal, such as its high-speed stability thanks to the quattro system and the joy of driving, is reflected in the car's face."


As he spoke, Nagase settled into the driver's seat of the A4 1.8 TFSI. "It's a car that fits well," he said, with a smile.


Could this "fit" be a form of solidarity shared by those who lead the way?

Audi Communication Center 0120-598106
http://www.audi.co.jp