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May 15, 2015
MOVIE | Rena Tanaka on the Film "The Sower: The Tea of Minori"
The Movie "Tane Maku Tabibito - Minori no Cha -" Opens March 17
Rena Tanaka Interview
Set in the scenic city of Usuki in Oita Prefecture, "Tane Maku Tabibito - Minori no Cha -" depicts the lives of people engaged in organic tea cultivation. Following advance screenings in Oita and Fukuoka on March 3, 2012, the film is set for a nationwide release on March 17 (Saturday).
We sat down for an interview with Rena Tanaka, who plays Minori, the granddaughter who protects the tea fields of her grandfather (played by Akira Emoto) after he falls ill. She stars alongside Takanori Jinnai, in his first role in 16 years, as Kinjiro Omiya, a compassionate official who works alongside the farmers in the fields.
Text by OPENERS
We Find Fulfillment When We Appreciate the Happiness in Our Everyday Lives
Rena Tanaka plays Minori, who, after losing her job as a designer and feeling lost, begins a new life through tea cultivation. The film "Tane Maku Tabibito - Minori no Cha -" portrays the importance of a simple life: eating delicious food we've prepared ourselves, sharing laughter, and sleeping when the sun sets. Sometimes, looking up at the starry sky and shedding tears.
──What was it like co-starring with Takanori Jinnai this time?
He's the kind of person who lightens the mood on set with jokes and creates a warm atmosphere. I think I found myself laughing a lot.
──With terms like "farm girl" and "farm gal" emerging, it seems more women are showing interest in agriculture recently. What are your thoughts on this trend?
I think it's wonderful that younger generations are experiencing and taking up farming as a hobby. It's physically demanding work, so their involvement can be a great help to many.
──What was your experience like actually engaging in farming during the film's location shooting?
Even though I drink tea every day, I was surprised to realize how much time and effort goes into producing it before it reaches our cups.
While machinery is sometimes used, strenuous physical labor is unavoidable. It taught me that delicious tea is the fruit of the farmers' hard work.
──Were there any particularly enjoyable moments or hardships during the filming?
It was tough being cold because we were filming in light clothing. However, the warm meals after shooting felt more delicious than ever.
──Could you share the film's message with us?
What is work? What do I want to do? Minori, who had been drifting through life, finds her answers and gratitude for life itself by connecting with the tea fields. The sight of tea leaves growing through human care is beautiful, and it taught me about the coexistence of people and nature. It's a "break time" in life. I believe this film offers a moment of comfort, like sipping a cup of tea, for everyone who watches it.
<STORY>
Kin-chan, or Kinjiro Omiya (Takanori Jinnai), travels across the country, helping farmers and sharing drinks with them. While he is officially a planning officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, he is a completely different person in the office and in the fields, with no one knowing both sides of him. Meanwhile, Minori (Rena Tanaka) is laid off from her design job and comes to Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, where her grandfather, Shuzo (Akira Emoto), lives. The day after these two meet at Shuzo's organic tea farm, Shuzo suddenly falls ill. Minori takes over the farm work, learning about the difficulties of organic farming from city hall agricultural policy official Takuji (Yu Yoshizawa), and repeatedly faces setbacks due to the harshness of nature and unfamiliar rural customs...
"Tane Maku Tabibito - Minori no Cha -"
Starring: Takanori Jinnai, Rena Tanaka, Yu Yoshizawa, Akira Emoto, Toshiyuki Nagashima, Kenjiro Ishimaru, Ken Terajima, Yuri Nakamura, Michiko Hayashi, and others
Director: Shun Shioya
Theme Song: "Zutto Kimi wo Miteiru" by Naka Nakamura
Production: "Tane Maku Tabibito - Minori no Cha -" Production Committee
Planning & Production: Will-Do / Production Cooperation: Shochiku Studio
Support: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries / Oita Prefecture / Usuki City / Oita City
Official Website
www.tanemaku-movie.com
Distribution: Go Cinema