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'I'm glad my first film was with Director Nakashima.'

—'The World of Kanako' is a shocking work, described as a potent cinematic experience. What were your thoughts after seeing your debut film on screen?

“I was stunned when it ended. The first word that came to mind was ‘amazing.’ I had read the script, so I knew the plot, but I was still surprised by the unexpected cuts, the animation, the use of upbeat music during scenes of bullying, and the way past and present, reality and fantasy, were blended together – Nakashima’s powerful expression was truly astonishing. The editing was so intricate that I was desperately trying not to miss anything, and before I knew it, I was completely immersed in that world. It’s hard to recommend it with words. I just want everyone to see it.”

—Your character possesses both beauty and cruelty. Were you concerned about portraying Kanako's complexity?

“Initially, I was worried about getting lost among the other strong characters. Kanako is meant to be a charismatic presence, someone who must always be at the top. If her presence faded, the whole thing would fall apart. I felt immense pressure, but once I started acting, Kanako just came to me. Even in the kissing scenes, I was able to act with the confidence that Kanako would, which I don’t think I could do as myself. So, I believe the character truly inhabited me.

However, Kanako is a mysterious girl, unlike anyone else, and her thoughts are inscrutable. I wanted her to be someone who would make the audience wonder, ‘What kind of girl is she?’ So, I didn’t want to define her too rigidly and avoided using any specific references to create the role. I worked scene by scene, discussing with the director, and as time went on, I began to incorporate my own interpretation of Kanako into my performance.”

—Director Nakashima has a track record of successful, surprising casting choices that are perfectly suited to his films and roles. Did being chosen by him provide a significant boost to your confidence?

“When he chose me at the audition, I wondered why. Before this film, I had the opportunity to work with Director Nakashima on a commercial. At that time, he brought out a completely new side of me, overturning the ‘quiet’ image that people around me had. I discovered aspects of myself I didn't know, like realizing I could make funny faces (laughs). Through that experience, although I initially lacked confidence and ease, as filming progressed, I began to feel, ‘I am Kanako.’ The director expanded my potential. I truly feel fortunate that my first film was with Director Nakashima.”

'Conveying emotions naturally through acting is truly difficult.'

—“Even without acting experience, she has a background as a model. The moment she is made up and dressed, she can embody the required character. She possesses a different skill set than an actress. I thought someone like her would be perfect for the role of Kanako, who shows various faces depending on who she is interacting with,” says Director Nakashima. Did your modeling career help you in portraying a character with so many different facets?

“It helped immensely. Thanks to my modeling career, I felt confident when showing various expressions. I had no hesitation in striking poses. However, I had absolutely no acting experience, so I actually thought it would be a bit easier. But that was completely wrong.

Models create a character in each moment, but with acting, you have to remain the same person throughout the entire filming period. You constantly think about the role. Even a simple movement needs to look natural, and sometimes, even when expressing joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure, it doesn’t seem to convey anything to the other person. I realized that I had to express emotions more clearly than in modeling for them to be understood.

After I was cast, I took acting lessons, and I had the chance to watch the audition footage. As expected, it was terrible (laughs). I was trying my best, but nothing was coming across. Even when I thought I was angry, it didn’t look like it, and when I was smiling, it just looked like a grimace. Conveying emotions naturally through acting is truly difficult.”

—Now that you've experienced the challenges and joys of acting, has your desire to pursue an acting career grown?

“During filming, there were many difficult moments, and there were times I wondered if I was suited for acting or if I would continue acting. But there were also moments when I found myself enjoying being filmed. It was also incredibly fun to become someone completely different. My anxieties gradually turned into a feeling that acting is wonderful. Since I was given such a fantastic opportunity, I want to take on many more challenges.”

—The tagline for 'The World of Kanako' is 'My beloved daughter was a monster.' As someone close in age to Kanako, what are your thoughts on children who become like monsters?

“People change depending on their environment, don’t they? I agree with the idea that crime and family environment are related. If you grow up receiving love, you likely wouldn’t commit crimes. While it’s not entirely the parents’ responsibility, family circumstances can significantly alter a child. I believe this film can be a catalyst for such reflections, so I really want many people to see it. I think opinions will vary depending on the viewer, and I’m curious about the perspectives of people my age. How will they perceive it? I’m eager to hear everyone’s reactions.”

Nana KOMATSU
Born in 1996 in Tokyo. Since 2008, she has worked as a model, primarily for magazines, and has appeared in numerous music videos and commercials. Director Nakashima cast her as Kanako in an audition. This film marks her screen debut. She delivers an overwhelming performance as the beautiful and excellent student who mysteriously disappears one day.

'The World of Kanako'

Nationwide release on Friday, June 27th, at TOHO CINEMAS Roppongi Hills and other theaters.

Director: Tetsuya Nakashima

Original Story: Fumiakiushima 'Hateshinaki Kawaki' (Takarajima-sha)

Screenplay: Tetsuya Nakashima, Nobuhiro Monma, Mihiko Yui

Starring: Koji Yakusho, Nana Komatsu, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Hiroya Shimizu, Fumi Nikaido, Ai Hashimoto, Jun Kunimura

Distribution: Gaga Corporation

2014 / Japan / 118 minutes / R15+

http://kawaki.gaga.ne.jp

Ⓒ 'The World of Kanako' Production Committee