Japanese and Taiwanese Creators Unite to Revive a Legendary Game

"KANO ~1931: The Diamond of the Pacific~" is a film adaptation of the true story of the "KANO" baseball team from Kagi Agricultural and Industrial School, comprised of Japanese, Taiwanese, and indigenous Taiwanese players, who advanced to the finals of the Koshien tournament in 1931 during Japanese rule. Upon its release in Taiwan, the players' struggles deeply moved audiences, leading to an unprecedented box office success.

Wei Te-Sheng, director of "Cape No. 7" (2009) and "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale" (2011), served as producer for this film, which marks the directorial debut of actor Ma Chih-Hsiang, who also appeared in "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale."

Masatoshi Nagase plays the role of Kōndō Hyōtarō, the strict coach of the baseball team. Maki Sakai portrays Kōndō Hyōtarō's wife, and Takao Osawa plays Yoichi Hatta, a hydraulic engineer who made significant contributions to Taiwan's agricultural development.

The Kagi team features players like current university baseball player Tsao Yu-Ning, and all members have at least five years of baseball experience, despite being amateurs. The realistic portrayal of the game scenes is also a highlight.

The theme song, "Kaze ni Natte ~Yūsha no Roman~," is a cross-border collaboration featuring Japan's Rake and Kōta Nakajima, along with popular Taiwanese singers Waa Wei, Suming, and Luo Mei-Ling.

Three Ethnicities—Japanese, Taiwanese, and Indigenous Taiwanese—Unite to Aim for Koshien

Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era. In 1929, the Kagi Agricultural and Industrial School baseball team, formed by Japanese, Taiwanese (Han Chinese), and indigenous Taiwanese players, welcomed a new coach, Kōndō Hyōtarō, and set their sights on reaching Koshien.

The previously laid-back Kagi baseball team, under Kōndō's rigorous training, gradually developed a strong will to win. In 1931, the team won the Taiwan representative tournament, finally securing their ticket to Koshien.

At the Summer Koshien tournament, Kagi Agricultural and Industrial School advanced through the rounds to reach the finals, where they were narrowly defeated. However, their unwavering dedication, playing every ball with all their might, captured the hearts of the massive crowd, and the story of Kagi's remarkable run spread throughout Japan.

"KANO ~1931: The Diamond of the Pacific~"

Nationwide release starting January 24 (Saturday) at Shinjuku Wald 9 and other theaters

Executive Producer | Wei Te-Sheng

Director | Ma Chih-Hsiang

Starring | Masatoshi Nagase, Maki Sakai, Tsao Yu-Ning, Takao Osawa

Distributor | Showgate

2014 / Taiwan / 185 minutes

http://www.kano1931.com

©Muse Film