GACKT, of Okinawa’s triumphal performance 「I want to convey the merits of Okinawa to the entire country」- Model Press Interview

On the 23rd, artiste GACKT, who is a nativeborn Okinawan, appeared at the stage greeting for the movie he stars in, 「Karanukan」(expected release in 2017), which was screened at 「Shima Zenbu de Ookina-sai　9th Okinawa International Film Festival」. He also attended the red carpet which was held at Okinawa Prefecture’s Kokusaidori, and responded to an interview by Model Press.

GACKT 「To deliver the best work to everyone」
The movie was set in the natural regions of Okinawa Prefecture’s Yaeyama, it is a story that appeals for love and peace, that is filled with joy, and is about Karanukan, a girl’s love, and also giving thanks to nature.

GACKT, who is confident when it comes to both his work and women, acts as the lead male protagonist in his 40s, who possesses a rare beautiful body and good looks.

With regards to his thoughts on acting in the movie, GACKT said strongly 「I’ve always had the thought of wanting to contribute something to Okinawa so I’m happy and moved to be able to be involved in a movie that’s linked to Okinawa in this manner」. And with regards to the offer from the director too, he recalled 「Even though I said “please let me think about it”, the director immediately said OK (laughs) His belief is impressive. Amazing」.

With regards to newcomer Kimura Suzuka, who was picked to play the heroine through an audition, he said modestly 「I’m someone who doesn’t really have any walls. And I think I soon got along well with her though. Well, it might be my imagination though… 」. With regards to the movie, he sent this message 「It’s a movie that conveys the beauty of Okinawa. I would like to deliver the merits of Okinawa to the whole country, and if that can be conveyed, I think it would be great」.

Big bro Kimu, “eaten” by Gakkun?

Also, co-star Kimura Yuichi responded to an interview by Model Press, and when asked about coming to Okinawa with GACKT, he said 「Since I’m with Gakkun, with the cheers from the locals, I’ve come here a number of times and it has a homey feeling too, I felt very comfortable」. With regards to the movie, 「In the movie I only appear in a small part, and this time, I’m in a position of “being eaten” by Gakkun though… (laughs) I’ll do my best the next time!」 he said with a joke, but once again recognised GACKT as an actor.

Movie 「Karanukan」 story

The internationally acclaimed photographer Ooyama Hikaru (GACKT) was taking a series of photos of a beautiful girl, Ishigaki Maumi, against the backdrop of Okinawa’s Yaeyama islands’s scenery. During a photoshoot under a beautiful waterfall on Iriomote Island, all of a sudden, a strong beam of sunlight hit Ooyama from above the waterfall, and he was momentarily blinded. Before he knew it, Maumi had mysteriously disappeared…

It has been 4 years since then, and Ooyama continues to search for the girl who disappeared deep in Yaeyama. While going into Yaeyama and searching for Maumi, he was touched by the impressive nature and artistry of Okinawa. At the same time, Okinawa’s beautiful scenery, which has never been depicted by anyone thus far, was captured in pictures.

On the other hand, Maumi who disappeared, too, tries to learn the cultural arts of Okinawa. Then gradually, shadows of Maumi were captured. Ooyama realises his strong feelings of love for the woman who has grown in his thoughts. Why did she suddenly disappear? Was it a dream, or could it be the river God 「Karanukan」…

Source: Modelpress.jp

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

Translation © GACKT ITALIA