Production press conference of new movie "Sugihara Chiune"

The production press conference of new movie "Sugihara Chiune" was held on 19 May in Tokyo which was attended by its cast members including Karasawa Toshiaki, Koyuki as well as Polish actors Borys Szyc and Agnieszka Grochowska. The movie which is due to be shown in cinemas from 5 December, features Karasawa in the role of Sugiura Chiune, a diplomat who saved the lives of about 6,000 Jews during WWII by issuing visas to them when he was the stand-in consul for Lithuania. The cast and crew were in Poland for about two months for the filming which will be wrapped up by August this year.

As the story of Sugiura was a real one, Karasawa said that he acted in this movie with the intention of letting others know about Sugiura's achievements. In order to prepare for the role, Karasawa read research materials on Sugiura and had to guess what the latter was thinking of when he did what he did at that time. As this is still a movie with the aim of entertaining the audience, there will be some portions which are dramatised and slightly different from the facts.

Koyuki who plays Sugiura's wife Yukiko and is currently 8 months' pregnant with her third child, appeared for the first time in public since her pregnancy announcement in March this year. She is due to give birth in July. Coincidentally, her character Yukiko also had three children so Koyuki commented that she could relate to her easily and tried to convey the strength and gentleness in her character.

According to the movie company, there are plans for premium screenings to be held for the movie in Poland and Lithuania. In addition, they have also received pre-sales offers from various countries in Europe even before the movie is completed.

Source: Sponichi 1 / Sponichi 2