"The Tale of the Mysterious Cape" Montreal World Film Festival Award Commemorative Press Conference

A press conference commemorating the Montreal World Film Festival award and a Japan premiere stage greeting for the film "The Tale of the Mysterious Cape" (Production: The Production Committee, Distribution: Toei), starring and produced for the first time by actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, were held on September 16 at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda Ward.

Set in a small café at the tip of a tranquil cape, this heartwarming story depicts the interactions and bonds between the female proprietor and the people who gather at the café. It is based on Akio Morisawa's novel "Café at Rainbow Cape" (Gentosha Bunko). The film won two awards at the 38th Montreal World Film Festival: the Grand Prix Special Jury Prize and the Ecumenical Jury Prize presented by Christian organizations.

Attending the press conference alongside Yoshie were cast members Hiroshi Abe, Yuko Takeuchi, Shofukutei Tsurube, and director Izuru Narushima.

Yoshie expressed her joy, saying, "At the film festival, I could see how many people were moved by the film, and it was deeply touching. The award ceremony made my heart pound and I was incredibly nervous, but it was a blissful time, like a dream." Abe added, "Even in the streets of Montreal and at the hotel, people approached me saying it was a wonderful film. It has become something very important in my life."

Takeuchi praised, "As a producer, Ms. Yoshinaga is the best kind of producer who makes you want to give your all for her. She brought happiness to the set." Tsurube shared an anecdote: "I got a call from Tamori-san, a passionate Sayuri fan. He sounded flustered and just said 'Congratulations' on the answering machine before hanging up."

Director Narushima reflected, "I'm glad the bonds and connections between people I wanted to depict in the film, and the message that no one is truly alone, resonated overseas too."

The stage greeting featured remarks from Ms. Yoshinaga and other cast members alongside Director Narushima. The Brothers 5 (Jiro Sugita, Takao Horiuchi, Hirofumi Banba, Gen Takayama, Akira Inaba), who appeared as the Misakimura Youth Folk Music Club, performed songs from the film. Guitarist Kaori Muraji, returning from a long hiatus, performed the main theme live, energizing the venue. The film opens on October 11.