"My Choice." × Film "Sakura Saku" Symposium Towa Pharmaceutical Launches New Project

Towa Pharmaceutical held a symposium—featuring a film preview and talk session—titled "My Choice" × Film "Sakura Saku" (Production: "Sakura Saku" Production Committee / Distribution: Toei) at the Toshobo Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on March 15. This symposium was planned as part of the "My Choice." project, which provides information content targeting people in their early 50s facing life choices concerning lifestyle, health, career, and more.

The film, for which the company served as a special sponsor, tells the story of a family reconnecting through their individual choices, triggered by the grandfather's dementia. Director Mitsutoshi Tanaka touched on the many connections that led him to helm this project, stating in his greeting, "My choices, the crossroads of my life, are encounters with people. I see that as a premonition of happiness." Original author Masashi Sada also appeared via video message, stating that actively cooperating with the film production as the original author was his own choice.

The talk session featured cast members Naoto Ogata, Kaho Minami, Tatsuya Fuji, director Tanaka, and Towa Pharmaceutical President Itsuro Yoshida. Ogata, who plays the protagonist facing life's crossroads, stated, "Choosing priorities is necessary in life." Minami, playing his wife, reflected on the choices in the film, saying, "I realized it's important not only to decide for yourself but also to humbly follow others' opinions and the flow of things." Fuji, who plays the grandfather with dementia, drew laughter from the audience by saying, "In the role, I didn't have many choices to make. But in real life, I choose generic drugs."

President Yoshida stated, "Towa Pharmaceutical's philosophy is to cherish smiles from the heart. Seeing everyone's smiles confirmed that choosing to sponsor 'Sakura Saku' was the right decision."