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Naeru Yamamoto Discusses “Rikya Imaizumi of the East, Teppei Isobe of the West”
This interview is to promote ‘Night Driftingi,’ a film I personally love, so I’d like to ask you about it. I have long thought of the directors of contemporary Japanese romance films as “Rikya Imaizumi of the East, Teppei Isobe of the West,” a catchphrase I came up with on my own. You’re a rare presence who has starred in films by both of them. Only you can speak to their directing styles, so I’d really like to hear your thoughts on that.
Yamamoto: Oh! That’s true. I need to say this, don’t I? (laughs) Yes, the common point between them is that they know how to portray interesting characters. Both Imaizumi and Isobe bring their backgrounds, the scenery they’ve seen, and their personal tastes to the screen, creating a unique and subtle humor. It doesn’t feel like a template; each one brings a distinct, singular atmosphere. In that sense, they are one-of-a-kind directors.
But that doesn’t mean they’re alike. Both are kind, but I think one of Imaizumi’s key themes is “the flaws of being human.” At the same time, he seems to deeply understand the charm of moments spent alone. He also knows why those flaws might not be flaws at all. That’s why the characters in his films come across as endearing. His unique sensibility, which he applies both in writing and filming, remains steadfast on set. I think that consistency is present in all his work.
Yamamoto: Some people who have followed Imaizumi’s work since his indie days might worry that as he takes on more mainstream projects, something might change. But from my perspective, I feel that the core values within Imaizumi haven’t changed, no matter where he is. That’s why I feel happy and reassured every time. As a fan, I’m actually very pleased that Imaizumi is exploring different genres.
As for Isobe, who directed ‘Night Drifting,’ he has a more playful and carefree approach compared to Imaizumi. There’s a sense of humor and self-deprecation unique to people from Osaka, where we laugh together, acknowledging our flaws. But it’s not mocking laughter. Isobe is sentimental and a romantic at heart. On the other hand, Imaizumi, while depicting flaws, doesn’t laugh at them—he’s much more of a realist. I really feel that difference.
In ‘Night Drifting,’ the character Kasumi is a woman who suspects her partner of infidelity and, involving a younger man from her part-time job, spends her nights secretly watching him. As the story unfolds, you can feel her sorrow, realizing that it’s already too late but unable to let go of her obsession with him. She seems to be wandering the night because she doesn’t want it to end.
Yamamoto: I also place great importance on nighttime. The reason I value it so much is that, no matter what I’m doing, the quiet of the town makes me feel like I’m the only one in that space. I love art, so I enjoy looking at art books, reading, and indulging in my own time while staying up late. It’s a time that can’t be taken away by anyone.
Yamamoto: I think Kasumi, the character I played in ‘Night Drifting,’ and Shinpei, played by Arata Kabe, also share the importance of those nighttime moments that can’t be taken away by anyone. After this movie, they may never see each other again, but the time they shared, unique to them, will always exist in their memories. That’s one of the things I love most about this film.
Night Drifting
Release Date: November 22, 2024 (Friday)
Director: Teppei Isobe
Cast: Arata Kabe, Nairu Yamamoto, Naoki Kurozumi, Miru Nagase, Nagiko Tsuji, Mireho Misaki, Katsutoshi Kihara, Takako Hinaga, Mikiji Kawamoto, Riku Tokimitsu, Seina Oya, Hiromi Tatsuhiko, Chika Ogata, and others
Distributor: ABC Libra
Production Year: 2023
Running Time: 116 minutes
Rating: G
Country: Japan
Official Website: http://bellyrollfilm.com/mani/
