Feature: Japanese director hopes to show real China to more Japanese people
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao (C), Japanese director Ryo Takeuchi (L) and Rinchen Cimu, the Tibetan female protagonist in Takeuchi's documentary "The Yangtze River," pose for a group photo at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2024.(Xinhua/Guo Dan)
TOKYO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- "I cannot believe the Tibetan girl who took a photo with a lamb 10 years ago started her own business a decade later." That was a comment from one of the over 100 Japanese viewers deeply touched by the theatrical version of Japanese director Ryo Takeuchi's documentary "The Yangtze River."
The documentary, spanning a decade, offers a moving and vivid portrayal of China's profound transformation, resonating with the audience who witnessed the significant changes along the Yangtze River.
In May 2023, Takeuchi's documentary "The Yangtze River," alongside "100 Faces of Huawei," was screened for a week at a theater in Tokyo's Yurakucho business district. A year later, the adapted theatrical version of "The Yangtze River" premiered in Japan on Sunday at the Chinese embassy.
Takeuchi, in this documentary film, takes the audience on a journey starting from Shanghai, tracing the course of the Yangtze River, and capturing the evolution of life along its banks over the past decade, showcasing China's rapid development.
Following its premiere, the film will be simultaneously screened across various regions in Japan starting from Friday, including Kanagawa, Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Fukuoka.
"This is likely the first documentary showcasing the real China to be screened simultaneously in theaters across Japan," remarked the director when engaging with the audience after the premiere was held.
Wu Jianghao, the Chinese ambassador to Japan, praised the film: "It is a profoundly engaging documentary suitable for all ages. We hope more Japanese people will have the opportunity to watch it."
During the premiere, Takeuchi surprised the audience by inviting Rinchen Cimu, the Tibetan female protagonist whose life underwent remarkable changes as depicted in the film, to join them. Cimu, dressed in traditional Tibetan attire identical to her portrayal in the documentary, elicited astonished reactions from the audience.
"Last December, a high-speed railway was inaugurated in my hometown of Shangri-La, making it more accessible for everyone," Cimu shared at the premiere.
Her words astonished not only the audience but also Takeuchi himself. "When I was filming 'The Yangtze River,' I had to drive for over 10 hours to get to Shangri-La, but now there's the high-speed rail. That's the speed of China!" he said.
Noting the challenges of promoting a documentary that is not necessarily profitable in theaters across Japan, Takeuchi expressed his gratitude to the Chinese community in Japan and Japanese friends who understand China, stating, "With everyone's support, we not only managed to raise nearly double the target funds for promotion but also saw many theaters fully booked for screenings."
Reflecting on his initial intentions for nationwide promotion, Takeuchi said, "I sincerely hope that Japanese people who are less familiar with China, as well as second-generation Chinese children born and raised in Japan, will come to watch this film because it showcases the real China."
The director launched a project called "Yangtze Coffee" by renting a prominent space at the entrance of Yokohama Chinatown starting last Friday, serving as a promotional exhibition hall for the film. Here, visitors can not only enjoy free coffee but also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the documentary and explore cultural exhibits from the Yangtze River basin, immersing themselves in the essence of Chinese culture.
Zhang Yansong, the principal of Yokohama Yamate Chinese School, told Xinhua at the premiere that he intended to have over 900 students and teachers at the school watch the film together.
"I believe that through this documentary, not only can children understand China's rapid development, but they can also draw inspiration from characters like Cimu, and develop aspirations for life," he noted. ■
Related articles
Weather forecasters warn Pakistanis to stay indoors ahead of new heat wave
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday urged people to stay indoors as the country is h2024-05-22Candice Swanepoel wows in a shimmering black flared jumpsuit as she joins ab
Candice Swanepoel and Toni Garrn led the stylish arrivals at the lavish Michel Kors dinner during th2024-05-22Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova reveals she doesn't know if she's on the show's 2024 line
Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova has revealed she doesn't know if she's secured a place on the BBC show2024-05-22Forensic psychiatrist reveals the different types of stalkers
Stalking has been in the spotlight recently thanks to the smash hit success of Netflix drama Baby Re2024-05-22- BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — ESPN will carry England’s FA Cup in the U.S. through 2028 after reaching a fou2024-05-22
Norwegian Cruise Line, Wix.com rise; Cushman & Wakefield, Target fall, Monday, 5/20/2024
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes on Monday:Johnson Contro2024-05-22
atest comment