STAGE GREETING: “BLONDE”WITH TAKANORI IWATA, DIRECTOR YUICHIRO SAKASHITA, AND CAST【TIFF2025】

On November 4, ahead of its Competition screening at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, the stage greeting for the film “Blonde” (scheduled for release on November 21) was held with lead actor Takanori Iwata, co-stars Tamaki Shiratori, Maho Yamada, Kentaro Tamura, Chika Uchida, and director Yuichiro Sakashita in attendance.

“Blonde” stars Takanori Iwata, who continues to build a strong presence as both a member of J SOUL BROTHERS Ⅲ, also active as a solo artist, and as an actor appearing in numerous acclaimed works. The cast includes Tamaki Shiratori from “The Wandering Moon” (2022), Mugi Kadowaki from “Aristocrats” (2020), along with Maho Yamada, Kentaro Tamura, and Chika Uchida. Directed by Yuichiro Sakashita (“The Sunday Runoff”, 2022), the film explores uniquely Japanese school rules, the harsh reality of teachers’ working conditions, and the impact of runaway social media and online news. Through these themes, it depicts - with striking originality - the growth of a teacher who still struggles with adulthood as he is spun around by his students.

See the red carpet highlights featuring Takanori Iwata: Photos: The 38th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival Red Carpet

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Takanori, taking on his first role as a teacher, joked: “I dyed my hair blonde just for today! …That’s a lie (laugh).” He then spoke about the script: “The moment I read it, I knew I wanted to do it. That’s how powerfully the writing drew me in.”

Tamaki shared her thoughts on wearing a blonde wig: “Putting on the blonde wig made me feel much closer to Itaroku than I imagined at home, so I’m grateful for it.”

Maho reflected on the teacher she portrayed: “From the perspective of curriculum guidelines, she might be a perfect teacher, but in a way she’s also a bystander… Still, while playing her, I felt there are many adults like that.”

Director Sakashita discussed the film’s development: “At first, the theme felt distant from me, but as we kept building the story, Ichikawa gradually became a character audiences could empathize with.”

Finally, Takanori addressed the audience: “Although it’s a film centered on school rules, it also explores generational gaps and how our values and common sense change as we grow. It’s a story that resonates across all ages. I hope you’ll simply enjoy it.”

[Blonde]

Opens nationwide on November 21. The film’s portrayal of chaos and growth - anchored by the “blonde-hair protest” of teachers and students - is one to watch closely.

Photo Credit: [Ayaka Ozaki]