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'Shocking, surprising' welcome for 'Rurouni Kenshin' stars

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" lead actor Munetaka Aoki/NPPA Images

The stars and director of Japanese action-epic movie “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” were overwhelmed at how hundreds of Filipino fans, many of whom waited since the mall opened, welcomed them with open arms on their first visit to Manila.

Japanese actors Takeru Satoh and Munetaka Aoki, who play reformed assassin Kenshin Himura and street fighter Sanosuke Sagara, respectively, and director Keishi Otomo met their fans at the movie’s press conference at Glorietta Activity Center on Thursday, August 7.

“It was really fun being in the Philippines. It is beyond my imagination that all of you are here and the reception that you have shown us in the movie. It’s really very surprising, shocking,” Takeru said.

‘Salamat po’

'Rorouni Kenshin' Takeru Satoh greeted fans in Filipino/NPPA Images
'Rorouni Kenshin' Takeru Satoh greeted fans in Filipino/NPPA Images

The 25-year-old actor, who was charming in greeting his fans yet very serious when answering questions, initially greeted everyone in Filipino.

“Ako po si Takeru Satoh. Masaya ako makita kayo. Salamat po.”

Munetaka, on the other hand, endeared himself to the crowd with his humor and efforts in answering questions in English.

“Astig!,” Munetaka screamed, while looking at his hand to read other Filipino words he learned.

“Mahal ko kayo! I’m very excited to be here. Thank you for the great opportunity. I’m very happy. Astig! Please love the film and enjoy it. Maraming, maraming salamat po. Magandang gabi po and mahal ko kayo,” he added.

Beyond countries, culture

“Rurouni Kenshin,” based on a Japanese manga written by Nobuhiro Watsuki, was first released in 2012.

Director Keishi Otomo/NPPA Images
Director Keishi Otomo/NPPA Images

Its actors and director attribute the movie’s worldwide success to its story, characters and take on Japanese culture.

“We created a movie thinking that action movies go beyond countries and culture. Action movies have one language. Other than that, us Japanese, us creating a Japanese film, we were also able to show the intricacies of Japanese culture, the tradition, the way we do things in that era. We really put that in mind and we wanted people to appreciate that part, something that is distinctively Japanese, as a culture, as we created this action movie for everyone to enjoy,” Takeru said.

Munetaka believes the movie is more exciting and thrilling because “every character is attractive.” Otomo, on the other hand, credits the actors for their dedication in doing the movie.

Learning from his character

Takeru sustained injuries, while Munetaka shared that he lost a tooth while doing the movie.

“I feel that these characters that everybody loves are portrayed by actors whom I really love to have as characters. I feel that the characters really put their souls into the movie and that reflection of their dedication translated directed into the film, for everyone to appreciate,” Otomo said.

Takeru learned a lot from Kenshin, whom he admires because he learns from experience.

“You really cannot forget or diminish the past. In my case, of course there are people who would say, ‘Forget about the past. Or think it never happened.’ But in my case, I feel like how Kenshin is, how he still lets his past influence his decisions in life. I feel it is also admirable that he still remembers and looks back on his past and tries to live a better life based on his past. For me, I hope that everyone will also learn that way of looking at the past and living forward.”

Sharing the good news

The Japanese artists added that they will share the good news about the Filipinos’ warm welcome to them when they return to their country.

“I am glad I came here. I am in love with the Philippines. I hope it would pave the way for more Japanese movies. I hope I can come back again. For that to happen, I need all of you to watch. I am looking forward to meeting you again,” Takeru said.

“Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” opens in cinemas on August 20.