Super excited to announce the show I wrote three episodes for!
Min Tanaka x Mackenyu Arata, social drama “A Man Called Owl” to be released on April 24th
“House of the Owl” (original title), which was announced as an original drama series for Disney Plus “Star” starring Min Tanaka and Mackenyu Arata, has now been renamed as “A Man Called Owl” in Japanese. Exclusive distribution will be decided from Wednesday, April 24th. The film takes on the challenge of a new genre: a social political drama that delves into the taboos and behind-the-scenes aspects of the nation.
Min Tanaka plays Ryutaro Ogami, also known as “The Owl” Ryutaro Ogami, also known as “The Owl”, is the mastermind behind the nation who has solved all sorts of scandals and sensational incidents, sometimes by covering them up and sometimes by exposing them to the light. Contrary to his father, who is like a dark hero and repeatedly works behind the scenes to “correct the path,” Oishinryu lives a life that is the opposite and advocates “justice.” The son of the next prime minister candidate, who had close ties with the Ogami family, dies under mysterious circumstances, and Ryutaro approaches the true nature of the great evil lurking in the political world, with Ryutaro from behind the scenes and Ryu from the front. Min Tanaka, the “father” who “corrects the course” and Mackenyu Arata, the “son” who wants to “correct the world” The main character, Ryutaro Ogami, will be played by Min Tanaka, who is also known as a world-renowned dancer and support player. Ryutaro’s son, Ryu Ogami, will be played by Mackenyu Arata, who has appeared in numerous hit movies and is currently active overseas. A father who works behind the scenes to “correct the course” and a son who directly acts to “correct the world,” a father and son who are polar opposites, use the same incident as a turning point to take action. The teaser visual released this time shows Ryutaro staring at us with his sharp eyes, just like an owl. As symbolized by the copy, “His eyes see through the darkness of this country,” the visuals raise expectations for Tanaka’s role as Ryutaro, who acts behind the scenes as the nation’s mastermind. The executive producer and scriptwriter for this film is David Shin of Iconic Pictures, who is known for the hit drama “The Love That Spends Time” and works on producing and distributing content from Japan and other Asian countries. He has held senior management positions at major film, television, and media companies in Asia for more than 25 years, and he has taken on forbidden themes that could not be depicted with Japanese staff and cast alone, and is presenting the best of Japan and overseas that only Disney+ can do. Create works that combine. Shin expressed confidence, saying, “It was a wonderful collaboration between Japanese and international talent to bring this unique work to life.” In addition, the directors will be Yoshitaka Mori of “Space Brothers,” “Sacred Youth,” and “Parallel World Love Story,” Yuya Ishii of “Moon,” “Knitting a Boat,” and “Inazuma in Love,” and “Noise” Filmmakers such as Yusaku Matsumoto of “It’s All My Fault” and “Winny.” The three artists, who have drawn fascinating human dramas in a variety of works, will enliven this original drama series on a grand scale that can only be found on Disney Plus, while interweaving intricate storylines and thrilling depictions. Director Mori, who was in charge of the main production, said, “I was moved day by day by the acting that only Min could do, throwing 100% of his body into every scene.” “Kenyu Maca did not have to worry about unnecessary embellishments or calculations.” He highly praises the main cast members Tanaka and Arata, saying, “He cuts down and enters the scene with a high degree of concentration and an overwhelming sensitivity hidden within. He is an amazing actor.” Looking back, he said, “It was like a real parent and child,” as the two played a “serious battle” as they played the role of a parent and child with a special relationship. Expectations are high for this world-class original drama series, which will feature the chemical reactions created by a gorgeous cast and the collaboration of talented overseas and Japanese creators. Full comment ◆ David Shin (Executive Producer & Screenplay) What makes Japan’s political intrigues and suspicions unique is the role of powerful people known as masterminds. They have played important roles in many fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. Although this story is completely fictional, the characters are inspired by many people I met while working and living in Japan. When I was working in this country as a businessman, there were things I didn’t understand and felt the power behind many transactions. I thought that not only foreigners but also many Japanese people felt shrouded in mystery, so I became interested in mysterious figures who wield power and influence. What I wanted to try was to create a contemporary Japanese work using Hollywood-style storytelling. This work can be called a hybrid work in many ways. It required high production values in terms of acting, sets, cinematography, and storyline. It was a great collaboration between Japanese and international talent to bring this unique piece to life. ◆Yoshitaka Mori (Main Director) The core of the character Ryutaro, who Min and the director team worked together on, is “a strong resentment toward politics and society.” As we worked together to shape this idea, all of the words that Mr. Min came up with were very stimulating. “The Sorcerer Who Lives in the World of Intellect”, “The King of Scenes”, and “The Sacrifice of the World”. He humbled himself by saying, “I’m just starting out as an actor,” but I was moved every day by the acting that only Min could do, throwing 100% of his body into every scene. During the shoot, Mackenyu was approaching the work with an attitude that was exactly as he said, “How close do you get to the depth?” Eliminating unnecessary embellishments and calculations, he enters the scene with a high level of concentration and overwhelming sensitivity hidden within. Through these fluctuations, the young man named Ryu because of his father’s blood approaches the depths of magma-like anger and loneliness one step at a time. That’s a very bold and courageous approach. He’s a great actor. The scenes in which the two co-starred in this work were truly a serious competition. After the photoshoot was over, the two of them looked like real father and son again, as they communicated their excitement to each other in few words, saying, “It was definitely my son,” and “My father was there.” “A Man Called Owl” will air episodes 1 to 5 starting April 24th (Wednesday), episodes 6 and 7 starting May 1st (Wednesday), and ending episode 8 starting May 8th (Wednesday). Up to 10 episodes will be distributed on Disney Plus “Star”.
Koji Steven Sakai 