Takuya Fukushima was born on September 19, 1972 and he is a member of Directors Guild of Japan. He has been releasing numerous video works since 1992, when he was studying at the department of literature at Nagoya University. After working under Sogo Ishii (aka: Gakuryu Ishii), he established P-kraft which has been the base of his activities thereafter.
Fukushima directs TV programs, commercials, PVs and he is also highly rated as a film director both in Japan and overseas. His first film “Prism” marked a record high of visitors at the theater where the film was released. “Our Brief Eternity” was officially screened at film festivals around the world, starting with Tokyo International Film Festival, then later being released in theaters throughout Japan. In 2016, a special screening titled Escape From This Fucking World/Takuya Fukushima's Collection was held to commemorate the release of “Legacy Time”which was highly acclaimed.
He is also actively working as a producer, actor, writer, musician, radio personality and an all-round creator.
On the occasion of his latest film, “Modern Love” screening at Japan Film Fest Hamburg, we speak with him about filmmaking, the festival, Emanon, Azusa Inamura and his way of shooting movies.
What was your motivation for going into filmmaking?
I was angry and disappointed at the system, society and circumstance.
As a writer, director and actor, which role do you find the most enjoyable?
Director. Acting is just hobby to me.
“Modern Love” made its international premiere at Japan Film Fest Hamburg. How did that came about and can you give us some details about your cooperation with the festival?
JFFH screened my films every year since 2011. I appreciate them so much and this is so important for me.
How did you come up with the idea for “Modern Love”?
At first, one sentence came to my mind: ‘Hold me tight till morning'. That's the final scene in Mika's room. I made the whole story from this sentence.
Is there a significance to the name Emanon in “Modern Love” and “Our Brief Eternity”?
Yes. Actually “Emanon” is the title of my film that I couldn't make till now due to lack of money and some other reasons. Emanon is a coined word, although not by me. Its meaning is ‘no name'.
The reason I used this word as the virus's name in ‘Our Brief Eternity' is that the virus is related to memory. Names are so important for memory, I think.
And I used Emanon as the planet name in ‘Modern Love' for 2 reasons.
One is the same, about memory. The other is making a trademark for the audience, that this is a Takuya Fukushima film.
Can you tell us about the location the film was shot?
I t was shot mostly in Tokyo. The Japanese country locations include Chichibu, Kofu and Kobuchizawa. And we shot in Cadaques, Spain as Agartha.
How was the shooting like? Any memorable episodes, good or bad?
Of course it was such a nice experience. Especially Cadaques is so beautiful and and it was a good challenge for us. And of course, all shooting days were so tough.
Azusa Inamura gave a great performance as Mika. What made you choose her for the role?In general, how was the casting process like for the film?
I've known her for several years . Actually she was not that good at the time, but she made a significant effort and grew up to be an excellent actress. So I decided to offer the role of Mika to her.
In general, the casting process is difficult because its so important. But this time, it was easy for me because I imagined Azusa since I was writing script.
“Modern Love” features elements of romance and science-fiction, but doesn't fit neatly into either category of film. Was it a conscious decision to make a film that defies classification?
Absolutely yes. That's the point of my way of making film.
And would you ever consider making a ‘genre' movie?
If anyone offers it to me, sure.
Who are some of your favourite directors?
David Lynch, Leos Calax, Paul Thomas Anderson, Andrzej Zulawski, Federico Fellini, Seijun Suzuki, Gakuryu Ishii and so on.
And I think my film is not similar to any Japanese film but it is similar to Haruki Murakami's works.
