battlestory

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Battle Royale Contestants / character profiles in english バトル・ロワイアル illustration by Masayuki Taguchi

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Battle Royale Press Conference, 2000 Featuring Kinji Fukasaku, Takeshi Kitano, Masanobu Ando, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoro, Takami Koushun English subtitles

Kinji Fukasaku, Takami Koushun and the main cast of Battle Royale gathered at the production announcement in 2000.

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Kinji Fukasaku, Takami Koushun and the main cast of Battle Royale gathered at the production announcement in 2000. The first image from left to right: Takami Koushun, Taro Yamamoto, Aki Maeda, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kinji Fukasaku (sitting), Masanobu Ando, Takeshi "Beat" Kitano

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"Battle Royale" 25th anniversary "class reunion"! Director Kinji Fukasaku from heaven also "participates" in a photo! - Tatsuya Fujiwara & Kenta Fukasaku reveal legendary behind-the-scenes stories!! Fujiwara: "A treasured piece that represents a page of my youth."

On Tuesday, July 15th, before the screening of "Battle Royale," lead actor Tatsuya Fujiwara and screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku appeared on stage. They talked about the appeal of the film, which has not faded even after 25 years, as well as what it was like behind the scenes on set, Fukasaku's clever direction, and the atmosphere on set at the time, looking back on their "youth" and revealing the inside story of this highly controversial film.

Official article by Marunouchi Toei Sayonara

When Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenta Fukasaku appeared on stage at the theater, which was closed for 12 days, the venue was filled with thunderous applause. Fujiwara said with deep emotion, "25 years ago..." "I'm really grateful that everyone loves this film. This film taught me the harshness and joy of film, and it also introduced me to director Kinji Fukasaku. It's a page in my youth, and it's like a new restart in my life," he said, expressing his passion for this film, which was a turning point for him. Meanwhile, Fukasaku was happy to meet Fujiwara again, and said, "The first time I stood on stage to greet the audience was at the preview screening at Marunouchi TOEI. It was with Tatsuya," he said, overwhelmed with emotion at being on stage again at a place full of memories. He also called out to the audience, "I hope you can see the 25 years of time overlapping with your own lives."

When the film was released, it became a social phenomenon, even being discussed in the Diet due to its shocking content of junior high school students killing each other. Fujiwara, who was 18 years old at the time, recalls, "We were so busy filming that the adults were making a fuss about it that it felt like something from a different world." Filming began at Toei's Tokyo studios in an environment that was like a training camp, and he revealed that it was a tough time with all the cast members who played the student roles running, doing muscle training, and practicing action scenes. From the producer's perspective, Fukasaku joked, "Looking back, (the commotion) was good publicity. At the time, I thought it was a setup by Toei," and talked about the team's solidarity at the time, saying, "We have a corporate culture that has handled many anarchic works, and Toei is known for turning adversity into advantages. Everyone in the promotion and sales department came together to make it a success."

The main topic of conversation was the late director Kinji Fukasaku. The scenes of the serious battle between the then 70-year-old director and the teenage actors were revealed one after another. Fujiwara spoke of the honest resolve of his younger days when he performed the explosion scene without a stuntman, saying, "I thought that's how movies were. I just did it because the director told me to do it." He also shared an episode in which he said, "It was because of that experience that other film sets looked up to me and asked, 'Are you part of Fukasaku's crew?'" Fukasaku spoke of his father's directing techniques, saying, "The lines kept changing on set." He introduced an episode in which the director improvised a toilet paper graffiti that read, "Go Akiya!" (written by the father of Nanahara Shuya) that was not in the script, and analyzed, "That kind of improvisation leads to the awesomeness of human beings. That was Fukasaku's directing." Furthermore, he revealed his humane side, saying that he was sad to see filming end and gave many NGs, especially for scenes in which the cast members died. Fujiwara also reminisced, "The director was always singing songs about drinking at night parties. That was the Fukasaku crew," and shared a number of stories that recalled his strict yet loving personality.

The location shooting on the uninhabited island of Hachijō-kojima was also said to be extremely harsh, and the surprising fact was revealed that there was no electricity or running water. It was a survival environment, with shooting in dangerous caves where rocks collapsed and fighting against hordes of sea lice. Fujiwara said with a wry smile, "I can't imagine it happening now." As his classmates "died" one by one (in the film) and left the scene, "they went home really sad. We were comrades in arms," he said, talking about the strong bond that was nurtured between the actors at the time.

Furthermore, during the photo session, the staff surprised the two by handing them a portrait of Director Kinji Fukasaku. The two looked deeply moved by their "participation" from heaven, and the venue was filled with warm applause.

Finally, when asked about his thoughts on the closing of Marunouchi TOEI, Fukasaku said, "It's a memorable movie theater that I've been going to since I was a child. I think my father would be happy to be here at the end of the theater," and shared his memories of sneaking out to see the theater with the director on the first day of release, worried about the number of people attending. "I can't forget the side profile of my father when he saw the line, which was neither a smile nor a tear," he said, tearing up. Fujiwara once again expressed his gratitude, saying, "This work is my treasure. Being part of the Fukasaku team is my current fortune," and declared forcefully, "It's sad to see the theater go, but we want to do our best to make everyone happy with our new work." The event ended with a message to the audience, "It's been a while since we've seen a screening, but please enjoy it until the end!"

Battle Royale reunion: Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenta Fukasaku to appear on stage for "Battle Royale" screening

Tatsuya Fujiwara reminisces about "Battle Royale" from 25 years ago, saying that "adults are making a fuss" about it becoming a social phenomenon

Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara (43) and film director and screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku (52) appeared on stage to greet the audience at the "Battle Royale" (2000) film screening at the "Goodbye Marunouchi Toei" project held at Marunouchi Toei in Ginza, Tokyo on the 15th.

　The film "Battle Royale" tells the story of an education reform law known as the BR Law, which forces randomly selected junior high school students to kill each other on an isolated island. This violent action masterpiece depicts the social chaos caused by the unreasonable new law, and became a hit with box office sales exceeding 3 billion yen. Fujiwara, who won a large-scale audition to play the lead role, won the Best Actor and Newcomer Award at the 24th Japan Academy Awards, as well as the Newcomer Award at the 43rd Blue Ribbon Awards, and was highly praised for his performance in a difficult role. His talent was also recognized by the late director Kinji Fukasaku, father of screenwriter Kenta and director of this film.

　Fujiwara, who played the main character, Nanahara Shuya, said with a smile, "25 years ago? It's really nostalgic, but I'm grateful that everyone has loved this work so much." It seems that other cast members besides Fujiwara were also in attendance. "Backstage in the waiting room, I wouldn't say it's been 25 years since I last saw you, but there were many faces I hadn't seen in a long time. There were some people I had almost forgotten (laughs). It's not like that at all, but it was nostalgic. It was a long-awaited reunion," he said with emotion. "It was this work that allowed me to meet director Fukasaku Kinji, and it was this work that taught me the harshness and fun of movies. I'm truly happy from the bottom of my heart that this work, which was like a page of my youth and a new start in my life, can now be screened again like this."

　It became a social phenomenon even before its release. Diet members campaigned for restrictions on the film, and even questioned the Minister of Education. Fujiwara said with a wry smile, "We were kids, after all. That's why the adults were making a fuss, they said there was some problem, but we had to get on with filming every day. It was a bit of a different world." As Toei is known for its anarchic films such as yakuza movies, Kenta laughed and said, "It was good publicity. I thought Toei had set it up."

Beat Takeshi, Comaneci on the set of the movie "Battle Royale" - is the painting in the film paid for separately?

Fujiwara had a hard time getting the OK for the scene where he glares at Kitano, played by Beat Takeshi, in the classroom. "At the time, glaring at Takeshi was also rude," he said with a shy smile, recalling, "The director was really strict." The impressive picture that appears in the film was drawn by Takeshi. Kenta joked, "He told me it was a separate fee."

　Fujiwara also shared his memories of Takeshi on set. "He created a good sense of tension for the students. I often talked to him and he was a very kind person," Fujiwara said, thanking him. Kenta spoke of Takeshi's gentle personality, saying, "He was like a Comaneci (on set)."

Kenta Fukasaku reveals the secrets behind the cue cards of "an election campaigner whose name cannot be revealed" who appears in the movie "Battle Royale"

Director Kinji Fukasaku often changed his lines on set. Apparently there were cue cards posted everywhere on set, and Kenta teased the actor who played the role of Shogo Kawada, saying, "Tatsuya-kun has really good memory for lines, so that's not the case at all, but there is a person in the middle of the election campaign, whose name I can't mention right now, who remembers the lines very well," and Fujiwara laughed. Fujiwara also testified, "There were cue cards posted on all the walls telling me which direction to turn," which made everyone laugh.

Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenta Fukasaku holding a photo of director Kinji Fukasaku

　During the photo session, a member of the staff handed Kenta a photo frame of director Kinji Fukasaku, asking him to take a photo. The three of them said goodbye to the Marunouchi TOEI, which was full of memories.

　Due to the redevelopment of Toei Kaikan, which houses Toei's headquarters, Marunouchi Toei, the last directly managed theater in Toei and the last roadside theater in Japan, will close on July 27th. "Goodbye Marunouchi Toei" is an event that will feature screenings of over 100 masterpieces that have left their mark on film history over 80 days until July 27th, leading up to the grand finale.

You can watch the full appearance and interview here:

Articles and photos from Oricon News: Tatsuya Fujiwara reminisces about "Battle Royale" from 25 years ago Kenta Fukasaku reveals the secrets behind the cue cards Is the painting in the film paid for separately? Thanks to @dullahanart for bringing these to my attention!

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Battle Royale reunion: Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenta Fukasaku to appear on stage for "Battle Royale" screening

Tatsuya Fujiwara reminisces about "Battle Royale" from 25 years ago, saying that "adults are making a fuss" about it becoming a social phenomenon

Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara (43) and film director and screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku (52) appeared on stage to greet the audience at the "Battle Royale" (2000) film screening at the "Goodbye Marunouchi Toei" project held at Marunouchi Toei in Ginza, Tokyo on the 15th.

　The film "Battle Royale" tells the story of an education reform law known as the BR Law, which forces randomly selected junior high school students to kill each other on an isolated island. This violent action masterpiece depicts the social chaos caused by the unreasonable new law, and became a hit with box office sales exceeding 3 billion yen. Fujiwara, who won a large-scale audition to play the lead role, won the Best Actor and Newcomer Award at the 24th Japan Academy Awards, as well as the Newcomer Award at the 43rd Blue Ribbon Awards, and was highly praised for his performance in a difficult role. His talent was also recognized by the late director Kinji Fukasaku, father of screenwriter Kenta and director of this film.

　Fujiwara, who played the main character, Nanahara Shuya, said with a smile, "25 years ago? It's really nostalgic, but I'm grateful that everyone has loved this work so much." It seems that other cast members besides Fujiwara were also in attendance. "Backstage in the waiting room, I wouldn't say it's been 25 years since I last saw you, but there were many faces I hadn't seen in a long time. There were some people I had almost forgotten (laughs). It's not like that at all, but it was nostalgic. It was a long-awaited reunion," he said with emotion. "It was this work that allowed me to meet director Fukasaku Kinji, and it was this work that taught me the harshness and fun of movies. I'm truly happy from the bottom of my heart that this work, which was like a page of my youth and a new start in my life, can now be screened again like this."

　It became a social phenomenon even before its release. Diet members campaigned for restrictions on the film, and even questioned the Minister of Education. Fujiwara said with a wry smile, "We were kids, after all. That's why the adults were making a fuss, they said there was some problem, but we had to get on with filming every day. It was a bit of a different world." As Toei is known for its anarchic films such as yakuza movies, Kenta laughed and said, "It was good publicity. I thought Toei had set it up."

Beat Takeshi, Comaneci on the set of the movie "Battle Royale" - is the painting in the film paid for separately?

Fujiwara had a hard time getting the OK for the scene where he glares at Kitano, played by Beat Takeshi, in the classroom. "At the time, glaring at Takeshi was also rude," he said with a shy smile, recalling, "The director was really strict." The impressive picture that appears in the film was drawn by Takeshi. Kenta joked, "He told me it was a separate fee."

　Fujiwara also shared his memories of Takeshi on set. "He created a good sense of tension for the students. I often talked to him and he was a very kind person," Fujiwara said, thanking him. Kenta spoke of Takeshi's gentle personality, saying, "He was like a Comaneci (on set)."

Kenta Fukasaku reveals the secrets behind the cue cards of "an election campaigner whose name cannot be revealed" who appears in the movie "Battle Royale"

Director Kinji Fukasaku often changed his lines on set. Apparently there were cue cards posted everywhere on set, and Kenta teased the actor who played the role of Shogo Kawada, saying, "Tatsuya-kun has really good memory for lines, so that's not the case at all, but there is a person in the middle of the election campaign, whose name I can't mention right now, who remembers the lines very well," and Fujiwara laughed. Fujiwara also testified, "There were cue cards posted on all the walls telling me which direction to turn," which made everyone laugh.

Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenta Fukasaku holding a photo of director Kinji Fukasaku

　During the photo session, a member of the staff handed Kenta a photo frame of director Kinji Fukasaku, asking him to take a photo. The three of them said goodbye to the Marunouchi TOEI, which was full of memories.

　Due to the redevelopment of Toei Kaikan, which houses Toei's headquarters, Marunouchi Toei, the last directly managed theater in Toei and the last roadside theater in Japan, will close on July 27th. "Goodbye Marunouchi Toei" is an event that will feature screenings of over 100 masterpieces that have left their mark on film history over 80 days until July 27th, leading up to the grand finale.

You can watch the full appearance and interview here:

Articles and photos from Oricon News: Tatsuya Fujiwara reminisces about "Battle Royale" from 25 years ago Kenta Fukasaku reveals the secrets behind the cue cards Is the painting in the film paid for separately? Thanks to @dullahanart for bringing these to my attention!

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"In 'Battle Royale' I was overwhelmed by the passion that director Kinji Fukasaku put into his films. I felt as though his direction had drawn out aspects of myself that I hadn't even known about."

Kou Shibasaki / photo by Masaharu Arisaka

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"Looking back, I was quite naive when I first made my debut" says Shibasaki Kou

A classic film that changed her outlook after being overwhelmed by the passion of director Kinji Fukasaku

Photographed by Masaharu Arisaka

Kou Shibasaki has left a strong impression on viewers with her activities up to now. Sometimes she has been active in dramas, and other times she has been active as an artist. What was the turning point in her life that seems to have been smooth sailing from the 90s to the present?

Shibasaki Kou entered the entertainment industry after being scouted. She attracted attention after appearing in a cosmetics commercial and began appearing in movies and TV dramas.

"Until then, I had never been interested in working in the entertainment industry, so looking back, I was quite naive about the job of acting at first."

However, at the age of 18, she was selected through an audition and appeared in a film that shocked her.

"In 'Battle Royale,' I was overwhelmed by the passion that director Kinji Fukasaku put into his films. I felt as though his direction had drawn out aspects of myself that I hadn't even known about. For example, when I was acting out anger, he would passionately pursue me to the depths, making me wonder, 'Is that all there is to it?!' Many of the actors, including myself, were in their teens, but when it came to passion, I was pleasantly shocked to realize that we were no match for a 70-year-old director."

Director Fukasaku and the rest of the staff worked hard to make a better film, encouraging and motivating the young actors, and sharing their concerns.

After spending time with them, Shibasaki had the following thoughts.

"It made me think that being an adult must be fun. I felt attracted to the job of an actor, where I could interact with so many adults who seemed to have so much fun, and help each other improve and create works. I think that was the moment when acting became exciting."

The shocking film about middle school students killing each other became a big hit, grossing over 3 billion yen. Shibasaki was also inundated with offers for roles.

"So I guess the work that became THE CHANGE was 'Battle Royale'. To be honest, I don't see the word 'change' in a very positive way. Of course, I don't mean it in a negative way, but how can I put it, it's the feeling that things move and change drastically. When I think about it that way, I think it really started with 'Battle Royale'."

So, what has remained the same as an actor from then until now?

"As adults, we have to make a living, so we tend to have to do whatever job we want, but I want to do a job that stimulates my curiosity, and that will never change."

2025.7.13 Kou Shibasaki's "THE CHANGE" Interview

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Battle royale (2000)

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Battle Royale manga is getting a new release and translation!

Yen Press has announced at Anime Expo that it has licensed the Battle Royale manga and will publish it with a new translation by Kevin Gifford. The first deluxe edition hardcover volume will be released on December 16, 2025!

This is huge news for fans of Battle Royale, as previously published by TokyoPop, has long been out of print and the translation (adapted by Keith Giffen) a controversial topic of criticism for unnecessary changes made to the original source.

Battle Royale is a Japanese manga series written by Koushun Takami and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. It is based on Koushun Takami's novel of the same name, telling the story of a class of junior high school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.

Sources: Yen Press, ICv2, The Popverse

[battlestory]

Battle Royale manga is getting a new release and translation!

Yen Press has announced at Anime Expo that it has licensed the Battle Royale manga and will publish it with a new translation by Kevin Gifford. The first deluxe edition hardcover volume will be released on December 16, 2025!

This is huge news for fans of Battle Royale, as previously published by TokyoPop, has long been out of print and the translation (adapted by Keith Giffen) a controversial topic of criticism for unnecessary changes made to the original source.

Battle Royale is a Japanese manga series written by Koushun Takami and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. It is based on Koushun Takami's novel of the same name, telling the story of a class of junior high school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.

Sources: Yen Press, ICv2, The Popverse

[battlestory]

battle royale (2000) dir. kinji fukasaku

[battlestory]

Battle Royale manga is getting a new release and translation!

Yen Press has announced at Anime Expo that it has licensed the Battle Royale manga and will publish it with a new translation by Kevin Gifford. The first deluxe edition hardcover volume will be released on December 16, 2025!

This is huge news for fans of Battle Royale, as previously published by TokyoPop, has long been out of print and the translation (adapted by Keith Giffen) a controversial topic of criticism for unnecessary changes made to the original source.

Battle Royale is a Japanese manga series written by Koushun Takami and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. It is based on Koushun Takami's novel of the same name, telling the story of a class of junior high school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.

Sources: Yen Press, ICv2, The Popverse

[battlestory]

Battle Royale manga is getting a new release and translation!

Yen Press has announced at Anime Expo that it has licensed the Battle Royale manga and will publish it with a new translation by Kevin Gifford. The first deluxe edition hardcover volume will be released on December 16, 2025!

This is huge news for fans of Battle Royale, as previously published by TokyoPop, has long been out of print and the translation (adapted by Keith Giffen) a controversial topic of criticism for unnecessary changes made to the original source.

Battle Royale is a Japanese manga series written by Koushun Takami and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. It is based on Koushun Takami's novel of the same name, telling the story of a class of junior high school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.

Sources: Yen Press, ICv2, The Popverse

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"When it comes to bold, challenging works of art, there will always be Odas who can't see past their own sense of vulgarity, who will always be stopped by it. They'll never agree to look into anything too deeply, because they're pretty sure it's just one big sewer down there and they can't abide the thought of a bad smell. Then there are the Yukos who just don't have the stomach for it. They're not driven by disgust or filled with contempt, they just get overwhelmed by the intensity, and—you know what?—fair enough. If you're not a fan of Battle Royale, that's fine, as long as you don't make the same mistake the kids in the story make, of assuming everyone else is playing some awful game, of demonizing one another, choosing sides, picking each other apart. A person is not vulgar for finding value in something you find offensive.

"That's the game talking. Don't play."

— Steven R. Stewart, "Dead Sexy: A Defense of Sexuality in the Violently Visual Battle Royale Manga," printed in The Battle Royale Slambook © Viz Media 2014

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Battle Royale Fanmade Book Cover by Keely Honeywell | Shop

Permission to upload was granted by the original artist. Please do not re-post, re-print or edit without the artist’s permission.

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Tatsuya Fujiwara to appear on stage for "Battle Royale" with screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku

It has been announced that Tatsuya Fujiwara (Shuya Nanahara) will appear on stage to greet the audience at the screening of "Battle Royale" at the Marunouchi TOEI in Tokyo on July 15th as part of the closing project "Goodbye Marunouchi TOEI." He will be participating in the event with Kenta Fukasaku, the son of the film's director Kinji Fukasaku and the screenwriter of the film.

Tatsuya Fujiwara (left), Kenta Fukasaku (right)

"Battle Royale" is set in Japan, where an education reform law called the "BR Law" has been enacted by adults who are fed up with juvenile crime. The law requires that one class randomly selected from junior high schools across the country be forced to kill each other on a deserted island until only one person remains. In addition to Fujiwara playing the main character, Nanahara Shuya, the cast also includes Maeda Aki, Yamamoto Taro, Beat Takeshi, Ando Masanobu, Shibasaki Kou, Tsukamoto Takashi, Takaoka Sosuke, Kuriyama Chiaki, and Maeda Ai.

"Battle Royale" poster visual ©︎2000 "Battle Royale" Production Committee

The film, which had the catchphrase "Hey, have you ever killed a friend?" became a social issue when it was released in 2000, spurring fears that it would encourage juvenile crime and have a negative impact on young people, leading to a movement by Diet members to restrict its screening. However, the media coverage of the film attracted public attention, and it grossed 3.11 billion yen. Fujiwara won the Best Actor and Newcomer Actor awards at the 24th Japan Academy Awards for his performance in the film. At the event, he will look back on the time of filming. Tickets, which will be priced at 2,000 yen, will go on sale on the theater's official website from 8:00 p.m. on June 28th , and if there are any remaining seats, they will be available at the ticket counter from the theater's opening on the following day, the 29th.

Article from natalie.mu/eiga Thanks to @dullahanart for bringing this to my attention!

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Battle Royale AU

"I've been thinking a lot about this book, and how the characters would look styled in this universe, especially if mixed with Sally Face."