News On Japan

Arata Iura Stars in 'Tokyo Cowboy'

TOKYO, Apr 09 (News On Japan) - Japanese actor Arata Iura makes his American film debut and first starring role in "Tokyo Cowboy," a narrative that sees a Tokyo businessman finding his place in the vast landscapes of Montana, famously known as the "Big Sky Country."

Tasked with turning around a struggling ranch to profitability, protagonist Hideki, played by Iura, initially clings to his business suit and Tokyo norms, only to find himself out of depth in the American heartland. Amidst a series of misadventures and cultural mishaps, he embraces the local cowboy way of life, leading to life-altering encounters.

Arata Iura, an indispensable figure in the Japanese film industry, now ventures into the American cinema landscape, portraying a businessman transformed by his encounters with cowboy culture. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Dave Boyle, known for his work on Netflix's "House of Ninjas," and Fumiko Fujita, a screenwriter and actress with notable credits, including the lead in Michel Gondry's "Tokyo!/Interior Design." Fujita also stars as Hideki's girlfriend in the film.

Adding to the film's allure, internationally renowned actor Jun Kunimura brings humor and expertise as a Wagyu specialist. The project is produced by Brigham Taylor, a Disney Studios stalwart with an impressive portfolio including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series and "Tron: Legacy," showcasing a blend of global talents.

The recently released trailer starts with Hideki's bustling life as a brand manager in Tokyo, transitioning to the serene yet challenging setting of a Montana ranch. Despite his initial missteps in presenting a grand plan to revive the failing ranch, Hideki's determination shines as he adopts the cowboy attire and lifestyle, exclaiming a triumphant "Yeehaw!" Yet, the question remains: will his ambitious project succeed amidst continuous setbacks? The trailer teases the dynamics between Hideki, his superior and lover Keiko played by Fujita, and the Wagyu expert Wada, portrayed by Kunimura, against the backdrop of Montana's breathtaking natural beauty.

"Tokyo Cowboy" is set to premiere on June 7, 2024, promising a unique blend of cultures, personal growth, and the universal search for belonging.

Source: moviecollectionjp

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Bear sightings across Japan have already climbed to nearly twice the level recorded during the same period last year, prompting entry bans in mountain areas behind Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple and the cancellation of hiking events in Kansai, while new research suggests that the key to reducing encounters may lie in understanding what bears eat in each region.

Copper roofing panels were stolen from several shrines in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including a city-designated cultural property, in the latest case amid a nationwide surge in copper thefts targeting shrines and temples across Japan, where soaring metal prices have fueled crimes that leave historic religious buildings damaged, exposed to the elements, and facing repair costs of millions of yen.

Flames broke out on the morning of May 20th on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to one of Japan's World Heritage sites, destroying Reikado Hall near the summit of Mount Misen.

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is beginning to affect daily life in Japan, as concerns over crude oil supplies spread to restaurants, cleaning services and even household garbage disposal systems across the Kansai region.

A 25-year-old woman arrested as a suspected ringleader in a robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture once posted cheerful dance videos on social media and was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and outgoing young woman.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Actors Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi have become the focus of intense speculation after the pair were reportedly seen together late at night in the parking area of an apartment complex.

A breakwater in Saga City covered with every page from the first 78 volumes of the hit manga "Kingdom" has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the world's longest continuous outdoor display of manga pages.

The traditional event Takigi Noh, which signals the arrival of early summer in the ancient capital, was held on May 15th at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple in Nara City.

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film "Sheep in the Box," which was selected for the competition section at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival in France, received its official screening on May 16th as it competes for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or.

Today we have a look at, unfortunately, the final kabuki show to take place at the Shochiku-za theatre in Osaka, the last remaining kabuki venue in Dōtonbori. (Kabuki In-Depth)

The Cannes Film Festival opened this week with three Japanese films nominated for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or, including 'Sheep in the Box' directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, 'Nagi Notes' directed by Koji Fukada, and 'Suddenly Feeling Unwell' directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Japanese hospitality has a reputation for being almost mystically attentive, but the principles behind it are practical and teachable.

The Osaka Shochikuza theater, which has entertained audiences in Osaka’s Dotonbori district for more than a century through films, kabuki and live performances, will close in June 2026 due to aging facilities and the high cost of renovations.