Even if you don’t know the name Yoshitaka Yamaguchi, if you’ve seen the new Live-Action movie Arcana, you are fully aware of the director’s talent and style. He worked with Takashi Miike for the Masters of Horror’s episode “Imprint”.
Produced by Django Film and Nikkastu production company, Arcana was released on October 19, 2013. The novel has been written by Yukito Ayatsuji and Yamaguchi co-written the screenplay with Shôtarô Oikawa.
Arcana is Yamaguchi’s first movie as a director, he was the second assistant director to Takashi Miike for the American production Masters of Horror. We were surprised by Arcana, directed by a newcomer in the business. It was much appreciated by the Japanese and Asian fans, so much so that he has renewed it with the upcoming Neko Zamura.
At the Tokyo International Film Festival James Sparks was able to sit down with Yamaguchi and discuss his latest film and his past work. He was with a young Japanese actress and model named Akiko Maya Egami (also known as Maya Fukuzawa) and he revealed us an EXCLUSIVE information about his new project.
James Sparks (JS): Thank you for taking time to answer my questions. How is difficult for a J-horror director when there is Hideo Nakata’s “Ring” still in the memories ?
Yoshitaka Yamaguchi: Hard (smiles), but it help us surpass our achievements… I do what I like, I’m a fan of horror Manga, I love to write and re-write them…
JS: What are the steps to write a screenplay for a ‘live-action movie’?
Yamaguchi: For my part, I write the full script based on the novel / manga, then we adjust or change scenes and we can remove some things that can not be used for the film. It’s pretty stressful, because every Manga or Novel already have fans…
JS: Your first collaboration was with Takashi Miike, a good experience? have you been influenced by him?
Yamaguchi: Yes, my work with Takashi was very important to me! You have to do a collaboration with a man like him to understand what I’m saying… However, I am proud to have my own style.
JS: You are not just a “horror movie director,” In 2010 you worked again with Takashi Miike for “Yatterman” based on the Japanese Action Comedy anime, is that so different ?
Yamaguchi: The beginning is the same. I was flattered! (smiles). I was much more involved in the film! I’m fan of the anime written by the great Tatsuo Yoshida… It’s always exciting for me to transform what is written in something alive…
JS: I heard something about a new Live-Action movie produced by Twins Japan, It has been said that you are involved ?
Yamaguchi: (smiles)… Yes ! I’m working on a new project… Based on a manga! I’m so excited! Moreover, you are sitting next to a very important girl involved in the project.
JS: I recognized that girl! She is the muse of “Make Up For Ever”, she appears on Japanese televisions channels… So I guess she will be the actress who will play the main role, can you give me some clues ?
Yamaguchi: (smiles)… What I can say is that the adaptation will be frightening and romantic at the same time… The novel has been written by a woman before 2000 and… Akiko will play one of the main characters. That’s the clue!
Interview and Submission by James Sparks
