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Name: Tzing <htzing@hotmail.com>
Subject: After-movie address, Seiko & Japan in 2000
Date: 2000/02/20 14:02:04

Below is the summary of the "after-movie address" by Nakajo adn Seiko, plus
other reports regarding the movie.

During the address at the cinema, Seiko was gleaming with smiles and 
was exuding a aura of unmistakable peace, happiness adn relaxation, something 
whihc had been obvious from all the interviews, TV shows, radio shows of 
last year adn thereafter.

When the MC asked Nakajo adn Seiko if there were any interesting episodes
during filming... Nakajo teasingly mentioned about Seiko's hubby's cameo role.
At once, Seiko's face turned red adn laughed. She said happily that she was
very excited when the scene was done adn the feeling she had then was like a
"father watching over his son"...  She also said that she couldnt bare to see 
those scenes with him in there anymore....hahahaha ..as it is too embarrassing.

Other than that she also mentioned that the shooting scene was memorable
as the timign to do a consecutive 3 shoots was crucial adn also it was difficult
to shoot 3 times as the pistol was very heavy.  From the way they talked, 
it seems that rather than placing the importance of the movie per se on one's career, 
doing the movie was very fun adn enjoyable for them. Of course, for Nakajo it was
 a new experience and for Seiko as always, a "valuble learnign experience".

Nakajo in all his interviews so far, was full of praise for Seiko adn her command
of English. He is a respected adn estalbished actor of many years in Japan.
Particularly he was impressed that a star with status like Seiko was willing to 
undertake cameo roles (Armageddon etc) adn venture aboard. He commented on
her professionalism and her easy-going nature. At a solo interview, when asked
for his opinion on Seiko in the US... he replied that if she had really given up all
commitments in her Japan market adn concentrated only in the US, she would 
have been a big success by now for sure. He was impressed by how well they 
(Mr adn Mrs Hatano adn famil) are getting along.

Throughout the "after-moive address" you could sense that there was a kind
of friendship adn genuine fun time shared between them, that were not a form of
formality act coz there was an unspoken mutual respect for each other. 

I also realized that recently, there has been little giggles and sneering whenever
the mass media talked about Seiko's efforts in the US adn about her English.
Perhaps the time is finally arriving for Japan to acknowledge adn be able to
recognise intangible efforts. It could also be the result of Seiko speaking out
for the first time in 10-11years adn to have unassuming established actors like
Nakajo to talk so candidly out of his own free will. 

Seiko's first movie, incidentally her favourite, was 1980's "Nogiku no Haka" 
produced by Toei, a leading movie production adn distribution company in japan.
One of its in-house directors, adn in-charge of the company's movie investment
(? or planning??) department had this to say "In Japan where there are fewer and 
fewer real stars in the movie industry, Seiko is one of the very rare ones who
possess this special aura....GEDO could be yet another learngin adn stepping
stone for her. I know that her command of English is good and she has the 
keeness to work overseas, but I am hoping that she will do some Japanese movies
too from now onwards." 

Perhaps, we will get to see more of Seiko, the actress from now on too. (^^). and if
the intention of Toei is real then at least, the past years of Seiko working to get
some exposure in the movie industry on her own, will now get her some good
scripts adn better editing..... English or Japanese. (^^)

In the last 3 years while in Japan, I have to say that there isnt a star who comes
close to Seiko in being the star of the stars... She is the only one, who other 
celebrities adn TV/radio hosts would go ga-ga (ie go weak) on air adn say 
openly that they are fans, who still go for her dinnershows, concerts adn hav
posters on their walls or keep the pencil box with her face printed , bought 20 
years ago...or ask for her autographs etc.....

To many more good years adn memories.
Tzing