Event Report: NON appeared on stage with director Sunao Katabuchi for the commemorative stage greeting marking the revival screening of the film “In This Corner of the World.”

The gem of an animated film ‘In This Corner of the World,’ a story we want to pass down for 100 years, will be revived for a limited run after nine years, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the war's end and Suzuko's 100th birthday.
Today, August 2nd, a premiere stage greeting was held at Theatre Shinjuku in Tokyo, featuring NON and director Sunao Katabuchi.

NON, who also held an opening day stage greeting at the same venue during the 2016 release, cheerfully greeted the audience: “Thank you all for coming today. I'm truly delighted that this revival screening gives us another chance to see ‘In This Corner of the World’ in theaters.” When asked about her feelings regarding this second opening stage greeting, she shared her deep attachment: “I'm incredibly happy. ‘In This Corner of the World’ is a truly special film, one that has become indispensable in my life as an actress. It truly warms my heart that it's a film that continues to be seen by so many people, time and time again.”

The 80th anniversary of the war's end also marks Suzu's 100th birthday.

Regarding this, Director Katabuchi stated: "Suzu was 20 when the war ended. That someone of that age reaching 100 means there are far fewer people left who were adults during the war. Though 80 years after the war makes those days seem distant, I made this film to somehow hold onto that reality and prevent it from fading. I wanted to depict wartime reality. I hope viewers find a sense of continuity with the present day,“ she said. ”By having Non-chan portray Suzu-san's voice as someone living there, Suzu-san truly exists as a person who is there, someone everyone will remember forever. I think that is very meaningful."

Amidst this, there was a moment where NON answered questions as Suzu-san. When asked about changes over the past nine years, she shyly replied, "Well, my child has grown up and doesn't listen to me anymore, which is tough. My child is 16 now. After nine years, they've started talking back.“ Director Katabuchi then teased, ”Huh? Suzu-san, isn't that standard Japanese?“ Fully immersed in the role, NON replied, ”I watch TV, so I learned standard Japanese... Ho-i ja~ ne~!" waving her hand and making everyone laugh.

Finally, NON expressed her hopes: “I'd be delighted if, after watching this film, people share their thoughts and continue to reflect on the work. I want it shared with many people, so I hope it will be cherished for a long time.” Director Katabuchi also seemed deeply moved by this “I'm home” after nine years, saying, “Non-chan voicing Suzu today made me feel convinced that Suzu has been living all this time since those days. Suzu is still alive somewhere, doing well. I'm a bit choked up, so I have nothing more to say.”

The film “In This Corner of the World” is currently showing for a limited time at Theatre Shinjuku, Hachijōza, and other theaters nationwide until Friday, August 15.
Please come to the theater to meet Suzuko.

■Official Website for the Film “In This Corner of the World”
https://konosekai.jp/