 |
| Friendship, Upheaval, and Legacy: Fukuda’s Shin Kaishaku Bakumatsu-den Premieres This December (App Pia) |
Acclaimed director Fukuda Yuichi returns to the silver screen this winter with Shin Kaishaku Bakumatsu-den, an original reimagining of Japan’s turbulent Bakumatsu period, scheduled to release nationwide on 19 December 2025.
This marks Fukuda’s milestone 20th theatrical feature, and reunites him with long-time collaborators Muro Tsuyoshi and Sato Jiro, who take on double leading roles for the very first time.
 |
Set in the final years of the Edo period, a time when Japan teetered on the edge of revolution, the film chronicles the intertwined paths of Sakamoto Ryoma and Takamori Saigo — two of the era’s most enduring historical figures.
With a lens uniquely Fukuda’s, this retelling focuses on themes of battle, friendship, and the weight of steering a nation through chaos.
 |
Muro Tsuyoshi, a familiar face in Fukuda’s works, steps into the shoes of the visionary Ryoma. Reflecting on the project, he shared a personal anecdote:
“There was a time when we couldn't meet, couldn’t speak face-to-face. In that isolation, I made a decision — and when I finally sat across from Fukuda over dinner, I told him, ‘Could we make a film together, just for me?’ He answered immediately: ‘Let’s do it.’ Then he added, ‘With Jiro-san, as a dual lead.’ I thought, what a beautiful idea.”
 |
He continued, “I’m grateful that the day we get to share this decision with the world is finally arriving. Jiro-san, who chose to set aside the usual Fukuda-style for this role, looks incredibly cool. I, on the other hand, chose to embrace it fully. What emerged is something new — a different kind of pairing. To work with this cast and crew on the Fukuda group’s 20th film is an honour.”
Sato Jiro, who portrays the towering figure of Saigo Takamori, also expressed a mix of reverence and nerves:
“To portray Saigo — someone etched in history and previously brought to life by so many great actors — is daunting, to say the least. And yet, I wanted to go further into that trembling and offer my own ‘interpretation’, as the title suggests. This film shakes me, deeply. But perhaps that’s how I know it matters. I’ll keep acting — trembling and swaying with every role.”
 |
He also noted the significance of this film coinciding with 16 years of his collaboration with Fukuda: “It’s flown by. Sometimes I even wonder, have I really contributed anything to Fukuda’s body of work? But I suppose the answer lies in this film.”
Director Fukuda himself offered a rare glimpse into his longstanding dynamic with the two actors:
“People often call Muro and Jiro the thunder and wind gods of the Fukuda group. But make no mistake — ours is not a cosy friendship. We don’t dine together often; in fact, Jiro and I have only shared a meal alone once since we met. We only truly engage during filming, in this strange but exhilarating duel of sorts. This film is the result of years of quiet competition — a culmination of us trying not to disappoint one another.”
He added, “I hadn’t gone toe-to-toe with these two since Yoshihiko. I felt it was time to throw down all the cards we’ve been saving. And in doing so, I was reminded, profoundly, of what comedic actors are capable of. This film is a testament to that — and while it may be a milestone, it’s far from a final destination.”
Alongside these heartfelt reflections, a teaser trailer and key visual have been released, offering the first tantalising glimpse into this bold, alternative take on the Bakumatsu story.
With its blend of heartfelt character study and irreverent wit, Shin Kaishaku Bakumatsu-den promises to be both a cinematic celebration and a fresh, resonant take on a pivotal chapter in Japan’s history.
The countdown to December begins.