Actors Masatoshi Nagase, Tadanobu Asano, Ayana Shiramoto, Koichi Sato, and director Gakuryu Ishii attended the stage greeting in Tokyo on the 24th to celebrate the release of the film Box Man.
This film is based on the novel of the same name published by Kobo Abe in 1973. It explores the human condition and modern society through the character of the Box Man, who wears a cardboard box on his head, viewing the world through a peephole. Director Gakuryu Ishii originally planned to produce the film in 1997, but the project was abruptly halted just before filming began, leaving the cast and crew to return to Japan disappointed. The project became a “phantom” film, remaining uncompleted for 27 years.
In a twist of fate, Box Man has finally been completed in 2024, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Kobo Abe’s birth, with Masatoshi Nagase reprising his role from 27 years ago. Reflecting on the film’s long journey to completion, Nagase shared, “I’m speechless… I’m overwhelmed with emotion.” He added, “27 years is a long time, but as an actor, I’ve carried the ‘Box Man’ in my heart for more than half of that time. Perhaps that time was necessary.”
The story unfolds in a world where “Box Men,” who wear cardboard boxes over their heads and view the world through peepholes, wander the streets. The protagonist, a photographer played by Nagase, becomes fascinated with the Box Man, eventually putting on a cardboard box himself and taking his first steps toward becoming one. However, the path to becoming a true “Box Man” is fraught with challenges and dangers, including a deceptive doctor (played by Tadanobu Asano) who seeks to take over the Box Man’s existence, a manipulative military doctor (Koichi Sato) planning to use the Box Man for nefarious purposes, and a mysterious woman named Yoko (Ayana Shiramoto) who tries to seduce him.
When asked about the meaning of the “Box Man,” Director Ishii admitted, “I don’t know,” but explained that the mystery is part of the film’s allure, encouraging viewers to interpret it in their own way. In the closing remarks, Nagase expressed his gratitude by saying, “Congratulations, Director. It’s been a long time…” to which Ishii replied, “Congratulations to everyone, too,” showing their mutual appreciation for the film’s completion.
