"I Struggled with Defensive Action" – What Did Shuhei Uesugi Focus on in His Role as Hajime Umemiya? Interview for the Film "WIND BREAKER"

The popular manga "WIND BREAKER," which surpassed 10 million copies in worldwide circulation within four years of serialization, has been adapted into a live-action film. The movie "WIND BREAKER," released in theaters on Friday, December 5th, depicts the story of Haruka Sakura, a delinquent high school student who transfers to Furin High School and grows as a member of Bofurin, a group that protects the town led by Hajime Umemiya.

In this article, we interviewed Shuhei Uesugi, who plays Umemiya, and asked him about his first impressions of the work and behind-the-scenes stories from filming the action scenes, which are highlights of the movie.

——In this work, which has the innovative setting of Bofurin protecting the town, Umemiya serves as its leader. What was your first impression of the original work?

Uesugi: I read the original work after being offered the role of Umemiya. Unlike works from my student days and earlier eras, including yakuza stories, where violence was depicted as a form of release or as a way of expressing the energy characteristic of that age group, what left an impression on me was the point that it's used to protect. I read it with that perspective in mind.

——You discussed this with Director Kentaro Hagiwara beforehand as well.

Uesugi: Yes. This is my third work with Director Hagiwara, and he said he wanted to "create a film that makes you want to protect people close to you after watching, rather than one that makes your blood boil." The original work is depicted in that way as well, and how should I put it... cherishing things within reach, using your fists for what you want to protect—I had never seen such a portrayal in fighting works I'd seen before, so it felt fresh.

——In the story, Umemiya is often seen growing vegetables, and the fighting scenes are depicted at the climax. The action there was also unique to Umemiya.

Uesugi: In terms of movement, basically he takes everything without throwing punches himself. Whether the opponent's punches look heavy or not, whether I'm being affected or not—all of that changes with a single defensive action, so I worked on creating it while consulting with the action team.

Since Choji Tomiyama (Koki Yamashita), the head of Shishitoren who is Umemiya's opponent, is also strong, it couldn't look too light, but I also couldn't show myself taking damage. That defensive action was quite a struggle.