Since time immemorial there has been a strong bonding between the people of Manipur and Japan which will never be ceased. Every year many Japanese visit the State and used to pay homage to their forefathers who have lost their lives during the Second World War. They have come with a cause which we have never heard or know much.
There were also many instances where Manipuri and Japanese have worked together. This incites me to conduct in-depth research on the subject matter. Whenever we see any war films related with Japan, they always get defeated by the so called Allied forces. Looking at the connection, I thought of making a film purely based on the facts finding which is not included on any books written by western authors, scholars and war veterans and which could rely on the actual records narrated by Manipuri forefathers who have associated with the saga.
Since childhood I was interested in film and its importance in society. I come from a humble background and my family too have little knowledge on film and entertainment. However, my love for the art and confined to master course in mass communication did help me in entering to the film world. From early days, I was vastly exposed to different form of activities like film directing, script writing, camera handling and learned how to convey message to mass public.
As it could not create much impact, I was looking for another way in the form of a medium where the mass public can grasp and understand easily. After a certain thought, I realise that film is a kind of medium best suited to the State as people understand the art form precisely.
My latest much-talk movie “My Japanese Niece” is based on a Japanese soldier and his association with the State. The journey of the film started from a facebook page which my core team created to raise fund following the massive earthquake occurred in Japan few years back. By doing so, we got overwhelm response through the page and met with some Japanese counterparts. And, particularly the Manipuri diaspora staying in different part of the world also expressed willingness of providing assistance on the cause. Through the process, we realise that the sentiment, love and bonding of Manipuri towards the people of Japan is so strong.
The story line of the film is based on a Japanese soldier who arrived in the State during the Second World War. There, he was given duty of a sentry in a remote village. During the course, he became friend with a Manipuri. The duo used to visit at Allied forces camp area mainly dominated by the British and collect information on about their plan and movement. In an incident, the Manipuri friend was seriously injured in a bomb attack and on his dying bed he requested the Japanese to look after his daughter as his wife was also killed in alike bombing. There, the Japanese accepted the request and decided to adopt his friends’ daughter. At the same time, he was also supposed to follow orders of his seniors where he was told to safeguard some important documents and continued working as a sentry. However, the Japanese did not return to his duty even after the war. He decided to stay back in Manipur by not returning back to his native country.
The cast and crew members of the film included bunch of many renowned actors. The lead role of the Japanese soldier is being played by Junichi Kajioka, a London based actor who has acted in some Hollywood movies like Flowers of War, 47 Ronin, All that Remains etc. Yu Asada, played the role of the niece. Besides, there are also many actors from Thailand, Korea and even from the State.
The estimate budget of the film is whopping Rs 10 crore and is set to release in many south east countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Korea etc. The budget amount may sound high as compared with other State’s film budget, but comparing with the film’s casting, high quality technical equipment, camera etc it stand short. Somehow the team manage in financing the film with the projected amount. I am dedicating the film to the deceased Japanese soldiers.
