Japanese girl ‘finds’ her uncle in Manipur

Mohen Naorem’s film is based on the story of the Japanese soldier who was left behind in Manipur after the war and people still believe he exists.

Another interesting aspect of the film is that several Japanese families of war veterans have expressed their willingness to contribute financially towards the film.

Junichi’s excitement knows no bounds.

“I am really excited to be offered an opportunity to work in India which has such a major worldwide reputation for film making. It’s been an important part of my career to work in different countries and to work in India will be a great thrill for me,” the actor,who made his debut in the award-winning film “Devils on the Doorstep” by Wen Jiang,said.

Asada is excited as well though nervous.

“This is not only my first Indian movie,but also the very first movie that I act in. So I am pretty excited but at the same time very nervous too. I don’t have any acting

experience so..All I know is that I will do my best,” she says. Naorem says the script is ready and is also being translated into English and Japanese. The film will be in Manipuri language with subtitles in English and Japanese.

“But we will include some Japanese dialogues when the characters representing Japanese soldiers and English when Britishers are portrayed,” he says,adding,”The shooting will start by November.”

Asada has started learning Manipuri and the state’s history as well.

“From the information I have gathered,Manipur is a beautiful place. I am looking forward to visiting there,” she says.

Junichi,who will be next seen with Keanu Reeves in “47 Ronin”,says he has found some very old books about the Battle of Imphal.

“I am currently reading my way through these to collect more information and to understand what happened at that time. I’m also keen to visit the sites before the shooting if I can manage this.”

Every year many Japanese come to pay homage to their lost forefathers in Manipur. Asada also comes to the state to pay homage to her uncle who was a soldier during WWII. When she was in Manipur,she had a weird dream. Her uncle came in her dream and asked her to visit a village where he had kept some memories. She and her Manipuri guide then search for her uncle’s secrets.

The film is the story of Asada’s search for her uncle and how she finds many secrets,memories and belongings of her uncle as well as documents,unposted letters,artefacts and dairies of soldiers who were lost.