Kyoto 2014: Yakusho Koji Takes The Newly-Established Mifune Toshiro Award
The ceremony was highlighted by on-stage appearances from Mifune Shiro, son of the legendary Mifune Toshiro, and Nogami Teruyo, production assistant and script supervisor to Kurosawa Akira. Shiro, who spoke of his father being a quiet, contemplative man at home, quite different from the ferociously energetic individual he appeared on screen, was there to award the newly established 'Toshiro Mifune Award' to actor Yakusho Koji. Presented to an actor with the ability to achieve international success and to reach the heights of its world-class namesake, Yaksusho became the first recipient for his work on the likes of Tokyo Sonata, 13 Assassins and international hits Memoirs of a Geisha and Babel. On receipt of the award, Yakusho had this to say:
"I was very surprised when I first heard I would receive the Toshiro Mifune Award. I thought I was not qualified for such an honorable award that bears the name Toshiro Mifune, the most legendary actor of all time. Because I respect Mr. Mifune very much I decided to accept this award, no matter what people say and think. If we look at the film business as the Olympics, Mr. Mifune must have been the one to receive the most gold medals of all. By receiving this, I personally think that it will push me more in my career. That is what I think of this award, thank you."
The Shozo Makino award, established in 1958 to honor filmmakers who have made a contribution to Japanese cinema, was awarded to veteran cinematographer and director Daisaku Kimura. Kimura's second film as director, Climbing to Spring, was released in June.
The Creators Factory, an initiative established at Okinawa International Movie Festival with the aim of discovering new talent, was given to France based Japanese director Yamamoto Aki.
Previously announced winners included Clint Eastwood for the Most Respect Award and Irene Jacob for the Most Respect in Paris Award, which reflects Kyoto's status as sister city to the French capital.
"I was very surprised when I first heard I would receive the Toshiro Mifune Award. I thought I was not qualified for such an honorable award that bears the name Toshiro Mifune, the most legendary actor of all time. Because I respect Mr. Mifune very much I decided to accept this award, no matter what people say and think. If we look at the film business as the Olympics, Mr. Mifune must have been the one to receive the most gold medals of all. By receiving this, I personally think that it will push me more in my career. That is what I think of this award, thank you."
The Shozo Makino award, established in 1958 to honor filmmakers who have made a contribution to Japanese cinema, was awarded to veteran cinematographer and director Daisaku Kimura. Kimura's second film as director, Climbing to Spring, was released in June.
The Creators Factory, an initiative established at Okinawa International Movie Festival with the aim of discovering new talent, was given to France based Japanese director Yamamoto Aki.
Previously announced winners included Clint Eastwood for the Most Respect Award and Irene Jacob for the Most Respect in Paris Award, which reflects Kyoto's status as sister city to the French capital.
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