Set in post-war Okinawa, "HERO's ISLAND" is a masterpiece novel by Junjo Shindo that vividly portrays truths untold in historical records. With fervor, Shindo shares that he spent seven years crafting this work, determined to make an impact on the world. This work, written with overwhelming passion, calls out to those of us living in peaceful times to reclaim our raw, vibrant emotions. Its powerful narrative unanimously won the 160th Naoki Prize, and went on to achieve a prestigious triple crown by also securing the 9th Yamada Futaro Award and the 5th Okinawa Bookstore Grand Prize.
Now, this intense literary masterpiece is set to become a live-action film. At the helm is Keishi Otomo, known for his diverse portfolio spanning period dramas, action, sci-fi, drama, mystery, and fantasy (including the "Rurouni Kenshin" series and "Legend & Butterfly"). During his tenure at NHK, Otomo filmed the serial TV novel 'Churasan' in Okinawa. Now, with this new project that he eagerly pursued after falling in love with the source material, he will directly confront Okinawa's 20-year post-war period.
The combination of the novel's overwhelming intensity and Otomo's meticulous attention to detail - infusing deep emotion even into wordless scenes and peripheral characters - is poised to elevate Japanese cinema to new heights.
Headlining the cast is Satoshi Tsumabuki, joined by a stellar ensemble including Suzu Hirose, Masataka Kubota, and Eita Nagayama - all leading figures in Japanese cinema. This epic entertainment spectacle will depict the "senka agya" (war-profit hunters) who navigated to the fullest in the chaotic post-war Okinawa, with immense passion and on a grand scale.