Kōji Yakusho on finding happiness in simplicity, Perfect Days, and working with Wim Wenders

The Japanese actor Kōji Yakusho is prolific, from his roles in Japanese films to parts in American movies like “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Babel”. This year, Kōji won the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in “Perfect Days,” directed by Wim Wenders. He tells Tom about his rise in film and TV, how working with renowned director Wim Wenders showed him the fun of filmmaking, and what “Perfect Days” can teach you about happiness.
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[@etherdog]

Not only is Perfect Days a GREAT film, and Kōji Yakusho is a great actor, but it also gave Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" the spotlight it deserves. It really is one of the best films of the century so far.

[@cyano3d]

I am so glad i discovered that song, its beautiful

[@sylvandelacruz]

I needed to watch a movie that didn't have the dysfunctional characters of a drama or violence of an action movie. I needed something peaceful, thing of beauty and nature, something that matched my current mood and state of mind. Then, I found Perfect Days, which really had absolute minimal drama, and I really connected with it, and the lead character -that was me! Because all I'm hoping to experience each day is peace, nature and music (I'm a singer/songwriter). And I need that every day. We're all lucky if we can find that. And in this film, we all could.

[@luizawilczynska]

💙💙💙

[@inMuro]

this might be a bit far off - but if you like this type of movie, you might like this british film from a few years ago, called Another Year. It's my favorite film and similar to perfect days in ways that are hard to describe.

[@dmcbride42]

Listening to Yakusho-san speak is relaxing. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to describe his feelings.

[@thecaseyli]

Perfect Days instantly became one of my all time favorites, I loved it so much that I watched it twice in the theater and pre ordered it on Apple TV. The story is just so beautiful and inspiring and Kõji Yakusho is incredibly talented, I fell in love with his character in the first shot. ❤

[@AditiHM]

Your words could have been written by me! I also saw it twice at the cinema and have pre-ordered it on Amazon Prime. I would say it's my all-time favourite film. I was in Tokyo earlier this month and went to Hirayama's lunch spot and apartment, and to four of the 17 toilets! ♡

[@whill2890]

My favorite scene is the final one, the close-up of his face , when he goes between tears and smiles. Inner peace! Love it. Love Koji! I've loved him since Shall We Dance!🎉❤

[@whill2890]

Great acting in that scene!

[@ozanatmaca2457]

so many layers in the film. i have really liked the scene of Hirayama’s crying scene while sister and his niece leaves. Hirayama knows- feels- connects with a deep understanding with himself and all beings. 🙏🏼 i thank to crew and wim wenders to make this film. I appreciate❤️

[@sandraberti352]

Extraordinary movie…extraordinary interpreter…extraordinary music…extraordinary emotions…💔

[@translationsam4482]

Hi from Armenia...Thank you, I really enjoyed the film...less words and more emotions...brilliant performance by actor and film makers as well...there is so much ba bla bla in our life that very often we need silence in order to have more feelings

[@jirinasimkova5585]

J´aime ce film de plus en plus. La joie de vivre. Incontournable, surtout maintenant dans ce monde immonde.

[@ledojaeger7474]

This was such an interesting, such a thought-provoking film. And it definitely impacted me, even now in my daily life I find myself stopping, and just smiling to myself, and looking around and feeling a serene sense of satisfaction. I think Perfect Days had something to do with that attitude, and I’m very grateful I got to experience the film.

[@randallowen9350]

I must say that this movie means a great deal to me. Interesting is that I have a desire of living with less rather than aspiring to be more affluent. It is a balance because I have the responsibilies of the family man that I am. So perhaps a more frugal less cluttered future is something I can optimistically look forward too. I am in awe of this wonderful movie.

[@henrik7154]

What a genuinely great interview. The questions were really good and the profound answers moved me. The movie is one of my favorites and I just saw it for the second time on blu ray after seeing it in a small moody cinema for the first time. And it still hit all the notes. I am really happy I perceived many of the central elements like Kōji did and as Wim intended.

[@tiepolo100]

It was a great and exquisite film. I enjoyed it so much and learned so much through the actor's quiet dignity and serenity ....

[@ross6753]

Yakusho-san's character in "Perfect days" doesn't say much, but Yakusho-san does it all with his smile. It's the smile that made Wim Wenders pick him

[@mirror9553]

Wings of Desire, shove over. Perfect Days is my new ‘If I were stuck on a desert Island and could only bring one film’ film.

[@MartaG.-wy5je]

Blade Runner, Metropolis, Wings of Desire and now Perfect Days ❤

[@mirror9553]

@@MartaG.-wy5je Metropololis 🙂

[@ConcordD0m]

Just wanted to say how great this interview was. Can really tell how much thought and nuance you put into each question you ask and I really appreciate it as I assume everyone else does.

[@zeroxdan]

great interview, thank you all 🩵🙏

[@JackAgoston]

This may possibly be the most interesting interview with great questions. Maybe all Japanese interviewers were too intimidated by Yakusho-san to ask deep questions. This must have made the actor think more than the ordinary interviews. I’m glad the interviewer got a sense of Wabi Sabi spirit of the film.

[@scotbearss]

Thank you for this interview!

[@lonkinoble9333]

Beautiful interview.

[@yaeldan6425]

Beautiful interview! Thank you

[@chn567]

Have a perfect day! 😍👍

[@papatyass]

One of the best movie i’ve ever watched👌🏻

[@reitocai]

Thank you for sharing this interview！！！❤

[@ixchel777]

Incredible actor, the last scene 💙

[@Oo.lz_zl]

I loved the movie and wow he asks great and the right questions, such a great interviewer🔥!!! Just hoped the translation was a bit more detailed.

[@Papalagui]

And what do you think about this single word of « komorebi » 木漏れ日, that is « the shimmering of light ans shadows that is created by leaves swaying in the wind » ? 🦋

[@ricpan]

Why does Hirayama cry in the scene with his sister? Is there an allusion to child abuse?