As you know, Ningin was at the NYCC’09 to get the scoop on all things Yatterman.  From the Yatterman press conference to the world premiere, we trekked to gather all the information that Arashi and Miike Takashi fans want to know.  Sho Sakurai humbly sat next to his cool director during the press conference, and they talked about their movie making experience right away.  Both Miike-san and Sho-kun addressed the audience with very sincere greetings. Miike-san went first by welcoming attendees: he seemed to have an aura of ultra coolness and told everyone to not catch a cold in this winter weather. Then Sho took the mic and impressed everyone with an English greeting.

Sho Sakurai: Hello ah… My name is Sho Sakurai, um.. I would like to  thank NY Comic Con for inviting us here. I was so excited and very honored that the world premiere of Yatterman was asked to be presented here in Manhattan. Thank You.

Even though Sho-kun spoke in his native Japanese for the rest of the conference, everything he said and did was totally darling. The conference was just a plethora of information on the upcoming film, but the fangirl in me couldn’t stop thinking about seeing an actual Arashi member in New York. My first question took place at the press conference, and it was for both Miike-san and Sho-kun.

Mia-chan: Hi, My name is Mia, and I’m with Ningin.com.  I wanted to know—do you have any opinion on the American animated-to-live-action films such as Dragon Ball Z,  Speed Racer,  or the upcoming Robotech movie?

Miike-san: First off, the animes that our culture creates, that we love and enjoy, the fact that… that gets enjoyed by a different country with a completely different culture is really great. It’s a real great honor. Especially being made into a film in a country, like America, that is known for its film making industry. On the other hand—at the same time—I also think we can do it better… and I think you will see when you watch Yatterman, and that’s the truth.

Sho-kun: Having films like Speed Racer, Dragon Ball Z and Yatterman remade into live-action films, it’s made me really rethink the fact that Japanese manga/Japanese comics are able to go across boundaries of nationality, language and culture, and really be enjoyed across the world. In a film like Yatterman, you have characters who have blond hair and clothes that could be from any country and culture… and I think that’s what is great about Japanese manga… I am excited to see how Yatterman is able to also overcome boundaries of culture and language to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide as well.

My Second question was just for Sho, and I got to ask it at the Q&A after the world premiere of Yatterman!

Mia: First, we want to thank you for coming to New York… And is Arashi ever planning to have a concert in the United States?

Sho-Kun : I rather know what you thought of the Yatterman movie?

Well, although he didn’t answer my second question, at least he knows there are Arashi fans in the states—fans who are curious to know when that extra special Arashi U.S. tour will happen. His sly answer, which seemed somewhat rehearsed, is understandable though. Let’s face it, we all know Johnny’s boys are tight-lipped when it comes to issues about anything related to overseas performances. So, for any news on anything Arashi, we will have to wait. However, us girlie Ningin staffers made sure to make a fangirl impression: we turned our Yatterman signs over during the Q&A, pulled out fangirl sharpies and made signs. The only thing we didn’t have were glitter pens! Our signs said “NINGIN Loves Sho” with little hearts. We also made one for David, too. His said, “Sho. Please Marry NINGIN!!” So, even if Sho was silent, I am sure the Arashi boys will hear about us Ningin girls, or David, somehow.

As for Sho-kun’s question for me… Did I enjoy Yatterman? While in the moment, all I could do was scream. Now that the fangirl excitement has subsided, I can say the movie itself was really fun.  So, of course I liked the movie! It was the way Japanese companies serve such pop-culture to us foreigners that has me at odds. Don’t get me wrong though, I am very appreciate that we had this film to enjoy at all. I love Miike Takashi films; he is an amazing director.  All so, I love Sho-kun as a singing and acting talent. I am familiar with many of his Arashi movies and drama series. I didn’t need to be sold on their movie with practiced answers. I already knew that whatever these two superstars worked on together was going to be unique and special.

Yatterman was a colorful film, and the actors did an awesome job. The villains stole the show though, but I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t see it yet, which is probably everyone. Even if I didn’t see the original series, I knew instinctively what elements were nostalgic and which were pure Miike. It made me interested in seeing the original animated show, and I began looking for copies right away.  Some things I look forward to are a DVD release and a sequel. I now associate Sho-kun with the iconic Yatterman 1 character.

I hope the Japanese movie and music industry learns from this. They are not only well-known here via manga, dorama and music….but there is a great demand for events like this. Moreover, I hope they realize that the demand is growing and that they shouldn’t be so shocked that great music and movies are truly crossing barriers.