Loosely translated and paraphrased from Japanese:
Released last year, the book "Homeless Middle School Student" has already sold 2.2 million copies (July 2008). It is the autobiography of Hiroshi Tamura, one half of the comedy duo Kirin.

Both the film's star Koike Teppei and director Chihiro Kameyama said the highlight of the film is the song "Here," a collaboration between TSZX and Cliff Edge.

[Talking Event]
Project director Chihiro Kameyama, Fuji Film: Hello everyone and welcome.

MC: Today we are in Odaiba, Japan for the beginning of the film festival.

Kameyama, director: After hearing the theme song for the movie by TSZX and Cliff Edge, I really can't wait for the October 25 release date. The film was completed in late September, and today we are allowing 132 special guests the opportunity to watch the opening. We expect many tears today.

MC: Allowing us to see the film two months before the public is not right, but allowing Koike Teppei to join us lightens the atmosphere.

Kameyama, director: Koike Teppei came to watch the other movies.

MC: How was the environment after everyone had seen it.

Kameyama, director: After the editing, everyone got tears in their eyes and began to look down.

MC: Anyway, the theme song by TSZX and Cliff Edge is really good.

Kameyama, director: It flows the best near the ending. The song with the images...

MC: The tears just wouldn't stop flowing near the end (laughs)!

Kameyama, director: The hall was dark but the bright moments in the movie made you think.

MC: The ending theme is of great importance right?

Kameyama, director: It's very important and I am very grateful for their help.

MC: Here to sing the theme song is TSZX with special guest Koike Teppai!

MC: (Tremendous cheers) Calm!! Stay calm!! They won't escape!! (laughs) TSZX, you have already seen the movie, what are your thoughts?

Sunday: I was really impressed. Koike Teppei did a great performance and I think it is a very good movie.

Lina: I was also impressed by the message. It is painful, sad, and funny.

Dana: Koike Teppei did a really good performance. Through watching the movie, I look forward to living positively with courage.

Stephanie: I was very impressed. My family now lives in the US and it made me want to see them.

Kameyama, director: I'm happy. I had not read the original story, so based off your comments about the movie... I think we did a good job.

MC: Koike Teppei, what are your thoughts about 'Here'?

Koike Teppei (as Hiroshi Tamura): The first time I heard it, it stayed with me. I think it is better than the movie. It is a really good song.

TSZX: Thank You.

MC: Koike, how was it playing a middle school student.

Koike: Well, I'm 22 years old, so there is about a difference of 10 years. When I mention I would play the role, a lot of people were confused. Without thinking deeply about homelessness, I thought I could play the role. If you see the movie you will know why. Although the title is "Homeless Middle School Student," it is about a boy growing up.

MC: At the beginning of the movie, you can see the early stage of Tamura's life. TSZX, how did Koike play the role of Tamura.

Sunday: It was good from what I saw (laughs). Actually, I do not know who the original Tamura is.

MC: Koike, I am quite uncertain of your age (laughs).

Koike: What do you mean? (laughs)

MC: It means you look young (laughs). TSZX, what are your thoughts about Koike?

Lina: I think he's really cool.

Stephanie: Very friendly and cool.

Kameyama, director: Well, in the film he gets in trouble a lot. He also acts like an idiot too (venue laughs). But he acts like a normal middle school student and does the job beautifully.

MC: I guess you received good coaching.

Koike: Yes, I "became an idiot," a lot of NG and "do not do that's" were often said.

MC: TSZX, what will your future activities be like.

Sunday: In October, alongside the release of "Homeless Middle School Student" we will be releasing the theme song "Here." There will also be some lives.

MC: Now we will move into the performance of "Here!" (Venue cheers)

[Live Performance: Cliff Edge comes out to perform the theme song "Here" and other songs!]

Sunday: It was really hot but people kept cheering, I was very impressed, thank you!

Lina: I had a great time, thank you!

Dana: For "Homeless Middle School Student," TSZX and Cliff Edge, please show a lot of love. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you!

Stephanie: Please continue to support us! Thank you!



Original Article
Source: Toho Studios
Date: 8/18/08