Kuwana Japan

June 28th, 2018

Miro Muhnatani – MPJ

It is not everyday that movie-goers get the chance to see their favorite ballplayers during the off-season. Many players go home and try to get away from it all; but those who stay behind and work on the fundamentals also get extra opportunities. That is where The Motion Pictures of Japan come in. This past off-season, TMPJ partnered with the League of the Rising Sun, as well as its professional ball players. The MPJ and the LRS agree that the baseball player-only culture is about to change. Fans want to see players year round. Is this new relationship the first step in making that possible?

This new partnership intertwines players of the LRS with one of TMPJ’s newest projects. We have seen some get shoe deals already and we figured: why stop there? So this past off-season Adam Sandler shot a new movie over here in Japan. We contacted owners and GMs alike to find a player who would fit what Mr. Sandler was asking for.

The movie was a comedy called Souseiji, with a modest budget of  ¥42 million. Mr. Sandler had everything he needed except a leading man. We helped Mr. Sandler over the course of the first few weeks of the off-season and soon he had his man. Out of the dozen of so players with whom he had the option of working with, we chose P Koki Watanabe of the Shin Seiki Evas. At 6 foot 2 and 240 pounds, he was a perfect fit for the part. We wanted a well-respected, hard- working player and we got more than we asked for from him.

We had no idea the fans were going to attach themselves so much to Mr. Watanabe. We expected fans to pour into the theaters for Mr. Sandler; but the overall reaction to Koki Watanabe was unbelievable. He stole many scenes and the fans let everyone know about it. Mr. Sandler talked to me after the premier and said that he was amazed at how talented and hardworking Koki was. Sadler even made mention of how Koki reminded him of his old Friend Chris Farley.

Here is our sit down with Evas starting pitcher and award-winning actor Koki Watanabe.

MPJ – Many moviegoers thought you were very funny; did you have any help getting ready for the movie?

Koki – Oh yeah! I actually bunked up with Mr. Sandler for 3 weeks in the U.Ss before filming. I got to see him finish filming Grown Ups 4.

I learned so much from him both about life and comedy. I don’t think I’ll be the same again. Plus I got some good tips for negotiating my next contract. Just spending time with him helped us develop some timing and rapport. It was a lot like working with a new catcher. I hope it came through well on screen.

MPJ – The movie grossed $14 million on opening weekend. While still on pace for $125 million, with a modest budget of $42 million, it is being called the best comedy of the year. How much fun was it filming the movie?

Koki – It was the thrill of a lifetime. I was so lucky to get to work with Adam and the whole team. Louis C. K., who helped with the filming, was very understanding about my ignorance of the process and was so supportive.

MPJ – How are you going to handle the newfound popularity that comes with being a movie star? Is there any word on a sequel?

Koki – No word on a sequel at the moment. I’m in full baseball mode at the moment, so I told my agent to keep any of those talks to himself until the season is over. I need to give the Evas everything I have, so there is no room for distraction.

As far as the fame goes: well, that hasn’t been an issue yet. No one other than Eva fans ever recognizes me, which is just fine by me. I’ll take having the opportunity to be in a movie while still having some privacy, if possible.

MPJ – While the movie did great, your attire on the red carpet was underwhelming. Were you trying to bring pleather back into style, or just trying to get a few laughs from the already ecstatic audience?

Koki – Right…well, that was a poor attempt at being both stylish and leather-free. I’ll let an adult dress me in the future.

MPJ – You won the people’s choice award for best actor in a comedy. How does it feel winning a major award for your first movie?

Koki – It doesn’t seem real. I kind of fell backwards in to this whole thing; so to be recognized for my first project is very humbling. I am very glad people seem to be enjoying the film and I hope to live up to expectations in the future.

MPJ – You came so close to winning the Oscar; but you lost out to Tom Cruise. Do you have any hard feelings or are you just happy to be there?

Koki – I am just happy to be there, really. To be even talked about in the same sentence as him is an honor. He was so great in the Silmarillion that, honestly, no one stood a chance anyway.

MPJ – With the movie now behind you, you look towards another season. What are you looking forward to this season? Do you think the Shin Seiki Evas have enough to win it all?

Koki – I am always amped up for a new season, especially now that I have a slot in the most scrutinized rotation in Japan. I look forward to perfecting my craft and to proving that the faith the organization has placed in me is justified.

As far as the team over all: I love the moves that have been made in the off-season. Things get harder every year in the SSG, but I think if we stay healthy we have a great chance to take it all in 2018.

MPJ – Thank you for your time.

Koki – Thank you! It was a pleasure.

Remember: this July Souseiji comes out on DVD for $19.99 and Blue Ray for $24.99 and can be purchased at all of your local movie stores.

Thank you,

Miro Muhnatani – President Motions Pictures of Japan