In the conservative culture of Japan, discussions surrounding sexual assault can often be challenging and uncomfortable. However, Urara Matsubayashi, an actor-turned-director, felt it was crucial to incorporate her own experience as a survivor into her work. This led to her directorial debut, 'Blue Imagine,' a film that explores the aftermath of a violent assault through the eyes of a young actor finding solace in a safe house called Blue Imagine.
The film aims to shed light on the issue of predatory behavior within the Japanese entertainment industry. Matsubayashi emphasizes the importance of portraying the support and camaraderie between women, showcasing that the #MeToo movement transcends borders and impacts the whole world. Through her characters, the director seeks to validate the reactions and experiences of survivors, recognizing the stigma surrounding speaking out about sexual violence.
Matsubayashi drew inspiration from the powerful reactions to Shiori Ito's documentary, 'Black Box Diaries.' Ito's film investigates her own sexual assault and her landmark case against a high-profile offender with ties to the Japanese government. Such instances of brave storytelling and seeking justice are rare in Japanese culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. Matsubayashi acknowledges the difficulty of addressing these issues but hopes that 'Blue Imagine' can offer hope to others who have endured similar experiences.
While the journey of making the film was personally challenging for the director, who faced flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder, she found solace in replacing her own victimized self with the characters she created. Matsubayashi's family also faced difficulties in accepting her portrayal as a victim, but she believes that the industry itself has become more receptive to addressing such issues. Progress has been made, and conversations surrounding sexual assault are becoming more prominent in contemporary times.
'Blue Imagine' is not Matsubayashi's first exploration of sexual violence on screen. She previously acted in Takaomi Ogata's 'The Hungry Lion' and produced the anthology drama 'Kamata Prelude,' both of which touch on the subject. Now, having helmed her own story, the director is eager to branch out and explore different genres and themes, including comedy.
Unfortunately, female directors in Japan still face significant underrepresentation. Recent studies indicate that only 3% of Japanese films between 2000 and 2021 were directed by women. The year 2022 saw a slight improvement, with 11% of films being directed by women. Matsubayashi believes this issue is not solely due to gender biases but is also linked to a broader generational trend. The younger generations in Japan seem less interested in filmmaking overall, with a preference for anime and broadcasting.
Independent filmmakers in Japan face their own set of challenges. While acclaimed directors like Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Hirokazu Kore-eda have gained international recognition and success, independent filmmakers struggle to secure funding and gain exposure. Casting decisions often prioritize established actors based on their status, which limits opportunities for younger talent.
Matsubayashi notes that there is still a need for a shared responsibility within the independent filmmaking industry in Japan. There is internal strife and conflicts on social media, hindering progress. Collaborative efforts and fostering a supportive environment are essential for the industry to flourish and address the pressing issues at hand.
Urara Matsubayashi's 'Blue Imagine' serves as a bold testament to her personal journey as a survivor and her commitment to bringing awareness to sexual assault in Japan's entertainment industry. By creating a film that captures the strength and solidarity of women, Matsubayashi hopes to inspire change, challenge narratives, and encourage a more inclusive and supportive industry for all filmmakers, regardless of gender or background.
