“The Wind-up Bird Chronicle” Narukawa’s misogynistic remarks are acknowledged by Horipro in an interview “We will strive to prevent it from happening again”: J-CAST News[Display full text]

Regarding the inappropriate remarks made at the talk event for the stage play “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle” based on the original work by author Haruki Murakami, Horipro, the host of the stage play, announced on November 15, 2023 that actor Narukawa, who plays the main character Toru Okada, In an interview with J-CAST News, she revealed that it is true that Ms. Sonha made comments that contained sexual expressions that were derogatory towards women.

Regarding this issue, Narukawa wrote on his blog on November 14th, “I made a terribly wrong and inappropriate expression.It was an expression that ruined everything after you enjoyed the work.” I am apologizing.

“I am ashamed from the bottom of my heart for my thoughtless and vulgar language, and am repentant.”

On stage, actors Daichi Watanabe and Narukawa will play the two main characters, and Mugi Kadowaki will play the high school girl Mei Kasahara. It premiered in 2020, but the performance period was shortened due to the new coronavirus. It was re-performed on November 7, 2023.

The issue was a comment made at a talk event held after the performance on the 14th. In response to Narukawa’s inappropriate sexual comments, users who appeared to be in the audience commented, “I thought I’d never say that,” “Everything was ruined,” and “That was an insult to a woman’s body.” There were a number of voices of criticism. On X (formerly Twitter), specific comments were also spread.

On the same day, the official stage X account apologized, saying, “As the organizer, we deeply apologize for the inappropriate expressions that were said during the talk event held after today’s performance.”

On the same day, Narukawa also apologized on his blog, saying, “I am ashamed from the bottom of my heart for my thoughtless and vulgar language, even though I am dealing with a delicate work, and I am remorseful.” Regarding the content of his statement, he said, “There was something else I wanted to say and name.The fact that I dared to express it in such a childish way was just my own naivety and lack of thought.” I now realize that it was just a manifestation.”

Is it true that there were sexual comments that were spread on social media? In response to the interview, Horipro stated on the 15th, “It is true that the statement that you have made contained the expressions you pointed out.” and apologized again. “We will work to raise the awareness of those involved and prevent it from happening again.” Narukawa’s agency did not respond by the deadline.